How Jane became a mum thanks to her kind heart
Jane wandered into her block of flats after a long day and was immediately greeted by something peculiar. There, just outside her front door, stood a cardboard box. Jane stared at it as if expecting it to start dancing the cha-cha. Inside the box, curled up together in a tangled heap, were a dog and a cat. Both had the look of creatures whod taken an accidental walk onto a game show setutterly confused, more than a little anxious, and visibly trembling.
Well, Jane addressed the animals as if they might answer, what on earth is this then? And who are you supposed to be?
At that most dramatic moment, Mrs Norris from next door poked her head round the hallway.
Ah, Jane, love, evening. Would you believe it? Old Mrs Wilkins from the second floor finally passed on, and her niece never found a place for the pets.
She offered them to everyoneyou know what folks are like. I already have my Percy; he barely tolerates me, let alone strange animals. Then Sam from upstairs has allergies Perhaps you and Ben might consider? No kids yet, youre young, doing alright for yourselves.
Jane shifted from foot to foot, clearly not thrilled by the idea. Well, we never planned on pets. And two at that
Mrs Norris leaned in conspiratorially. They shouldnt be separated; theyre absolutely thick as thieves. Slept together, you know! Mrs Wilkins would walk the dog while the cat did his own thing. Honestly, theyre no bother.
The pleading in Mrs Norriss voice was hard to ignore. Go on, love, maybe just give it a thought?
And if we say no? Jane asked, folding her arms. What happens to them then?
Word is, theyll be sent off for well, you know. Put down. Someones already sorted the box and everything. The flats practically sold, and the new tenants dont want pets. Mrs Norris looked away, fiddling with her cardigan.
Just then, a chap walking in from outside glanced their way and gave Jane a sympathetic nod. Dont suppose you could take them in, could you? Theyre quiet, barely eat a thing, and getting on a bit. No one wants them Shame, really. Old Mrs Wilkins doted on them.
Jane sighed. Alright, bring them in. I cant bear the thought of them being put down. What are their names anyway? Weve only been here two years, havent really chatted to anyone
The mans face lit up. He lugged the box into Janes hallway with something like relief. The dogs name is Monty, cats called Harold. Thank you, truly. He placed a tenner and a lead on the table. Just for the basics at first. Appreciate it.
Jane closed the door, pulled off her coat, and sat on the hall floor, regarding her surprise guests.
Well, fellas, she said. Bens in for a shock tonight. Hope he doesnt decide to kick us all out! Hes a softy, though, and might just say yes to the new recruits.
She bent down and whispered, Dont worry, lads. No harm will come to you here. Put down, indeed! What a rotten idea.
Almost as if he understood, Harold the cat cautiously scrambled out of the box to explore his new kingdom. Monty the dog, ever the worrier, stayed put, eyeing the proceedings and tracking Janes every move with mournful brown eyes.
She padded to the kitchen and peered into the fridge. Pet food? Not a sausage. So, Jane whipped up some porridge, added in chopped bits of ham, and declared that her guests would simply have to make do.
To Janes relief, Harold, after conducting a military-grade survey of the flat, wandered into the kitchen, intrigued by the bowl. Jane called Monty over as well. Monty hesitated, but when he saw Harold digging in, he rather shyly sidled over and stared up at Jane with a look that said, I suppose porridge will do.
Ben came home just at the moment of maximum chaos, briefcase in hand, jaw agape. The pair had been married four years and bought this flat only two years back. They got along a treat, rarely argued, and the only cloud in their happily-ever-after was the notable absence of children.
You always said you were too much of a neat freak for pets Ben ventured as he peered at the duo.
Jane was already sniffling. I always thought wed have a child, not pets. But look at these two. I couldnt let them be put down Sorry, love, she managed.
I like animals, too, Ben said, pulling her into a bear hug. No worries, well look after them! Ill ask at work tomorrow if anyone wants a pet, just in case someone has a bigger place.
Life shifted immediately. Monty and Harold settled in surprisingly quickly. Turns out, their old flat had the same layout and was right above. The view from the window and the back gardenidentical.
Clever boys, cooed Jane. Its like youve always lived here.
She walked Monty three times a day. Harold learned to slip out through the window for a wander and then return, very civilised.
Mrs Norris, delighted Jane took the animals in, brought over leftover soup bones for Monty and the odd bowl of rice pudding for Harold. Evenings were now filled with laughter as Ben watched Harold chase his new toy mouse, while Monty snoozed in the worlds softest dog bed.
The two always slept curled up together, confirming for Jane and Ben that separating them would have been downright criminal.
A few months passed and, truth be told, neither Jane nor Ben could imagine the house without their fur-troupe. The find a new home project quietly fizzled out.
Janes mumwho lived a couple of streets awayvisited most weekends. At first, she was gobsmacked by Janes new acquisitions, but soon caught the bug and fell for them herself.
I would take little Harold home, she told Jane, but Im on the third floor, and hes not the sort for flat-only living
But Jane was firm, No, Mum, youll come and pet-sit when we go on holiday. Water the plants, feed the lads, and everyones happy.
Summer rolled around, and Ben and Jane set off to the seaside. Jane barely made it a day without phoning her mother, more to check on the animals than anything else.
Theyre fine, darling. Eating well, sleeping together, enjoying sun in the back garden. Go have fun! Mum reported briskly.
Returning home, Jane was bowled over by the enthusiasm with which Monty and Harold greeted themwagging, leaping, and, in Harolds case, a few dignified headbutts.
They actually love us, you know, Ben grinned. Jane, beaming, set about administering proper tea and biscuits to all.
Jane now found herself rising early for the morning walk, making breakfast for her two new shadows. And then, some months later, came the real surprise: Jane confided to Ben that they were finally expecting a baby. The couple was over the moon.
Janes mum declared over tea, See, love? Those two fluffballs were sent to test your kindness. The universe rewards a good heart. Time to dust off the booties!
Jane managed a laugh. Im not one for omens, Mum, but perhaps youre right. Looking after those two was perfect training for motherhood. Cleaning, caring, lovingtheyre just like children!
Want me to take them when baby arrives? Make life easier? Mum offered.
Oh, goodness, no! said Jane. Well manage just fine. Besides, Ill need you around for pram walks in the square when babys napping!
The months rolled by, and Jane brought home a healthy baby boy. Ben was positively bursting with pride.
Monty, being a gentle soul in his golden years, never barked out of turn. Harold, likewise, remained unbothered, preferring summer days lounging in the flowerbeds or up a stately old tree in the garden. The house was fullof people, pets and laughter.
Mrs Norris and her brigade of older neighbours now made a point of telling the whole street about Jane and her miraculous baby, claiming it was thanks to her generous heart and a couple of unwanted pets.
Mrs Norris swore it was proof the universe looks after those who look after others. What do you thinkwas Mrs Norris right? Leave your thoughts below and give us a like if you fancy!
