Margaret was already 60. Officially, it was high time she retired, but no one could say she was in any great rush. That day, she finished her shift, changed out of her nurses uniform, and headed for home. Rain was absolutely chucking it down, and, of course, shed forgotten her umbrella. She pulled her hood over her hair and trudged towards the bus stop, when suddenly, she heard the unmistakable wail of a babythere, on the bench, was a tiny bundle, squalling away, barely a week old.
She scooped up the bundle, jiggling and shushing as best as she could, then dashed right back into the hospital the poor little chap was soaked through. She called the paediatrician to check him over. Hes a boy, around a fortnight old, healthy as they come, the doctor said, eyebrows raised. Why anyone would abandon a lovely baby like this, Ill never know. He needs spoiling and a bit of love, thats what.
Margaret made up her mind to take the night shiftshe knew she wouldnt sleep either way. Not long after, the police turned up and asked for her statement. Meanwhile, she carried on fussing over the boy, barely putting him down for a second.
Two hours later, the police popped back, this time accompanied by a nervous young couple. The girl was blotchy-eyed from crying, and the boy looked like hed seen a ghost.
Let us have a look, please. He might be ours, the girl whispered.
Looking distinctly out of place in hospital aprons, off they went to the childrens ward. The mum took one glimpse at her baby, promptly burst into tears, and clung so tightly Margaret thought shed never let go. Margaret couldnt quite wrap her head around it all, until a friendly copper explained:
You see, Emma and James were meeting up behind their parents backs, not wanting to set off any rows. Emmas folks more or less tolerated things, but Jamess mum was set on making her future daughter-in-laws life a misery. When their son was born, they hoped Jamess mum would finally thaw a bit. Not a chance. She got it into her head that Emmas baby wasnt Jamess at all. It wasnt true, obviously. One night, while Emma and James were at the cinema (with granny supposedly babysitting), Jamess mum saw her chance and did a disappearing actleaving the baby by the hospital.
So thats how it went. With any luck, young Oliver will never set eyes on his grandmother againand frankly, Margaret reckoned that might not be such a bad thing.
