12May2025
Today the drizzle lingered over the garden, a typical English summer rain that refused to let the sun have its say. I watched from the kitchen window as the drops traced silver lines on the glass while Paula, my neighbour, stared back at them, waiting for her daughter to finish a shift at the factory. She had just got home herself and was already thinking about supper.
She kept musing to herself, When my little Poppy finally grows up and starts seeing boys, I wont like that Dennis fellow. Hes older, seems dodgy, never looks you straight in the eye. How am I to tell her? Shes genuinely fallen for him; if I ruin that, Ill be her worst enemy. I tried dropping hints that Dennis isnt right for her, but she brushed me off. If only Id known the proper way to say it
Paula raised Poppy alone; she never married. That was how her life turned out. When she was at university, in her third year, she dated Victor, a fellow student who never completed his degree the university expelled him at the end of that term. Paula, thinking she might be expecting a child, told him the news.
Nothing else to think of, Victor snapped, How am I supposed to know its my baby? I dont want children. And with that he vanished.
Paula was stunned. She didnt even get a chance to explain that shed never been with anyone else. Victor had never given her a second glance, flitting from one girl to another, and then he was gone.
When Ann, Paulas mother, walked into the flat to find her daughter sobbing on the sofa, she asked, Whats happened, love?
Victor left me and Im pregnant, Poppy blurted out.
Are you serious? Ive warned you a thousand times to think with your head. Youre only in your third year you need to finish university, not raise a child. That baby will ruin your life, and I wont be there to help. See a doctor, youre an adult now, you must face the consequences of your choices.
Anns cold, indifferent stare cut deeper than any words. Paula realised she couldnt count on any support from her own mother.
The next day I accompanied Paula to the local NHS clinic. The waiting room was almost empty; a young woman sat with a swollen belly and a sixyearold girl at her side. When the door opened for the next patient, the mother lifted her child, cradling her stomach, and said, Hold on a moment, love, Ill be right back.
The little girl, freckled and bright, fidgeted beside Paula, eyeing the colourful posters on the walls. She turned to Paula, smiled, and asked, Auntie, why do you look so sad? Are you ill?
Paula forced a weak chuckle, No, love, just nothing much.
The girl went on, Do you have children?
No Paula replied.
The girl giggled, My mum says children are pure happiness. Im her joy. Sometimes I get cheeky, she scolds me, but she always says Im her sunshine. Yesterday Mike tugged my braid and I cried, but mum told me to smile. I did, and he gave me a sweet. Now were friends again.
Paula felt a warmth spread through her chest. The unguarded honesty of that child cut through the gloom that had settled over her.
She whispered to herself, What am I doing here? Let Victor have walked away; let my mother stay stubborn. I will not let anyone dictate my path.
The girls mother emerged, hand in hand with her daughter, their faces alight with affection. The sight of that simple, genuine love made Paula rush out of the clinic, her feet seeming to know the way to Catherine, her paternal grandmother. Though the divorce had left a rift between Ann and her inlaws, Paula still visited Catherine, who adored her granddaughter.
Catherine clutched Poppys chin, Give birth, my dear. Even if your mum objects, Ill help you. You can stay with me. Youll manage, and Ill be there for everything. Dont carry this burden alone; later youll thank me.
Paula woke from the memory, speaking aloud, Grandma was right. Poppy is my happiness, my whole world. I cant imagine life without her.
The front door clicked; Poppy slipped in, cheeks wet from tears. Whats wrong, love? Sit down and tell me, Paula said, pulling a chair to the kitchen table.
Dennis? Poppy asked, her voice breaking again.
Yes she sobbed, the panic surfacing anew.
I handed her a glass of water; she drank it slowly as Paula stroked her shoulder, hugging her tightly. Both women felt tears well up again, a shared release in the quiet of the kitchen.
Later Poppy confessed, Hes married, Mum. I didnt see it coming. His wife lives up north. Hes just staying here for work, renting a flat. Id been at his place many times, never saw another woman.
How did you find out? Ann asked.
His wife turned up one afternoon. She grabbed his phone while he was in the shower, read our messages, saw my number, and called me. Poppys voice trembled.
Paula, oddly relieved, thought, That rotten man was indeed hiding something. Poppy will find real love eventually, Im sure of it.
Did she call you? Ann pressed.
Yes, she asked to meet. We went to a café. She didnt cause a scene; she just politely asked her husband to leave us alone because she has two kids. It hit me like a thunderclap. I cant believe I was so blind, Poppy said, wiping her face.
Ann comforted, Dont blame yourself, love. Hes a manipulator. If youd known he was married, youd never have pursued him.
Poppy nodded, I told his wife Id cut off contact. I blocked him.
Ann smiled, Good girl.
The next moment Poppys voice cracked again. Mum, I Im pregnant again.
What stage? Ann asked gently, trying to keep calm.
About two months, Poppy whispered, eyes dropping.
The words struck Ann like a sudden chill, but she gathered herself. Itll be alright, love. Well get through this together. Ill help you raise this child, whether its a boy or a girl. Youre not alone.
Thank you, Mum. Youre the best, Poppy replied, clinging to her.
Weeks later, I saw Paula and Poppy return home with a tiny newborn wrapped in a beige blanket with a blue ribbon. The flat was a burst of balloons and flowers, Catherine had prepared everything for the new grandchild. A cot, a pram, and a few rattles waited. Paula and Poppy beamed at each other; happiness had finally found its way in.
It seems the old saying holds true: those who smile through the storm find the sun on the other side.
**Lesson:** When life throws you unexpected blows, lean on the people who truly love you, trust your instincts, and keep smiling thats how you turn hardship into hope.
