Agatha arrived at the railway station from her village, lugging two heavy bags behind her. Though visits to her family were rare, she had spent her last shillings to buy them gifts, hoping to bring a little happiness into their lives. She never came empty-handed, but this time she truly surpassed herself; each bag weighed nearly twenty pounds. Despite the arduous journey, she hadnt hesitated to embark, reassured by her sons promise that he would meet her at the station.
However, as she finally reached her destination, he was nowhere to be seen. With no other option, she set her heavy bags down and dialled his number.
The telephone rang and rang, unanswered for some time, until at last, on the tenth ring, her son’s voice finally answered, sounding utterly confused.
Oh, Mum, Im so sorry. It completely slipped my mind that you were coming today. We decided to visit my wifes parents in the neighbouring county and well be away for the whole week. It looks like youve come for nothing. Please, do go back. Honestly, we didnt expect this, so I forgot to warn you, and we just left rather on a whim.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she managed to keep silent, merely replying, Alright.
Agatha handed the two parcels over to the homeless sitting outside the station; carrying them back would have been too burdensome, her arms already aching from the weight. She voiced no reproach to her son, who never realised just how deeply he had wounded his mothers heart. She had poured all her love and care into his upbringing, yet now, in her old age, he could not be troubled to visit or greet her.
A month later, when her daughter-in-law rang to ask if she could watch the grandchildren for the weekend so that the couple could attend a friends wedding, Agatha declined. She was weary of being remembered only when needed.
