Different Folks
Anna was a rather unusual girl growing up. Both Simon and Mary knew it was their own fault, reallythey spoiled her too much. But how could they not? She was so beautiful, so delicate, and, truth be told, shed not come to them easily. Mary had struggled for years to get pregnant. They tried everythingwent to all the doctors, even the specialists in London. Yet, every time, the tests said she was healthy, and no one could explain why she wasnt expecting.
But if all was well, why did they still not have a child? One of the older doctors eventually suggested trying herbal remediesfolk cures, really. And so they did. They found an old woman, a sort of village herbalist, who gave Mary an odorous tincture to take daily, drop by drop. Mary pinched her nose but took it faithfully. And sure enough, someday, she was pregnant. Their happiness was boundlessSimon was so overjoyed, the neighbours surely heard him cheering.
Marys pregnancy, however, was extremely difficult. There were days Simon feared she wouldnt carry the baby to term. She was sick constantly, unable to eat or even tolerate smells, her hands and feet swelling until she could barely recognise them. Mary slept poorly and rarely left the house. When labour finally began, Simon exhaled in relief, but real trouble only just began. The birth was arduous, agonisingafter ten hours of struggle, the doctors decided on an emergency caesarean. Anna was born frail and exhausted; Mary lost so much blood, she hovered between life and death for two days. But she recovered in the end, and after nearly a month with Anna in a childrens ward, at last returned home. Simon was beside himselfhed missed them both terribly, longing to hold his daughter.
Surely, now, a happy life awaited. Now they were a proper family; everything was just as hed always dreamed.
When Anna turned five, Simon came home one day, sat down with Mary, and announced, We need to build a house. This one-bedroom flat wont do. Annas little now, but shell growshe needs a room of her own.
Mary supported him, but was stumpedwhere would they get the money? Simon had it all figured out. If we dont try to build it all at once, we can do it bit by bit. No rush. Well manage it. Mary realised he was right. Having a home of their owna spacious onewas what every family wanted.
But it was not to be. Six months later, Anna fell terribly ill. It began as just a cold, then came ear infections and further complications. Mary and Anna spent months shuttling from one hospital to another. The family fell into dreadful debtbut Anna, after nearly three years of persistent treatment, finally recovered.
After that, Simon never brought up the house again. Clearing their debts had to come first. Mary knew the dream was still alive for him, just unspoken.
Anna grew independent, and Mary decided to work at a factory. The wages were better; with both incomes, someday, perhaps, Simons dream of a house could become reality.
By the time Anna was fourteen, theyd finally paid off their debts. Every new age brought new needsclothes, coats like her friend Janes, bits and pieces for school. And now, graduation loomed, so Mary and Simon began saving what they could. They thought, once Anna finished school and went away to college, theyd have room to breathe. But as usual, life had other plans. Anna was accepted to university and moved out. Her parents were proud. Over the next two years, Simon managed to raise the walls of their houseat first, there were only wooden panels for doors and windows, but still, it was a house.
Then, a few years later
It was a Sunday. Mary and Simon had just come home from working at the house, exhausted but happy after fitting two windows. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Mary went to answer it and gaspedAnna was at the door, very pregnant, with a lanky, long-haired young man shuffling behind.
Anna, what on earth? Mary stared at her daughters belly.
Mum, dont be daft. Im pregnant, thats all. This is Ronnie. Hell be living with us now. Were getting married.
Ronnie gave an awkward nod and chewed his gum.
Mary heard Simon approach from behind. They made room for the young couple, and everyone sat at the table. Simon started.
Anna, why didnt you say anything?
What for? So I could hear your lectures?
And what about your studies?
Ill cope, Dad. Ronnie quit after his first term and hes fine.
Simon looked at Ronnie, who just nodded, still chewing. And where does Ronnie work, then, without a degree?
Dad, why do you always start? Nowhere right now! He hasnt found his calling, thats all.
Again, a significant nod from Ronnie. Simon couldnt hold it in anymore.
So how do you two plan to live, with no jobs and a baby coming?
Anna stared at him in surprise.
Well, I assumed I have parents, dont I?
Simon left for the kitchen, biting his tongue so as not to say something cruel to his only child. Mary soon joined him, and they sat at the window in silence. Later, they went to bedthe young couple slept on the sofa, Simon and Mary laid blankets on the floor.
Next morning, Simon pulled Mary aside.
Love, I think we should move into the house. Well fix up one room, carry on work as we go. Let the flat be their wedding gift.
Mary hesitated only a moment, then agreed. When they told the couple, Anna and Ronnie were overjoyed. Mary and Simon took only what they needed so the youngsters wouldnt be left with bare walls. As the removals van loaded up, Simon hugged Anna.
Well, love. The flats yours now. Look after it.
He and Mary left for the half-finished house.
Life in the new house was rough. Mary never lost heartshe came home from work, fed Simon, did the washing in a tub with water fetched from a standpipe down the road, then helped Simon with the building. Sometimes Anna came by, usually for money. They always tried to help, but the house ate up everything.
One day, Simon finally lost patience after yet another request for money. Does Ronnie still not have a job? he asked.
Dad, Anna replied, theres no decent work. Hes not going to slog away on a building site for peanuts.
Oh? Doesnt he think he should feed his family?
Before Anna could protest, Simon pushed on. Lets hear from Ronnie himself.
Ronnie, who rarely spoke, now said quietly, Well, I never really pictured myself mixing cement and shifting bricks every day.
What did you expect, thenmarry, have a child, and everything just falls from the sky? Lifes not like that. Youve a family. Look after them. We wont be around forever.
When Simon and Mary left, Anna saw them to the door. If hes got nothing to do, tell Ronnie to come help finish the househell be living there after us anyway.
Oh, give over! Why should he do your building for you? You two started itnow none of us gets any peace!
Simon said nothing more, but Mary pressed a few twenty-pound notes into Annas hand as they left.
A week later, Ronnie found a jobnot on a building site, but as an office assistant. The pay was worse, but at least it was something. Simon and Mary decided better that than nothing.
Working in the yard, Simon and Mary were often watched by the neighbours boy, a shy eleven-year-old named Anthony. He lived with his grandmother in a tumbledown cottage almost hidden by apple trees. One evening, Simon invited him in for tea and biscuits.
Hello, whats your name?
Im Anthony, he said shyly, grateful for the kindness.
It turned out Anthony had lost his parents young and did his best to help his ailing grandmother.
As he left, Anthony asked, May I help you with your building, sometimes? Its dull in the holidays, and theres no school
Simon and Mary exchanged glances.
Of courseany help would be lovely. Will your nan mind?
Not at all. Shed rather I did something worthwhile.
Next day, Anthony was waiting when Simon got home, eager and quick to learn. Soon, Simon sent Mary inside. Now thats what its like to work with a handy lad, he teased. Not a woman who cant tell a brick from a stone!
Mary smirked, but she noticed Anthonys nan, Mrs. Peterson, on her bench. Determined, Mary went to chat with her. Mrs. Peterson was as lovely as could besharp, kind, and full of gentle wisdom. She encouraged Anthonys interest in building: Better he learns a skill than runs about aimlessly. Your husband looks capablehell learn a thing or two.
Mary always felt safe with Simonshed hoped Anna would find someone just as steadfast, but life had other plans.
Come by for tea sometime, Mary offered.
Ive seen you drinking it out in the garden. Ill definitely comeyouve got to be friendly with neighbours, Mrs. Peterson agreed.
So evening teas became a new ritualthe men discussed pipes and tools, while Mary and Mrs. Peterson talked about home and family.
The next day, Anna gave birth. Simon and Mary rushed to the hospital with gifts and baby clothes. Even Ronnie, usually so removed, turned up with flowers. Back home, they celebrated with a barbecue and invited the neighbours. Mrs. Peterson congratulated them, saying, Nothing better than little ones in the house.
Once Anna was home, Ronnie seemed to wake up a bitthere was even a crib set up. Independence did him good; at least he didnt drink.
At first, Mary visited Anna often to help. One day, though, she overheard Ronnie tell Anna, Why does your mum come so much? You cant look after the baby? Weve our own familydont need anyone showing us how to live. Mary was incredibly hurt. Simon said, No more visitsthey can come to us if they need help.
Mary worried, but limited herself to dropping off groceries and treats at the door. Anna sensed something, but neither mentioned it.
Meanwhile, Simon and Anthony became closelike father and son. When Anthony needed clothes for secondary school, Simon bought his uniform and backpack, Mrs. Peterson so grateful she cried. He just hugged Anthony and said, Nonsense, youre like a son to me already.
One winter evening some years later, Anthony came runningashen-facedMrs. Peterson was gone. Shed been ill for some time. Mary helped organise the funeral, and Anthony stayed with them for a whilehe was only fourteen, and it looked like social services might send him to a childrens home. Simon wouldnt allow it, and after some persuading, became Anthonys legal guardian. They even received an allowance for his care.
Meanwhile, at Annas home, Ronnies sister arrived, baby in towher husband had thrown her out. The little flat was chaos, but Anna didnt complain. Simon and Mary decided to stay out of it.
Anthony truly became familyalways eager to help, refusing to let Mary carry her shopping. When Simon and Mary retired, they decided to support Anthonys education any way they could. But Anthony surprised themonce he started university, he immediately found a part-time job, swearing their help wasnt needed. He visited nearly every weekend, always with treats for his Simon and Mary.
Then Mary fell illlosing weight, growing exhausted. Simon was beside himself; at sixty, Mary deserved to live, not suffer. With difficulty, he persuaded her to go into hospital. The doctor called Simon aside: Your wife has cancer. Its advanced. She might have six months. Be strong.
It was like the world had ended. Simon rang Anna.
Mums not well.
Thats a shame, but theres little I can do.
Anna, its cancershes got a few months.
Ill come see her tomorrow, then.
Simon was left with a sour tasteas though hed learned something unpleasant.
Anna visited the hospital once. When Mary came home, the doctor told Simon shed soon need full-time careunable to eat or wash on her own. Simon was ready. He rang Anna again when the time came.
Anna darling, can you come? I cant manage bathing your mum alone.
Oh, for goodness sake. What, now I have to run back and forth every day? Ill try, cant promise anything.
He waited all day; she never showed. Simon didnt call againbest not to prove to himself that Anna really wouldnt come, nor risk angry words. Their fault, reallytheyd spoiled her into selfishness.
By evening, Simon accepted help wasnt coming. He managed as best he could, finally finished late at night while Mary wept.
What did I do to deserve this, Simon? Im just a burden.
Dont talk like that! You know theres nothing for me here without you.
But what about Anthonywholl see him marry?
She forced a smile.
A month later, Mary was gone. Anthony, twenty-two and just graduated, wept openly at her funeral. Simon never told him outright, but Anthony knew. Afterward, Anthony took a flat in town and found workhis boss spoke highly of him, and Simon was certain Anthony had a good future. The house, meanwhile, was now warm and comfortablea real home, thanks to Marys touch.
Anthony visited often, sometimes just for tea. Simon urged him to move in, to save rent, but Anthony always insisted, I have to look after myself now. Anna visited rarely, usually for money. Shed walk about the house and muse about all the space shed have if only she lived there, but the truth was her husband and father never got along, so she was stuck with five in a tiny flat.
Simons health began to fail. Marys death hit him hardnow he had palpitations and breathlessness, popping pills neighbours recommended. Anthony scolded him: You should get checked properly, Simonnot treat your age like the end of the world.
But Simon just waved him off: Nothing to be done at my time of life.
One night, dreadful chest pain struck. Simon reached for his tablets, but the pain lingered. He called Anna.
Love, my hearts playing up
Oh, Dad, just take your tablets or ring for an ambulance. I cant be running across town at this hour after work.
Anna hung up; Simon felt worse than ever. By necessity, he rang Anthony.
Sorry, but Im not well at all.
Without asking questions, Anthony replied, Im coming right now. Hold on.
Anthony arrived with his fiancée, Alicea paramedic. She quickly examined Simon and called for an ambulance.
They came daily while Simon recovered. You should marry that girl, Simon told Anthony. Shes a wonderful cook and carer.
Were waiting until we can get a place of our own, Anthony replied. Were saving up.
When it was time to bring Simon home, Alice made meals for him to reheat and left instructions for Anthony to shop. Anna couldnt be botheredshe urged Simon just to call for a taxi.
Anna visited the next day, glancing around and asking how he was. Simon couldnt hold back.
Anna, you didnt even visit me in hospital
Dad, there were plenty of doctors. Id have had to take time off work. Would it have helped if I showed up?
Of course. Youre my daughter, my closest family.
Oh for goodness sake, stop going on about it! Youre always making out youre worse off than you are.
Dont raise your voice at me. When Mum was ill, you never came, and now you cant even visit me. Sometimes I wonder if youre truly our child.
That finally unleashed Annas temper. Im fed up with you! When will you just die, so we can stop living on top of each other in that poky flat, while you take up all this space? Youre useless, and you make my life a misery
So, thats it, Simon replied. You dont really want your dadjust the house. Where were you when we built it? Your husband never lifted a brick, but now you want to swan in and live here?
Anna stormed out. Strangely, Simon didnt feel hurt. Hed half-expected something like this, only didnt realise shed wish him dead.
That night, as always, Simon mulled over a decision hed been working toward. He wanted to ask Marys adviceshe still visited in dreams. Perhaps tonight she would again.
He went to bed and woke in the morning feeling peaceful. Anthony rang to ask after him.
Anthony, Im fresh as a daisy! Slept so wellyour Alice is an amazing housekeeper.
Shes wonderful, isnt she?
Look, Anthonycould you arrange for a solicitor to visit? Theres business I need settled.
Of course. Everything alright?
Yesjust want to put things in order.
The solicitor came at three. He was surprised by Simons instructions but got on with the paperwork. Once hed gone, Simon sat and wrote a letter.
Anthony, if youre reading this, Im already gone. Please dont be sad. Im with Mary now. Alice is a wonderful woman, and I love you as my own son. I wish you great happiness togethermarry her soon, dont wait. This house is my wedding present to youbring your wife here, make it a home. Dont argue, please; it would upset me. Youve earned thisyour hands built half these walls, and youve cared for me as though I were your father. This is what Mary and I both wanted.
Simon felt certain the end was near. He placed the letter and a photo of himself and Mary in an envelope, lay on the sofa, and stroked the photograph, reminiscing about their life together.
The next afternoon, Anthony and Alice arrived. The garden was silentno sign of Simon at the window or by the door. Anthony hurried in, saw Simon on the sofa clutching the photo. The bag of apples and oranges in his hand fell to the floor.
Dad
Alice checked for signs of life, then shook her head.
Anthony sank to his knees, crying freely. Alice let him be. Later, after Simon had been taken away and Anna came storming in, Anthony noticed the letter addressed to him. As he read, Anna and her Ronnie wandered the house, measuring rooms.
He showed the letter to Alice, who turned to Anna. Your father left you a letterwell, its addressed to me, but perhaps youd like to see it.
Anna scanned the page, flushed angrily, and shouted, Senile fool! Completely lost his mind before dying. Well see about this!
She stormed from the house, full of resentment and hatred.
