I shall always be with you, Mother. A Story One Might Believe
Granny Edith could scarcely wait for the evening to come. Her neighbour, Mary, a solitary woman nearing fifty, had shared something so extraordinary that Ediths head was spinning.
To prove her tale, Mary even invited Edith over later, saying she had something very special to show her.
It had all started over a simple chat. That morning, Mary popped round on her way to the village shop:
Need anything, Granny Edie? Im off to Bakewells plan on making a pie and picking up a few bits and bobs.
Edith peered at her fondly. You know, Mary, youre such a good woman, kind and caring. I remember you as a little girl. Pity things didnt pan out, always on your own, but you never seem sad. Some, in your place, would be full of complaints.
Mary laughed. Whats the point in complaining, Edie? Ive someone special in my life, but we cant live together yet. Ill tell you all about it. Really, Ive a story Ive never told anyone before, but I think youll understand. If you blab, whod believe you, eh? Her eyes twinkled. So, what can I get you? When I come back, put the kettle on Ill tell you how Im really getting on, and youll see, there’s no need for pity.
Truth be told, Edith needed nothing special this time, but she asked Mary to fetch her a loaf of bread and a bag of sweets for tea.
Curiosity was gnawing at her what could Mary possibly have to share?
Soon enough, Mary returned with the shopping, and Edith steeped a fresh pot of fragrant tea. She waited, poised and eager to listen.
Edie, you remember what happened with me near twenty years ago? I was pushing thirty then. Had a fellow, decent sort, and thought wed marry. Even if it wasnt quite love, I reckoned it was time for family children and all that. We put in our banns, he moved in. I fell pregnant. At eight months, I delivered a baby girl. She lived just two days and left us.
I truly thought Id lose my mind from the grief. Went our separate ways, the man and I, nothing held us together after that. Two months passed. The tears finally slowed, and life began to edge back in.
And then
Mary glanced at Edith, a long, searching look.
I cant rightly put it all into words, she admitted. Id set up a cot for the baby in my bedroom. People say its bad luck to prepare in advance, but I never believed such things; I bought all I needed, dressed the cot, laid out toys.
One night, I woke to the sound of a baby crying. Thought it was my nerves, but no again I heard it. I went to the cot, and there lay a tiny, sleeping girl! I picked her up, barely daring to breathe for happiness. She looked at me, shut her eyes, and drifted off.
And so it began. Each night, my daughter appeared.
I even bought formula and a bottle, but she hardly touched them. Shed cry, Id take her in my arms, shed smile, close her eyes, and sleep.
Edith was captivated. Gracious me, Mary is that really possible?
Marys cheeks coloured. I know it sounds mad. I doubted myself at first. But it carried on, night after night. I came to realise my girl lived in another world now, where she had a mother and father, but she always visited me almost every night.
Once, she said to me, clear as day, I shall always be with you, Mother. We are bound by a thread none can sever!
Sometimes I wonder if its only a dream. Yet she brings me little gifts from her world. Although, they never last long they vanish like dew on a summers morning.
Really? Edith sipped her tea, her mouth dry from the extraordinary tale.
I want you to visit tonight, Edith. See for yourself, so Im sure Im not imagining.
And so, late that evening, Edith made her way over. They sat together in the dusk, talking softly.
Marys house was empty, just the two of them. Sleep began to creep in when, suddenly, a gentle glow filled the room. The air shimmered, and there appeared a beautiful young girl.
Mum! she cried out, happily. I had such a lovely day and wanted to share it with you! Heres a present, and she laid a bouquet of wildflowers on the table.
Oh, hello! she spotted Edith. I forgot Mum said you wished to meet me. Im Annabel
In hardly a moment, Annabel bid goodnight and seemed to melt away as if made of mist.
Edith sat utterly still, astonished to her very bones. She took her time before she spoke.
Well, Mary, some things in this world truly are beyond words. Your daughters a beauty has your look about her.
Im glad for you, Mary. Youre happier than most, in your own way perhaps even luckier!
Whod believe all this, had I not seen for myself? How wonderful it all is. My thanks to you. It feels as if youve opened my eyes, reminded me the world goes on in ways we never dreamt. Im no longer afraid of what lies ahead.
Happiness to you always, dear Mary!
The flowers faded, paler with each breath, until they vanished entirely.
After Edith left, Mary watched the quiet empty room and smiled to herself. Tomorrow would be another beautiful day. Shed see Arthur, whom she loved dearly, and she knew he felt the same.
How did she know? Well, its not the sort of thing a person can explain.
And she always intended to introduce them one day her dearest, most treasured people: Annabel and Arthur.
