— Four Generations of Men in Our Family Worked on the Railways! And What Have You Given Us? — A Daughter, Anna Whispered, Stroking Her Belly. — We’ll Call Her Grace. — Another girl? Is this some kind of joke? — Mrs. Ellen Mitchell threw the scan result onto the table. — Four generations of men in our family worked on the railway! And what have you given us? — Grace, — Anna replied softly, stroking her stomach. — We’ll call her Grace. — Grace… — her mother-in-law drawled. — Well, at least the name’s decent. But what’s the point? Who’s ever going to need her, your Grace? Max kept silent, glued to his phone. When his wife asked for his opinion, he just shrugged: — It is what it is. Maybe the next one will be a boy. Anna felt something tighten inside. The next one? Is this precious child just a rehearsal? Grace was born in January — tiny, with huge eyes and a shock of dark hair. Max showed up only for the hospital discharge, bringing a bouquet of carnations and a bag of baby things. — She’s beautiful, — he said, peering nervously into the pram. — Looks like you. — But with your nose, — Anna smiled. — And that stubborn chin. — Oh, give over, — Max brushed it off. — All babies look the same at this age. At home, Mrs. Ellen Mitchell met them with a sour face. — Our neighbour, Valerie, asked if it was a grandson or granddaughter. I was embarrassed to answer, — she muttered. — At my age, playing with dolls… Anna locked herself in the nursery and cried quietly, clutching her daughter. Max worked more and more. He took odd jobs, extra shifts, said family was expensive, especially with a child. He came home late, tired, and silent. — She waits for you, — Anna would say when Max walked by the nursery without so much as a glance. — Grace always perks up when she hears your footsteps. — I’m tired, Annie. Early shift tomorrow. — But you haven’t even said hello… — She’s small, she won’t understand. But Grace understood. Anna saw how her daughter’s head turned to the door at the sound of her father’s footsteps, and how she stared into space for ages when those footsteps faded away. At eight months old, Grace became ill. First, her temperature rose to thirty-eight, then thirty-nine. Anna called for the GP, who said to keep her hydrated and use fever medicine. In the morning, the fever hit forty. — Max, get up! — Anna shook her husband. — Grace is really ill! — What time is it? — Max mumbled, barely opening his eyes. — Seven. I was up all night with her. We need to get to hospital! — This early? Maybe we wait till evening? I’ve got a big shift today… Anna stared at him like he was a stranger. — Your daughter’s burning with fever and you’re thinking about your shift? — It’s not like she’s dying! Kids get ill all the time. Anna called a taxi herself. At the hospital, doctors admitted Grace at once to infectious diseases. Complicated inflammation suspected — a lumbar puncture was needed. — Where’s the child’s father? — the consultant asked. — We need both parents’ consent. — He… he’s working. He’ll be here soon. Anna called Max all day. His phone was unreachable. At 7pm, he finally answered. — Annie, I’m at the rail depot, busy… — Max, Grace has suspected meningitis! They need your consent for a lumbar puncture! The doctors are waiting! — What? What puncture? I don’t understand… — Just come! Right now! — I can’t, shift doesn’t end till eleven. And then I’ve plans with the lads… Anna quietly hung up. She signed the consent alone — as her mother’s right. Puncture under general anaesthetic. Grace looked so tiny on that big hospital trolley. — Results tomorrow, — the consultant said. — If it’s meningitis, the treatment will be long. A month and a half or more in hospital. Anna stayed the night at Grace’s side. Her baby lay, pale and motionless, tiny chest rising weakly. Max appeared the next day at lunchtime. Unshaven. Creased shirt. — Well… how is she? — he asked, hesitating at the door. — Not good, — Anna answered curtly. — Still waiting on the tests. — And what have they done to her? That… thing… — Lumbar puncture. Took spinal fluid for tests. Max turned pale. — Did it hurt her? — She was under. She didn’t feel a thing. He stepped to the cot and froze. Grace slept, tiny hand taped to the IV. — She’s… so little, — Max mumbled. — I never thought… Anna said nothing. Results were good — no meningitis. A regular virus, complicated but treatable at home overseen by the GP. — Lucky, — the consultant remarked. — Another day or two, and it could have been much worse. On the way home, Max was silent. When they pulled up, he quietly asked, — Am I really… that bad? As a dad? Anna shifted their sleeping daughter and looked at her husband. — What do you think? — I thought there was plenty of time. That she wouldn’t understand, being so little. But then… — he fell silent. — When I saw her there with those tubes… I realised I could lose her. And that I’d be losing more than I knew. — Max, she needs a dad. Not just a provider, a man who brings home a paycheque. A dad. Someone who knows her name, who can say what her favourite toys are. — Which ones? — he asked softly. — Her rubber hedgehog and the jingly rattle. When you come home, she always crawls to the door. She waits for you to pick her up. Max looked down. — I didn’t know… — Now you do. At home, Grace woke and cried softly. Instinctively, Max reached for her, then stopped. — May I? — he asked Anna. — She’s your daughter. Gently, Max picked Grace up. The little girl hiccupped, quietened, and fixed big eyes on her dad’s face. — Hello, precious, — Max whispered. — I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me. Grace reached out and touched his cheek. Max’s throat tightened with a new, unfamiliar feeling. — Dada, — Grace said, clear as a bell. It was her first word. Max stared wide-eyed at Anna. — She… she just said… — She’s been saying it for a week, — Anna smiled. — But only when you’re not home. She was waiting for the right moment. That evening, with Grace asleep on his chest, Max gently put her in her cot. She didn’t wake, only gripped his finger even tighter in her sleep. — She doesn’t want to let go, — Max marvelled. — She’s afraid you’ll disappear again, — Anna explained. He sat by the cot for half an hour, unable to pry free. — Tomorrow I’m taking a day off, — he told Anna. — And the day after. I want… I want to really know my daughter. — What about work? All those extra shifts? — We’ll manage. Or live simpler. What matters most is not missing how she grows up. Anna drew close and hugged him. — Better late than never. — I’d never have forgiven myself if something had happened, and I hadn’t even known her favourite toys, — Max said softly, watching his daughter sleep. — Or that she could say “Dada.” A week later, when Grace was fully recovered, the three of them went to the park. Grace rode on her father’s shoulders, giggling and grabbing golden autumn leaves. — Look at all this, Grace! — Max showed her the yellow maples. — And there’s a squirrel! Anna walked beside them and thought about how sometimes you almost have to lose what’s dearest before you realise its true worth. At home, Ellen Mitchell greeted them with her usual disapproval. — Max, Valerie said her grandson is already playing football. And your little one… just plays with dolls. — My daughter’s the best in the world, — Max replied calmly, sitting Grace down and handing her the rubber hedgehog. — Playing with dolls is brilliant. — But our family line will end… — It won’t end. It will go on. Just a different way. Ellen opened her mouth to argue, but Grace crawled over and raised her arms. — Gran! — she called, beaming. The grandmother picked her up, flustered. — She… she’s talking! — she exclaimed. — Our Grace is very clever, — Max said proudly. — Isn’t that right, love? — Dada! — Grace shouted happily, clapping her hands. Anna watched the scene and thought that happiness sometimes comes through trials. And that the deepest love isn’t born at once, but ripens slowly, through pain and the fear of loss. That evening, as Max put Grace to bed, he softly sang her a lullaby. His voice was low and a little hoarse, but Grace listened, wide-eyed. — You’ve never sung to her before, — Anna observed. — There’s a lot I never did before, — Max replied. — But now… now I’ve got time to catch up. Grace slept, hugging her dad’s finger tight. And Max sat quietly in the dark, listening to her breathe, thinking how much can be missed if you don’t stop to treasure what truly matters. And Grace slept on, smiling in her dreams — she finally knew her dad wasn’t going anywhere. This story was sent in by one of our readers. Sometimes fate demands not just a choice but a great trial to awaken the brightest feelings in a person. Do you believe someone can truly change when they realise they stand to lose what matters most?

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 10 minViews 1

In our family, four generations of men have worked on the railways! And what have you brought?
Alice, whispered Anna, gently stroking her bump. Well call her Alice.

Another girl? Is this some kind of joke? Margaret threw the ultrasound printout down on the table. Four generations of proud railway men, and you bring home… this?

Alice, Anna repeated softly, her hand never leaving her stomach. Were going to name her Alice.

Margaret sighed. Well, at least the name is decent. But honestly, what good will she do? Whos going to want your Alice?

James sat in silence, scrolling endlessly on his phone. When his wife asked his opinion, he only shrugged.

It is what it is. Maybe next time well have a boy.

Anna felt something twist painfully inside her. Next time? And what about this little one, just a warm-up?

Alice was born in Januarya tiny thing with huge eyes and a mess of dark hair. James showed up just for discharge day, presenting a bunch of carnations and a bag of baby things.

Shes cute, he said, peering carefully into the pram. Looks like you.

With your nose, Anna smiled. And stubborn chin.

Oh please, James dismissed, All babies look the same at this age.

At home, Margaret met them with a sour face.

Valerie from next door asked if it was a grandson or granddaughter. Embarrassing to say, really, she grumbled. At my age, playing with dolls again…

Anna shut herself away in the nursery, silently crying as she cuddled her daughter.

James started working longer hours. He picked up odd jobs on neighbouring tracks, took additional shifts. Families are dear to keep, especially with a baby, he kept saying. Hed come home late, worn out and mostly silent.

She waits for you, Anna would say when he hurried past the nursery, not peeking in. Alice always lights up when she hears your footsteps.

Im exhausted, Anna. Im up early again tomorrow.

But you didnt even say hello to her

Shes little. She wont know.

But Alice did know. Anna saw her daughter turn her head to the door at the sound of her fathers steps and then stare into nothing for ages after he had walked away.

When Alice was eight months old, she fell ill. First, her temperature rose to 38, then 39. Anna called NHS 111, but the doctor said to keep up the paracetamol at home for now. At dawn, her temperature hit 40.

James, get up! Anna shook her husband awake. Alice is really not well!

What time is it? James cracked one eye open.

Seven. I havent slept all night. We need to take her to hospital!

Is it not too early? Maybe wait until evening? Ive got a big shift today…

Anna looked at him as though he were a stranger.

Your daughter is burning with fever, and youre thinking about your shift?

Shes not dying! Kids get ill all the time.

Anna called for a taxi herself.

At the hospital, doctors admitted Alice straight away to the childrens ward. They suspected a nasty infectionshed need a lumbar puncture.

Where is the childs father? asked the consultant. We need both parents consent for the procedure.

Hes at work. Hell be here soon.

Anna tried calling James all day. His phone was off. At seven in the evening, he finally picked up.

Anna, Im at the depot, theres loads going on

James, its Alice. Shes got suspected meningitis! They need your consent for the procedure! The doctors are waiting!

What? What procedure? I dont understand

Just come! Right now!

I cant. Im on shift til eleven. Then meeting the lads after…

Anna hung up.

She signed the consent herselfas Alices mother, the hospital allowed it. The lumbar puncture was done under general anaesthetic. Alice looked so tiny on that enormous operating trolley.

Well have results by tomorrow, the doctor told her. If meningitis is confirmed, shell need a long coursesix weeks or more in hospital.

Anna spent the night at Alices side. Her daughter lay attached to the drip, pale and still, her chest lifting and falling almost imperceptibly.

James appeared at lunchtime the next day. Unshaven, rumpled.

So how is she? he asked, hesitantly hovering outside the ward.

Shes not well, Anna replied. Were still waiting for results.

What did they do to her? That thing

The lumbar puncture. They took spinal fluid for testing.

James turned pale.

Did it hurt her?

She was under anaesthetic. She didnt feel it.

He stepped closer to the cot, pausing. Alice slept on, one tiny hand resting on the blanket, her wrist taped to a cannula.

Shes so little, he murmured. I didnt realise…

Anna said nothing.

The results came back wellno meningitis, thank goodness. Just a severe viral infection with some complications. She could be treated at home under the GPs care.

Lucky, the consultant remarked. A day or twos delay, and things wouldve been much worse.

During the drive home, James was silent. Only as they parked did he finally ask, in a quiet voice,

Am I am I really that bad? As a dad?

Anna settled their sleeping daughter more comfortably and looked at him.

What do you think?

I kept telling myself theres plenty of time. Shes small, she doesnt know. And then When I saw her with all those tubes… I realised I could lose her. And Id lose so much.

James, she needs a father. Not just a provider, not just someone who brings in money. A father. Someone who knows her name, who can tell you her favourite toys.

What are her favourite toys? He asked softly.

The rubber hedgehog and that rattle with bells. Whenever you come in, she crawls to the door. She waits for you to pick her up.

James bowed his head.

I didnt know.

Well. Now you do.

At home, Alice awoke and whimpered softly. James instinctively reached for her, then paused.

May I? he asked Anna.

Shes your daughter.

Gently, he picked Alice up. The little girl hiccuped and quietened, wide serious eyes studying her dads face.

Hello, sweetheart, James whispered. Im sorry I wasnt there when you needed me most.

Alice reached up and touched his cheek. James felt a lump in his throat, unfamiliar and raw.

Daddy, Alice said suddenly, clear as anything.

Her very first word.

James looked at Anna, eyes wide in disbelief.

She she said

Shes been saying it all week, Anna smiled. But only when you werent home. I suppose she was waiting for the right moment.

That evening, with Alice asleep in his arms, James carefully laid her in her cot. The girl didnt stir, only gripped his finger tighter in her sleep.

She doesnt want to let go, James marvelled.

Shes scared youll disappear again, Anna explained.

He sat by the cot for half an hour, unable to pull his finger free.

Ill take the day off tomorrow, he told Anna quietly. And the day after, too. I want I need to get to know my daughter.

What about work? The extra shifts?

Well manage. Or live a bit more simply. What matters is not missing these moments as she grows.

Anna came over and hugged him.

Better late than never.

Id never have forgiven myself, James whispered, gazing at sleeping Alice, if anything happened and I hadnt even known her favourite toys. Or that she could say daddy.

A week later, when Alice had made a full recovery, the three of them strolled through the local park. Alice sat on her dads shoulders, giggling as she tried to grab the golden autumn leaves above her.

Look, Alice! Arent those maple trees stunning? James pointed out the bright yellow leaves. And over there, looka squirrel!

Anna walked beside them, thinking how sometimes you have to come close to losing whats most precious before realising its true worth.

Back at home, Margaret met them at the door, face as disapproving as ever.

James, Valerie was saying her grandsons already playing football. And yours… only plays with dolls.

My daughter is the best in the world, James replied calmly, sitting Alice on the floor and handing her the rubber hedgehog. And dolls are wonderful.

But the family line

It wont end. Itll carry on. Differently, but it will.

Margaret opened her mouth to object, but just then, Alice crawled over and reached out her arms.

Nana! the girl said, beaming.

Surprised, Margaret scooped her up.

She she talks! she gasped.

Our Alice is very clever, James said proudly. Isnt that right, sweetheart?

Daddy! Alice shouted with delight, clapping her hands.

Watching them, Anna realised that happiness sometimes grows from trials. And that the deepest love is rarely instantit takes time. Its forged slowly through fear and the pain of nearly losing what matters most.

That night, as James settled Alice to sleep, he sang her a lullaby. His voice was gentle, a little rough, but Alice listened with wide, shining eyes.

Youve never sung to her before, Anna observed softly.

Theres a lot I havent done, James admitted. But Ive got time to make up for it now.

Alice drifted off, clutching at Jamess finger, and again he didnt pull awayhe just sat there in the quiet, listening to his daughter breathe, realising how much you risk missing if you never pause to notice what truly matters.

And Alice slept on, smiling in her dreamscertain now that her dad isnt going anywhere.

This story was sent in by one of our readers. Sometimes, fate requires not just a choice but a real trial to awaken the brightest feelings in a person. Do you believe someone can truly change, once they see how close theyve come to losing what matters most?

He’s Not My Son—But My Neighbour’s, Catty’s. My Husband Visited Her Often, and She Ended Up Bearing His Child: A Redhead Just Like His Father, No Testing Needed. Now They Want Me to Take Him In, But My Husband’s Gone, and I Have No Idea What He Was Up To… And Now Catty’s Gone Too Tanya Was Weeding the Beds When She Heard Someone Calling out in the Garden. She Wiped Her Brow and Went to the Gate, Where a Stranger Was Waiting ‘Tanya, Hello! We Need to Talk.’ ‘Hello. Well, come in if you’ve come…’ Tanya Welcomed the Woman Inside and Set the Kettle Boiling, Curiosity Bubbling—What Could She Possibly Want? ‘My Name’s Nina. We Haven’t Met, but I’ve Heard All About Your Situation… I’ll Get Straight to the Point. Your Late Husband Had a Son, Michael. He’s Three Years Old.’ Tanya Looked at the Woman, Surprised—She Seemed Far Too Old to Be the Mother… ‘He’s Not My Son—He’s My Neighbour Catty’s. Your Husband Used To Pop Round Her House, That’s How She Ended Up With His Child. Red Hair and Freckles, Spitting Image of His Father—No Need for a DNA Test.’ ‘And What Do You Want from Me? My Husband Only Recently Passed—I’ve No Idea What He Got Up to…’ ‘Well, Catty’s Gone Too—Pneumonia, It Got Her in the End. The Poor Boy’s an Orphan Now.’ Catty Had No Family—She Wasn’t From Around Here, Worked as a Shop Assistant… Poor Lad—He Has No One but the Children’s Home Now… ‘But I’ve Got My Own Kids, Two Daughters—Born Properly Married, Mind You. Are You Suggesting I Take in This Child? It Takes Some Nerve, Coming Here to the Wife and Asking Her to Take in Her Husband’s Love Child…’ ‘But He’s Your Daughters’ Brother by Blood—Hardly a Stranger, Really… And He’s a Good Lad—Kind, Gentle… He’s in Hospital Now; They’re Processing the Paperwork…’ ‘Oh, Don’t Think You Can Play on My Sympathy… I’ve No Idea How Many Children My Husband Left Behind—Am I Supposed to Raise Them All?’ ‘It’s Up to You… My Job Was Just to Let You Know.’ Nina Left, and Tanya Sat Down with a Mug of Tea, Lost in Thought… A Story About a Wife Who Discovers Her Late Husband’s Secret Son—And the Family Choices That Come Next

“You’re Driving Me Up the Wall!… You Never Eat Right, Dress Right, You Can’t Do Anything Properly!” Pavel’s Voice Finally Broke Into a Shout. “And You’re Useless! Can’t Even Earn Decent Money, Never Help At Home…” Marina Burst Into Tears. “And We Have No Children…” She Whispered. Belka – a ten-year-old, white-and-ginger cat – Watched Another “Tragedy” Unfold from atop the Wardrobe, Wondering Why Mum and Dad Hurt Each Other with Such Bitter Words When They Clearly Love Each Other So Much. Mum Ran Off Crying, Dad Sat Chain-Smoking, and Belka Wondered: “A Family Needs Happiness… and Happiness Means Children… But Where to Find Them?” Belka Couldn’t Have Kittens (She’d Been Neutered), and Mum – Well, Doctors Said She Might, but Nothing Worked Out… The Next Morning, Once Her Owners Left for Work, Belka Squeezed Out the Window for the First Time and Popped Over to See Her Neighbour, Paws, for Advice. “Why Would Anyone Want Kids?” scoffed Paws. “Mine Drive Me Mad—Hide From Them All Day! Covered In Lipstick One Minute, Squashed the Next!” Belka Sighed, “We Need Good Kids… Just Not Sure Where To Find Them…” “Well,” mused Paws, “Street Cat Maisie Downstairs Has Five… Take Your Pick…” Taking a Deep Breath, Belka Braved Her Way Down, Squeezing through Railings and Calling, “Maisie! Please, Can I Talk to You?” From the Depths of the Basement Came Tiny, Desperate Squeaks. Belka Crawled Over—Five Scruffy, Blind, Hungry Kittens Huddled Under the Radiator, Clearly Abandoned for Days. Heart Heavy, Belka Carefully Carried Each Kitten Up to Her Building’s Entrance. Curling Protectively Around Them, She Waited Anxiously for Mum and Dad to Return. When Pavel and Marina Arrived, Stunned to Find Belka (Who’d Never Been Outside Alone) Surrounded by Five Squeaking, Colourful Kittens, They Could Only Stare in Amazement. “How On Earth…?” Pavel Stammered. “It’s a Miracle…” Whispered Marina, Scooping Up the Cat and Kittens and Hurrying Indoors. Cradling the Purring Feline and Her Furry Brood, Pavel Asked, “What Now?” “I’ll Bottle-Feed Them… When They’re Bigger, We’ll Find Them Homes. I’ll Ring My Friends,” Marina Replied Softly. Three Months Later, Stroking Her Cat Family, Marina Whispered Again and Again, “Things Like This Don’t Just Happen… It’s Impossible…” But Soon She and Pavel Were Laughing Through Their Tears, Holding Each Other Close, and Dreaming Aloud: “I’m Glad I Finished the House!” “It’s the Perfect Place for a Child!” “The Kittens Can Roam, Too!” “We’ll Fit Just Fine!” “I Love You So Much!” “Oh, And I Love You Even More!” Wise Old Belka Wiped Away a Tear—Life Was Finally Coming Together.

“Well, Rusty, shall we?” muttered Val, adjusting the homemade lead fashioned from an old rope. He zipped his jacket up to his chin and shivered. February this year had been particularly vicious—sleet and biting winds that cut straight through. Rusty—a scruffy mongrel with faded ginger fur and one blind eye—had come into his life a year ago. Val was just coming home from the night shift at the factory when he spotted the dog by the bins: beaten, starving, his left eye clouded over. A voice rattled his nerves. Val recognised it at once—Steve Squint, the local “top lad,” barely twenty-five, with three teenage lads swaggering at his side—his “crew.” “Out for a stroll, eh?” Val replied, eyes fixed on the pavement. “Oi, mister, you got a license for that mutt?” one lad jeered. “Ugly thing, innit—look, his eye’s all funny!” A stone hurtled and smacked Rusty in the ribs. The dog whimpered, pressing himself to Val’s leg. “Sling your hook,” Val said softly, but there was steel in his voice. “Oi, listen to this! Granddad MacGyver’s giving us orders!” Steve strolled closer. “You forget whose patch this is? Dogs walk round here if I say so.” Val tensed. He’d been taught in the army to solve problems swiftly and firmly. That was thirty years ago. Now, he was just a knackered, retired mechanic desperate to avoid trouble. “Come on, Rusty,” he turned for home. “Better run!” Steve called after him. “Next time, your freak won’t be limping—he’ll be gone for good!” At home, Val couldn’t sleep a wink, replaying the scene. The following day, sleet pelted down. Val delayed the walk, but Rusty perched patiently by the door, eyes brimming with hope, and Val relented. “All right, all right. Just a quick one.” They steered clear of the usual haunts—Steve’s crew were nowhere to be seen, probably sheltering from the sour weather. Val was just starting to relax when Rusty froze by the derelict boiler house, one ear cocked, nose sniffing at the damp air. “What’s up, old boy?” The dog whimpered, tugging towards the rubble. Strange noises drifted out—half cry, half moan. “Hello? Who’s there?” Val called. Silence, only the wind howled reply. Rusty insisted, pulling hard on the rope. In his one good eye was pure worry. “What is it?” Val crouched by him. “What have you found?” Then, clear as anything—a child’s voice: “Help! Please!” Val’s heart skipped. He unclipped the rope and followed Rusty through the shattered entry. Behind a pile of broken bricks, a boy lay crumpled—about twelve, face battered, lip split, clothes torn. “Good lord!” Val dropped to his knees. “What happened?” “Mr. Val?” the boy croaked, barely opening an eye. “Is it you?” Val peered closer—Andy Mason, his neighbour’s quiet lad from number 5. “Andy! What on earth happened?” “Steve and his lot,” the boy sniffed. “Wanted money off Mum. I said I’d tell the copper. They caught me…” “How long’ve you been here?” “Since morning. I’m freezing.” Val stripped off his coat, wrapped the shivering boy. Rusty pressed close, covering Andy with his warmth. “Can you stand, Andy?” “My leg… hurts. Bad.” Val felt it—sure enough, broken. Who knew what else was wrong inside. “Have you got a phone?” “They took it.” Val pulled out his ancient Nokia, rang for an ambulance. Help would be there in half an hour. “Hang on, lad. They’re coming.” “What if Steve finds out I’m alive?” Andy whimpered. “He said he’d finish me.” “He won’t hurt you again,” Val promised, voice firm. “Not anymore.” Andy looked doubtful: “But last night you ran from them…” “That was different. It was just me and Rusty then. Now…” He left it hanging. How to explain thirty years back, he’d sworn to defend the weak? That in Afghanistan they taught him—a real man never abandons a child? The ambulance arrived faster than expected. Andy was whisked away. Val remained with Rusty in the drizzle, thinking. That night, Andy’s mum, Mrs. Mason, came by in tears. “Mr. Grant,” she sobbed, “the doctors said if he’d stayed another hour in the cold… you saved his life!” “It wasn’t me,” Val stroked Rusty. “He found your boy.” “What now?” she whispered, eyes darting to the door. “Steve’s not finished. The police say there’s no proof—one kid’s word isn’t enough.” “It’ll be all right,” Val said, though he hadn’t a clue how. He barely slept, the questions looping—how to protect Andy? And not just him; how many kids here put up with Steve and his gang? By morning, he had his answer. Val donned his old military dress uniform—the lot, medals and all. He checked himself in the mirror—a proper soldier, if a bit battered. “Come on, Rusty. We’ve a job to do.” Steve’s lot lounged outside the corner shop. Seeing Val march over, they cackled. “Oi, Grandad, off to the Cenotaph, are ye?” one jeered. Steve stood, smirking: “Run along, old timer. Your day’s over.” “The day’s just starting,” Val said calmly, stepping up. “What’s up with the fancy dress?” “Serving my country. Protecting the weak from scum like you.” Steve’s grin faded. “Andy Mason—remember him?” “Why bother with that loser?” “Because he’s the last kid you’ll ever hurt round here.” “You threatening me, old man?” “I’m warning you.” Steve stepped forward, a flick-knife glinting in his hand. “Let’s see who runs things, grandad!” Val didn’t move an inch. Thirty years gone, but the soldier was still there. “The law runs things now.” “What law? You a copper?” “I don’t need a badge—I’ve got my conscience.” Then something wholly unexpected happened. Rusty, who’d sat at Val’s side quietly, rose. The hair on his hackles bristled, a growl rumbling deep in his chest. “And your mutt—” Steve began. “My dog’s a war hero,” Val cut in. “Afghan war, bomb squad. He can sniff out a villain from a mile off.” It wasn’t true—Rusty was just a scrappy stray. But Val sounded so convincing, everyone believed it. Even Rusty seemed to believe, straightening proudly, baring his teeth. “He’s found twenty terrorists—tied up every single one,” Val carried on. “Think he can’t handle one junkie?” Steve backed off. His mates froze. “Listen well,” Val stepped forward. “From now on, these streets belong to everyone. I’ll be out every day, every alley, every playground. And Rusty will sniff out any trouble. Then we’ll see…” He left it unsaid. But they understood. “You trying to scare us?” Steve tried bravado. “I make one call—” “Go ahead.” Val nodded. “Just remember—I know more people in prison than you ever will. Plenty owe me favours.” That wasn’t true either. But Steve bought it. “The name’s Val the Para,” Val said. “Remember it. And keep your hands off the kids.” He turned to go. Rusty trotted proudly at his side. Silence settled behind them. Three days on, Steve and his crew vanished from sight. And Val truly did start walking the neighbourhood every day—with Rusty, head held high and chest out. Andy was discharged a week later. His leg hurt, but he could walk. He showed up at Val’s door. “Mr. Val, can I help with your patrols?” Andy asked hopefully. “You’ll have to check with your mum first.” Mrs. Mason couldn’t have been more pleased—at last, her son had a role model. So every evening, you’d see them: the battle-scarred old gent in uniform, a quiet boy, and a scruffy ginger stray. Everyone adored Rusty. Even the mums let the kids stroke him, rough as he looked—there was something proud in his bearing. Val told tales of his army days, of true friendship. The children listened, wide-eyed. One evening, heading home with Andy, the boy asked, “Mr. Val, were you ever scared?” “I was,” Val admitted. “Still am, sometimes.” “Of what?” “Of not being quick enough. Of not being strong enough.” Andy patted Rusty. “I’ll grow up and help you, Mr. Val. I’ll have a dog just like him—clever, brave.” “You will,” Val smiled. “Of course you will.” Rusty just wagged his tail. And everyone round those streets knew: “That’s Val the Para’s dog. He can spot a hero from a villain in a second.” Rusty bore the title proudly—no longer just a stray. He was the neighbourhood’s protector.

The Mother-in-Law Anna Peterson sat in her kitchen, watching the milk quietly simmer on the stove. Three times she’d forgotten to stir it, only to remember too late: the milk would rise, overflow, and she’d wipe the stovetop in frustration. In those moments, she felt it keenly: it wasn’t really about the milk. Ever since the birth of her second grandchild, the whole family seemed to have come off the rails. Her daughter looked exhausted, thinner, spoke less. Her son-in-law came home late, ate in silence, sometimes went straight to his room. Anna saw it all and thought: how can you just leave a woman to manage alone? So she spoke up. At first gently, then more sharply. First to her daughter, then her son-in-law. And then, she noticed something strange: her words didn’t lighten the atmosphere—they made it heavier. Her daughter defended her husband, her son-in-law grew sullen, and Anna went home feeling as though she’d done something wrong—again. That day, she went to see Father Matthew—not for advice, but because she simply had nowhere else to go with these feelings. “I must be a terrible mother,” she began, eyes cast down. “I keep getting it wrong.” The priest was seated at his table, writing. He set his pen aside. “Why do you think that?” Anna shrugged. “I only wanted to help. But I only seem to make everyone angry.” He looked at her carefully, but kindly. “You’re not terrible. You’re tired. And you’re very anxious.” She sighed. It felt true. “I worry about my daughter,” she said. “She’s so different now, since the baby. And him…” She waved a hand. “He acts like he doesn’t even notice.” “Do you see what he does?” Father Matthew asked. Anna thought. She recalled how, last week, he’d quietly done the dishes late at night, believing no one saw. How on Sunday he’d taken the pram out, though he looked like he just wanted to sleep. “He does… things,” she admitted. “But not the way he should.” “And what way would that be?” Anna was ready to answer, but then realised she wasn’t sure. In her mind there was only: more, better, kinder. But what, exactly—she couldn’t say. “I just want things to be easier for her,” Anna said. “Then say that,” Father Matthew replied quietly. “But say it to yourself, not to him.” She looked at him. “What do you mean?” “Right now, you’re fighting her husband, not fighting for your daughter. And fighting brings tension. That exhausts everyone—you included.” Anna was silent for a long time. “So what should I do? Pretend everything’s fine?” “No,” he replied. “Just do what helps. Not words—actions. Not against anyone, but for someone.” On her way home, she turned all this over. She remembered how, when her daughter was small, she hadn’t lectured her—just sat nearby when she cried. Why was it so different now? The next day she dropped in, unannounced, bringing soup. Her daughter was surprised, her son-in-law embarrassed. “I’m not staying long,” Anna said. “Just here to help.” She watched the children while her daughter napped. She slipped away without saying how hard things were, or how they “should” live. A week later, she came again. And the week after that. She still saw that her son-in-law wasn’t perfect—but now she noticed other things: how gently he lifted the baby, how in the evenings he covered her daughter with a blanket, thinking no one saw. One day, Anna couldn’t help but ask him in the kitchen: “Is it hard for you right now?” He looked surprised, as if no one had ever asked. “It’s hard,” he replied after a pause. “Very.” And said nothing more. But after that, something sharp in the air between them vanished. Anna realised: she’d been waiting for him to change. But what she needed was to begin with herself. She stopped criticising him to her daughter. When her daughter complained, she no longer said, “I told you so.” Just listened. Sometimes she took the children so her daughter could rest. Sometimes she called her son-in-law just to check in. None of it came easily. Anger was much easier. But gradually, the home became quieter. Not better. Not perfect. Just—quieter. The ever-present tension faded. One day her daughter said, “Mum, thank you for being with us now—instead of against us.” Anna thought about those words for a long time. She understood one simple thing: reconciliation isn’t when someone admits fault. It’s when someone is first to stop fighting. She still wished her son-in-law were more attentive. That feeling never left. But another, more important wish grew alongside it: that the family be at peace. And each time the old feelings resurfaced—frustration, hurt, the urge for a sharp word—she asked herself: Would I rather be right, or make things easier for them? The answer almost always guided her next steps.