I never spoiled my son. He was a bright student, helpful, polite, and an all-round model young man. So, when Oliver told me he was moving away for work, I cant deny I felt worriedI simply didn’t want to be alone.
And what about Emily? I asked, referring to his girlfriend.
Weve ended things, he answered.
This caught me by surprise, as I had imagined a wedding not far off. They seemed so right for each other. Of course, I was saddened that it ended this way, but I never interfered in their relationship.
Off Oliver went. We called each other often; soon, he had a new job, new mates, and before long, a new sweetheart. I could only wait until he was ready to introduce us. To ease the loneliness at home, I adopted a kitten and found great comfort doting on her.
One evening, returning from work, I heard a soft, uncertain, Hello?
I looked up to see Emily standing in the dim light, holding a tiny baby.
Emily, what are you doing here, and whose baby is that?
You might judge me, she began, close to tears, but this is your granddaughter. I was terrified to tell Oliver about the pregnancy after we broke up so badly. I went back to my mums but she passed away a month ago. Ive no other family. So I came here.
What do you intend to do? I asked, gently.
I suppose Ill have to send her to care. Ive nowhere left to go, really I just thought, if anything happened to me, maybe you could visit your granddaughter from time to time.
Nonsense, I said, Well raise her together. Come inside, both of you.
So I took Emily and her daughter into my home. The little one was the very image of Oliver, so I had no reason to doubt Emilys word. Emily helped me keep the house, and I earned the moneywe managed quite well. Then, one day, Oliver called to say hed be home soon. I asked if hed be alone, but he avoided the question.
Oliver returned while I was feeding the little girl her tea.
Well, whos this lovely little one, then?
Son, meet your daughter, I told him.
Blimey! And, well, Ive something to show, too, Oliver said, carrying in a pram. This is my son. His mum died during childbirth, I just couldnt leave him behind.
Emily stepped out to the hall and stared at Oliver a while. They had a long conversation, just the two of them. I kept out of their business. What mattered was, within the year, they married, and both children grew up surrounded by love.
Now, Oliver is building a large new house to move out of his cramped flat, and between you and me, Ill soon be welcoming my third grandchild. Sometimes, life stirs up trouble, but when we act with kindness and keep our hearts open, blessings find their way to us in the end.
