Ill always be with you, Mum. A Story You Can Believe
Evelyn, affectionately known as Nan to most on Ashcroft Lane, struggled to get through her day, anticipation prickling every hour. Her neighbour, Lorrainea solitary woman, nearing fiftyhad whispered something an afternoon ago that still made Evelyns heart hammer in her chest.
And to prove she hadn’t imagined it, Lorraine had invited her over when the sun dipped, promising, Pop by this evening, Nan. Ill show you something remarkable.
Everything had started so simply that morning. Lorraine, wrapped in a sensible coat, stopped at Evelyns gate before heading to the nearby baker’s.
Need anything, Nan Evie? Im nipping into the corner shop for some flourfancy baking a pie tonight. And I could pick up a few bits for you, too.
Evelyn peered at her over her spectacles, warmth softening old lines. Lorraine, youre a good womanalways looking out for everyone. Watched you grow up round here, I did. Shame youre still on your own, though. But look at you! Never moaning, not one for self-pity, unlike some.
Lorraines eyes sparkled. What have I got to moan about, Nan Evie? Ive got someone specialcant live with him yet, and theres a reason for that. Ill tell you, properly. Havent told a soul, but youwell, youll understand. Besides, even if you let it slip, whod believe it, anyhow? Lorraine grinned. Now, anything for the shop? Ill stop by on my way back, and well have a cup of tea. Ill tell you why you dont have to pity menot anymore.
Truth told, Evelyn didnt need anything, but she asked for a crusty loaf and some toffeesher curiosity was sharper than hunger.
Later, Lorraine returned, bread and toffees in hand, and Evelyn brewed the good tealoose leaves from the tin. She settled in, every nerve humming.
Nan youll remember the trouble I had about twenty years back. I mustve been near thirty then. There was a manI suppose we mightve married, though love wasnt there. He was decent, and I did thinkwell, you know, family, children, the proper way. He moved in after we registered at the council. I was carrying soon enough
Lorraine paused, eyes clouded. Eight months along, I gave birth to a little girl. She lived just two days. Two days, Nan. I was out of my mind, honest. Me and him, we splitnothing holding us together, not after that.
She sipped her tea. After a couple of months, I managed to get through the days again. The crying stopped. And then
She glanced at Evelyn, searching her lined face for belief.
I dont know how to say this. Id set up her cot in my bedroom, painted her name above it You know what they say about buying things too early. I didnt believe in that sort of superstition, though, so I got everything ready.
One night, I woke up to the sound of a baby crying. Thought I was losing my mind with griefjust echoes in my head. But there it was againa clear, unmistakable cry. I crept over, and in the cotmy little girl was lying there.
My heart nearly burst. I picked her up. She looked at mesuch big eyesthen closed them and fell asleep in my arms.
Nan, every night was the same. My girl, there with me, just for a little while. I even bought formula and a bottle, just in case, though she hardly touched it. Shed cry, Id hold her, shed smile at me and sleep.
Evelyn was enthralled, toffees forgotten. But how? Lorraine, do things like that really happen?
Lorraine flushed, words tumbling out. Thats what I thought! But it kept happening. Shes living in another place now, I supposea world of her own, with her own mum and dad there. But she never forgets me. She comes most nights, just for a while.
One evening, she even said to me: Ill always be with you, Mum. Were bound by a thread, and it can never break. Sometimes I wonder if Im dreaming. But she brings gifts from that other place. They fade quicklymelt away like snow in Maybut for a little while, theyre real.
Truly? Evelyn swallowed, her throat thick. It all sounds I dont know. Like a story.
Thats why I want you to come tonight, Nan. I want you to see for yourself. Then perhaps Ill believe it, too.
That evening, Evelyn made her way over, stars just piercing the dusky sky. They sat quietly as the night drew in, talking in hushed voices, the room shadowed and still.
No one else was in the housejust Lorraine and dear old Nan. The hour grew late, and just as Evelyns head began to nod, a gentle light shimmered in the corner. The air itself seemed to ripple, and then a beautiful young girl stepped into the room.
Hello, Mummy! I had such a lovely dayI wanted to share it with you. And here, Ive brought you a present. She laid a bunch of wildflowers on the table.
Oh! Good evening. The girls eyes fell on Evelyn. I nearly forgotMum said you wanted to meet me. Im Maisie
A heartbeat later, Maisie waved goodbye, her outline shimmering, then fading as softly as dawns mist.
Evelyn sat rooted to her chair, silent. At last, she found her voice.
Well, Lorraine. I never thought Id see the day. Shes a beauty, you knowtakes after you.
She reached across, squeezing Lorraines hand. Im happy for you. I really am. Who wouldve thoughtyour life is just as full as anyones, maybe more so.
The wildflowers grew paler and paler on the table. Then they were gone, as if theyd never been.
But Lorraine, after walking Nan back to her door, stood in the silent street, beaming to herself. Tomorrow would be a new daya beautiful day. Shed see Peter, the man she adored, and she knew he loved her back. How did she know? Well, some things you simply feel.
One day, she decided, shed introduce themher two most beloved people: Maisie and Peter.
