Gathering Everyone Together
Emma Spring put down her tablet and reached for her phone. “Nana, how are you today? Feeling all right? And Granddad? Well, if hes frying up some potatoes, things must be well! Ive finished work for the day, Ill pick up Danny from football, swing by the shops, and well be home soon.”
Then, Emma dialled another number.
James, hi, Im heading home. Are you and Lily on your way yet? Already driving? Great, Granddads making chips. Well all have tea together, then.
Emma got up and packed her handbag, calling out to her colleagues, Bye, everyone, Im offsee you tomorrow!
See you, Emma! Enjoy your evening, they replied.
Quickly swapping her heels for trainers under her desk, she threw on her trench coat and glanced out the window at the darkening evening. It was a warm autumn night. Soft lights twinkled, people hurried home after work. Catching her reflection, Emma smiled. Shed never imagined shed live an ordinary, peaceful liferushing home to a family evening, where she was wanted and awaited. Not so long ago, shed been certain shed never have any of this.
Its true, her family was a little unusualbut they loved each other deeply and were happy.
Emmas mother abandoned her at birth, sneaking away from the hospital. In the brief note from the orphanage, it said: mother unknown, no documents, no father. She was named by strangersSpring, as shed been born in spring. But why Emma? No one knows for sure. She was always friendly with the boys, her best mate was Jack Spring, a year older, named and surnamed for the same reasons. Emma did well at school, always obedient, hardworking, and helpfulshe desperately hoped to be adopted. What family life was like, shed only ever seen in films. But maybe she was too awkward, all skinny knees and elbows. Or maybe just unlucky. When Jack got adopted, she cried all night. Not out of envy, but at losing her only friend.
Hed looked helplessly at her through his specs, Emma, shall I refuse? Shouldnt I just go?
Dont be daft, Jack. Who turns down a family? Off you go, we all have our own path.
Ill find you, I promise! Jack insisted, but Emma just shrugged, teasing, Not much need for that!
Emma finished school and went to technical college for construction, living in halls. When she graduated, the council gave her a little flat at the edge of town, since she was a care leaver. Didnt matter it was tiny and miles out! She found a job in a design bureau, started her real adult life. She made loads of friends at work but decided it was too soon for her own family. Still, Emma had a dream: a big house, a loving husband, and childrentwo or three, maybe. Laughter, games, and the constant chorus of Mum! Dad! It was a word she dearly wanted to hearwarm, special, and entirely unfamiliar. Opening the door and hearing, Mum, Dads home! Like a fairytale.
One day, approaching her building, a door suddenly flew open, and a young man rushed out, nearly knocking her over, a bag in hand. Inside, an old lady was sprawled on the stairs:
My pension my bag He pushed me! My glasses! I cant see!
Emma dashed outside, but hed vanished. She helped Nana up. Luckily, no serious harm done.
Oh love, how could someone do that! Nana wept, Why me?
Emma walked her home. At Nanas flat, her husband was bedbound, unable to walk. Emma started visiting regularly, bringing groceries since Nanas pension had been stolen. The police couldnt find the lad, though Emma rather remembered his face. At least they found the bag, with documents, a few days later.
Emma began popping in more often. The doctors came for Granddad, and he perked up. Soon Nana and Granddad took to calling Emma their granddaughter, inviting her around, their only family now.
One day, on the bus, Emma met a young man. She noticed him glancing at her, smiling.
Excuse me, but you look awfully familiar. Have we met?
Emma laughed, I dont think so. He was nice enough, and in the short walk home, told her his whole storyhis name was Tom, lived with his mum, worked nearby. It seemed like shed seen him before. Tom began meeting her after work, seeing her home. One day, she invited him in. They shared tea and sandwiches. She even told Tom about her childhood in care. Tom studied Emma, like he wanted to speak but thought better of itmaybe he just felt sorry for her. Emma liked Tom, but something set her on edge.
The next time, the unthinkable happened. Tom appeared, Emma put the kettle on. Suddenly, he grabbed her tightly.
Tom, shall we slow things down a bit? she protested, but he squeezed harder, then hissed, You remember me? You shopped me last time, didnt you? I recognised you. They said you were a care home girl. I saw the police sketchbarely got away. Now you keep quiet, or youll regret it. No one would help you anyway.
Emma didnt report him, fearing the attention. A month later, she was rushed from work by ambulance. Ectopic pregnancy, rupturesthey told her she might not have children.
Nana nursed Emma back to health, whispered comforting words, fed her broth to build her up, brewed herbal teas. Emma left hospital feeling losthow to live now, and why? She grew very quiet. One day, her feet carried her to the local abbey. Late autumn: high, deep blue skies, domes glinting gold, church bells ringing to the heavens. The gardeners were clearing last flowers. Autumn
Spring, Emma? someone called. She turned. One of the groundskeepers approached, beaming, Emma! I was hoping Id find you!
Jack? Is it you? Emma finally recognised him. She hugged him and wept. He wiped away her tears.
Come inside, Emma. Porridge and pies for lunch, and a cup of tea. Then well talk.
Emma told Jack everything. He listened, then shared his storyhow he was adopted, how his stepfather used to beat him for every mistake, how he ran away, injured his leg, and wandered. Now he worked as a groundsman at the abbey and finally found some peace.
Emma returned home, realising how lucky she was, meeting Jack again. Shed stayed at the abbey for several days, not wanting to face home. Thats where they made their plans.
Nana and Granddad had long offered to sign over their flat to Emma. But now she and Jack had a better idea.
Their suggestion delighted Nana and Granddadliving together! Theyd never even dreamed anyone would want to share a home with two unwell old folk.
For five years now, Emma and Jack Spring had been married. They moved to a spacious flat in the suburbs; it had room for everyone. Nana and Granddad flourishednow the elders of the household, surrounded by family. Two years ago, another dream came true: they adopted two children, Danny and Lily, from the very same care home theyd grown up in.
Jack, do you remember, years ago, waiting for someone to take us home? To have a family? Look at their eyeslets swear to be the parents we always wished for.
Now you hear,
Mum, wheres Dad? Nana, come herelook what we built with Granddad!
Emma doesnt dwell on the bad times anymore. Though Nana whispered once, their attacker had been caught, stealing againnow finally behind bars, for good. Justice, she thought, is served where it must bein this world and the next.
And so, my lesson is this: No matter what pain or loneliness you carry, love and family can find youeven when youre certain youll never belong. Its worth hoping for, and making your own place to belong.
