Is the Orchid Really to Blame? — “Polly, take this orchid, or I’m tossing it out,” Katie said, carelessly grabbing the clear pot and handing it to me from the windowsill. — “Oh, thanks, my friend! But what did this orchid ever do to you?” I asked, puzzled. After all, there were three other lush, well-cared-for orchids in her window. — “This flower was a wedding gift to my son. And you know how that all ended…” Katie sighed heavily. — “I know Denis and Tanya divorced within the year. I won’t ask why—I can guess it was serious. Denis adored Tanya,” I said, not wanting to reopen her fresh wound. — “One day, I’ll tell you everything, Polly. But right now, it’s too hard to remember,” Katie said, lost in thought and shedding a tear. I took the “banished” and “rejected” orchid home. My husband gave the poor plant a sympathetic glance. — “Why do you need that straggler? Even I can see it’s lifeless. Don’t waste your time,” he said. — “I want to revive it. I’ll give it care and love. You’ll be amazed by this orchid someday,” I replied, determined to breathe life into the wilted plant. My husband winked at me playfully: — “Who can say no to love?” A week later, Katie phoned: — “Polly, can I come over? I can’t carry this weight anymore. I want to tell you why Denis’s marriage fell apart.” — “Come over, Katie, I’m here. You know you’re always welcome,” I answered—after all, she’d always stood by me: through my painful first divorce, my struggles with a second husband, and in all the ups and downs of our long friendship. Katie rushed over within an hour. Settled snugly at my kitchen table, over a glass of dry wine, a steaming mug of coffee, and some dark chocolate, she began her long tale. — “Never did I imagine my now ex-daughter-in-law could do what she did. Denis and Tanya were together seven years before he proposed. For her, Denis left Anya—oh, how I loved Anya! She was so homely and sweet, I always called her my daughter. Then the stunning Tanya appeared, and Denis was utterly smitten. He buzzed around Tanya like a bee over a flower. His love for her was all-consuming, and Anya was brushed aside. I’ll admit, Tanya looked like a model. Denis basked in his friends’ admiring looks, their eyes lingering on her beauty. Even strangers would turn to stare. For all their years together, though, they never had a child. I thought maybe Denis wanted to do things ‘properly’—marriage first, then babies. He’s never been much for confiding, and we didn’t interfere in his personal life. Then one day he announced, “Mum, Dad, I’m marrying Tanya. We’ve handed in our papers at registry. I want a big wedding—no expense spared!” My husband and I were delighted. Finally, Denis—now thirty—was starting a real family. But, Polly, the wedding date had to be moved twice! First Denis got ill, then I was away for work. I had a bad feeling, but seeing Denis so happy, I kept quiet. He also wanted to marry Tanya in church, but the priest, Father Stuart, was away for months, and Denis insisted on having that very priest. Nothing seemed to go our way—bad omens everywhere… We finally threw a huge, noisy wedding. Here, look at the photos. See that orchid? Glorious, blooming, with strong leaves standing tall as soldiers. Now? Its leaves are limp rags. Right after, Denis and Tanya planned a honeymoon in Paris. But at the airport, Tanya was blocked from going abroad due to an unpaid fine. The newlyweds were sent home. Denis just shrugged off all these troubles, head in the clouds, dreaming of a happy family. Then—a bombshell. Denis fell seriously ill and was hospitalised. His prognosis was grim; doctors were at a loss. Tanya visited daily for a week, then told him: — “Sorry, a disabled husband isn’t for me. I’ve filed for divorce.” Imagine what my son felt, helpless in a hospital bed? But he just said: — “I understand, Tanya. I won’t fight it.” And that was that. They divorced. Luckily, my boy recovered—the right doctor turned everything around in six months, said his youth helped enormously. We became friends with Dr. Peter Bennett, and he had a lovely, twenty-year-old daughter, Mary. At first, Denis wasn’t interested: — “She’s so tiny. Not even very pretty.” — “Give her a chance, son. You had your supermodel wife… but better to drink water with a smile than honey in sorrow.” Denis couldn’t forget Tanya, though her betrayal stung deep. Mary, meanwhile, fell for Denis hard—constantly texting, following him about. We tried to bring them together on a day out, but Denis, glum as ever, gazed off into the distance, the lively company and barbecue meaning nothing to him. Mary watched his every move, but he never looked her way. I told my husband, — “This was pointless. His heart still belongs to Tanya—she’s a thorn in his side.” A few months later—three or four—a knock at the door. Denis, holding the famous orchid: — “Here, Mum. The remains of my old happiness. Do what you like with it. I don’t want that exotic plant in my life.” I accepted it grudgingly, and took an instant dislike. It was as if the plant itself was somehow to blame for all my son’s pain. I shoved it to the back of the room, left it unwatered. Then a neighbour said, — “Katie, I saw Denis with a Thumbelina-sort of lass. Not as striking as his ex-wife.” I didn’t believe it—surely my son and Mary weren’t an item? But soon Denis introduced her with a flourish: — “Mum, meet my wife, Mary.” My husband and I were stunned: — “But where was the wedding, the guests?” — “No need for all that fuss. We did it quietly at the registry, Father Stuart blessed us at church. Mary and I are together for good.” I pulled Denis aside: — “Did you truly fall for Mary? Are you marrying her out of spite?” — “No, Mum. I’m done with that woman. As for Mary—well, our worlds just fit.” That’s the story, Polly. Katie poured her heart out. …After that emotional evening, we didn’t see each other for two years; life simply swept us along. Meanwhile, the orchid revived, blooming gorgeously—a living testament to love’s care. Then, by chance, I ran into Katie at the hospital: — “Hey, friend, what are you doing here?” — “Mary’s had twins. She’s being discharged today,” Katie beamed. Nearby, Denis and Katie’s husband waited with a bouquet of red roses. Out came Mary, exhausted but radiant, with a nurse carrying two tiny bundles. Then my own daughter appeared, cradling my newborn granddaughter. Tanya still begs Denis to forgive her, to begin again. But… You can glue a cup back together, yet it will never be the same to drink from…

Author Harlan CovingtonReading 9 minViews 1

IS THE ORCHID REALLY TO BLAME?

Emily, take this orchid, or Ill just throw it out, Sarah declared, picking up the transparent pot from her windowsill and pressing it into my hands.

Oh, thanks, love! But what has the orchid done to upset you? I asked, genuinely puzzled. After all, she still had three other beautiful, well-looked-after orchids sitting in the sunlight.

This one was a wedding present for my son. And, well, you know how that turned out Sarah sighed deeply.

I heard that your Tom got divorced, didnt even make it a year. I wont ask why. I can only imagine it must have been quite serious. Tom absolutely doted on Claire, I replied, wanting to avoid reopening wounds that I knew were still raw.

Ill tell you the reason one day, Em, just not today. Its still too hard to revisit, Sarah drifted into silence and dabbed at her eyes.

I took the banished and rejected orchid home with me. My husband gave the wilted plant a sympathetic look.

Why have you brought that run-down thing home? Theres no life left in that orchid. Even I can see that. Dont waste your time, he said.

I want to bring it back to life. Ill give it all my love and attention. Im sure youll be singing its praises before long, I insisted, feeling a real urge to revive the drooping, seemingly hopeless flower.

My husband grinned and winked.

Well, who ever says no to a bit of love?

A week later, Sarah called me.

Emily, could I pop round? I cant keep carrying this weight. I need to tell you everything about Toms marriage disaster.

Come over, Sarah. Dont even hesitate. Ill be waiting for you. How could I refuse? Shed stood by me when I went through my own painful divorce, and all those messy rows with my second husband Wed been close for years.

Sarah arrived just less than an hour later. She made herself comfortable at the kitchen table. Over a glass of dry white wine, a freshly brewed cup of tea, and some rich dark chocolate, the story began to unwind.

I never could have imagined my former daughter-in-law capable of this. Tom and Claire had been together seven years. He took ages to commit. Remember, he even left Anna for her. I adored Anna. Such a homey, gentle creature called her my daughter, I did. Then, suddenly, this picture-perfect Claire appeared. Tom went absolutely head over heels for her, followed her round like a puppy, doted on her, floated around like a bee circling a flower in bloom. His love for Claire was all-consuming. Anna got pushed aside overnight.

I cant deny it, Claire looked like shed just stepped off a catwalk. Tom loved his mates doing a double take, watching Claire with admiration. Even strangers would turn and stare. What puzzled me was that, after seven years, they still hadnt had a child; I assumed Tom was just old-fashioned get married first, then a family. He never confided much, and we never poked our noses into his private affairs.

Suddenly, Tom put us on the spot:

Mum, Dad, Im marrying Claire. Weve handed in our notice at the register office. Therell be a huge wedding no expense spared.

We were delighted. At last, hed have a proper family he was thirty by then.

But honestly, Emily, the wedding date had to be rescheduled twice. Tom caught a nasty bug, then I was held up away on a work trip. Something about it all just didnt sit right. But Tom looked radiant, so I saw no point in worrying him. Tom also wanted to marry Claire in church, but Father Christopher was away in Northumberland at the time and Tom wanted only him. To cut it short, nothing was going smoothly. All sorts of signs from the universe

The wedding itself was a grand affair. Here, look at these photos. See the orchid there? Lush and radiant, leaves standing tall and proud. Look at it now those leaves are battered rags.

Tom and Claire were meant to honeymoon in Paris, but a last-minute hitch. Claire wasnt allowed to travel abroad, owing to an unpaid massive fine right there at the airport they were turned away. Tom brushed off all these setbacks. He was walking on air, dreaming of domestic bliss.

And then, out of nowhere, Tom became terribly ill. Ended up in hospital. His situation was dire; the doctors didnt offer much hope.

Claire visited him at first, but then straight out announced

Sorry, but I cant be married to an invalid. Ive filed for divorce.

Imagine how Tom felt, stuck in that hospital bed, helpless. But he simply replied,

I understand, Claire. I wont stand in your way.

And that was that they divorced.

But then, Tom pulled through. We found an excellent specialist for him Dr. Peter Gresham. He brought Tom back to life in six months. Said Tom was young and strong enough to recover. Our families became close Peter had a sweet daughter, Molly, just twenty. At first, Tom could hardly bring himself to look at her

Bit of a shrimp. Not even pretty, he said.

Tom, looks arent everything. Youve already had a wife that belonged on a poster Better muddy water in happiness than honey in sorrow, I told him.

Tom couldnt forget Claire, her betrayal still stinging. But as for Molly she fell for him utterly, always ringing, always finding reasons to visit.

We thought wed try to bring the two together, so we went for a day out in the country. Tom was withdrawn and gloomy, not cheered by the bonfire, the smell of grilled sausages, or the laughter. Molly hung on his every word, but he never glanced in her direction.

I said to my husband,
We’ve made a mistake with this little matchmaking. Tom still pines for Claire. Shes a splinter still wedged in his heart.

Three or four months went by. Then, one evening, a knock at the door. Tom stood there, holding that infamous orchid.

Mum, heres the last bit of happiness from before. Do what you like with it; I dont want this exotic anymore.

Reluctantly, I accepted the plant. I couldnt stand the sight of it as if all Toms sorrows were somehow the orchids fault. I shoved it out of view and neglected it.

Recently, a neighbour stopped me on the street

Sarah, I saw your Tom with that petite girl not a patch on his stunning first wife.

I found it hard to believe. Was Tom really dating Molly?

Allow me to introduce. Molly and I are married now, Tom said later, affection in his eyes as he held his delicate new wifes hand.

My husband and I exchanged looks:

But what about the wedding? The guests?

No need for all that fuss. Weve been through it before. We just signed the papers quietly. Father Christopher married us. Molly and I are together now, for good.

I pulled Tom aside

Tom, do you really love her? Youre not just doing this to get back at Claire?

No, Mum, I dont bear Claire any grudge. Thats all done. As for love Mollys world and mine just match, perfectly.

And thats how it happened, Emily.

Sarah poured her soul out in that conversation.

After that heart-to-heart, we didnt see each other for two years. Daily life swept us away.

Meanwhile, the orchid revived, blooming more beautifully than ever. Flowers know how to show gratitude for kindness.

I met Sarah again in the maternity ward.

Hello, love, what brings you here?

Mollys had twins. Shes coming out today, Sarah beamed.

Not far off, Tom and Sarahs husband waited expectantly, Tom holding a bunch of red roses. Soon, a tired but joyful Molly emerged. A nurse followed, carefully carrying two living bundles.

My own daughter appeared, cradling my newborn granddaughter.

Claire has been begging Tom to forgive her and start over.

You can glue together a broken cup, but youll never quite be able to drink from it againI looked around the bright hall, dizzy with the scent of roses and the soft, insistent cries of newborn life. In that moment, the past faded like the last chill of winter before the soft insistence of spring. Tom and Molly leaned close, smiling at each other in awe and laughter, each holding one tiny, perfect child. Sarah, radiant, pressed a gentle kiss to Mollys forehead, pride shining in her eyes.

I thought of the orchid, its roots once almost withered, now bursting with vitality on my windowsill. Id nearly thrown it out, convinced it had absorbed too much sorrow. But it had shown mesome things bloom again, given patience and care.

Later, as we left the ward, I caught Toms gaze. He squeezed Mollys hand, then turned to me with a smile full of quiet certainty.

Some beginnings come disguised as endings, Aunt Em. Who wouldve believed, from that broken orchid, wed come to all this?

I smiled, tears warm behind my eyes. He was right, of course.

Love isnt something you can trace to a single moment, or blame a flower for losing. It lives quietly, finding new roots, ready to blossom wherever it finds a little light.

And as I watched Tom and Molly step into the soft summer air, their babies nestled safe in their arms, I knewhappiness, like the orchid, sometimes needs one more chance to bloom.

I Saw It Happen She was just closing the office cash register when her manager poked her head out of the room and asked if she could “pick up” the supplier report tomorrow. The request was gentle, but clearly not open to refusal. She nodded, even as her mind tallied the tasks waiting for her: collect her son from school, stop by the pharmacy for her mother’s medicine, check homework at home. She’d lived for years trying not to argue, not to draw attention, not to give anyone a reason. At work, they called it reliability; at home, calm. That evening, she walked from the bus stop, clutching a bag of groceries. Her son ambled beside her, head down over his phone, asking every so often if he could have “just five more minutes.” She answered “later,” knowing that later always came on its own. At the zebra crossing near the shopping centre, she stopped at the green pedestrian light. Cars lined up in two rows; someone honked impatiently. She stepped onto the crossing, just as a dark SUV darted from the right lane, overtaking and trying to beat the flashing signal. The crash sounded dry, like a heavy wardrobe falling. The SUV slammed into a white Ford coming through the junction. The Ford spun; its rear veered sharp onto the crossing. People nearby jumped back. She had time only to grab her son’s sleeve and pull him close. A heartbeat—and everything froze. Then someone screamed. The Ford’s driver sat bent over, slow to lift his head. The SUV’s airbags deployed; behind the glass she glimpsed a man’s face, already reaching for the door handle. She set her shopping down on the pavement, took out her phone, and dialled 999. The operator’s voice was calm, as though this wasn’t really happening. “A collision, the crossroads by the shopping centre—there are casualties,” she said as clearly as she could. “The car spun into the crossing, the driver in the white car…I don’t know if he’s conscious.” Her son stood pale beside her, staring in a way that made her suddenly feel genuinely grown up. As she answered the operator’s questions, a young man ran to the Ford, opened the door, spoke softly to the driver. The SUV’s man got out quickly, confidently, phoning someone. Expensive coat, no hat, and an air as though this was merely a delayed flight. Paramedics arrived, then police. An officer asked who’d seen the moment of impact. She raised her hand—the obvious witness. “Let me take your details,” the inspector said, pulling out a notepad, “and tell me what you saw.” She gave her name, address, number. The words came out dry and steady. She described the SUV flying from the right, the Ford on its signal, people scattered on the crossing. The officer nodded, jotting notes. The SUV’s man came closer, as if just passing by. His look wasn’t menacing, but she felt uneasy. “You’re sure?” he asked quietly, almost casually. “There are CCTV cameras. Everything’s visible.” “I know what I saw,” she replied. Instantly, she regretted the bluntness. He gave a small, crooked smile and stepped away. Her son tugged her sleeve. “Mum, can we go home now?” he asked. The inspector returned her passport, warning she might be called for further questioning. She nodded and, gathering her shopping, led her son through the estate. At home, she scrubbed her hands for ages, though they were perfectly clean. Her son was silent, then asked: “Will that man go to prison?” “I don’t know,” she said. “That’s not up to us.” That night, she dreamed of the crunch, the SUV forcing the air aside. The next day at work, numbers blurred as her mind kept looping back to the crossroads. After lunch, a call came from an unknown number. “Good afternoon, you were a witness yesterday,” a polite male voice said, not introducing himself. “I’m calling on behalf of those involved. Just want to make sure you’re coping.” “Who are you?” she asked. “Not important. It’s just—these situations are never straightforward. Witnesses get hassled and dragged to court for ages. You don’t need that—child, work, life.” His tone was soft, as if suggesting a brand of laundry detergent. This frightened her even more. “No one’s pressuring me,” she said, hearing her own voice tremble. “Good,” he replied. “Just say you’re not certain. Say it all happened too fast. It’ll be easier for everyone.” She ended the call and stared at her phone for several seconds, then tucked it away, as if hiding the conversation itself. That evening, she went by her mother’s flat in an old council block. Her mum answered in a flannel dressing gown, launching straight into complaints about the GP mix-up and blood pressure. “Mum,” she said, helping with the tablets, “if you saw a crash and they told you not to get involved, what would you do?” Her mother sighed: “I’d keep out of it. I’m too old for heroics. You should too. You’ve got your boy.” The words were simple, almost caring, but it stung, as if her mum didn’t believe she was strong enough. The next day, another call came—from a different number. “We’re just concerned,” the familiar voice said. “The man has a family, a job. People make mistakes. But witnesses get dragged through this for years. Maybe you’d rather submit a statement that you didn’t actually see the impact?” “I saw it,” she replied. “Are you sure you want to get pulled into this?” His tone went frosty. “Your boy—he goes to what school?” She suddenly felt everything contract inside. “How do you know?” she asked. “Small town,” came the smooth response. “We’re not enemies. We just want what’s best for you.” She hung up and for a long time stared at the kitchen table. Her son was nearby scribbling homework. Eventually, she got up, double-locked the door, even though she knew a chain couldn’t keep out a phone call. A few days later, a man stopped her near the flats. Plain clothes, no badge, waiting unmistakably for her. “You’re from flat 27?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied automatically. “It’s about that accident. Don’t worry,” he said, raising both palms as if she’d backed away. “I know people involved. You don’t want to be dragged into court hearings. We can sort this out. Just say you’re unsure and that’s that.” “I don’t want money,” she blurted, not even sure why. “No one mentioned money,” he smiled. “This is about peace of mind. You’ve got your kid—things are tense these days. Schools, work—you don’t need the extra stress.” He said “extra” as if it were trash to be taken out. She hurried past, hands shaking once in the lift. Inside her flat, she set her bag down and went to her son. “Don’t leave school alone tomorrow,” she told him calmly. “I’ll fetch you.” “What’s wrong?” he asked. “Nothing,” she replied, realising it was a lie becoming real. Monday, a summons arrived. She was to give a statement and identify the parties involved at the station. The letter was official, stamped. She filed it with her papers, but it felt as heavy as a stone. That evening, her manager kept her late. “Listen,” she said, closing the office door, “someone asked about you. Very polite—said you’re a witness and shouldn’t be stressed. I hate when people come to me about staff. Take care.” “Who was it?” she asked. “No idea. Just… confident types.” Her manager shrugged. “Honestly, maybe it’s best not to get involved? We’ve got deadlines and inspections. Calls and hassle mess things up for everyone.” Leaving the office, she felt her right not only to speak but to hide behind numbers was being stripped away. At home, she told her husband everything. He sat quietly, spoon suspended above his soup. “You realise this could end badly?” he asked. “I do,” she said. “Then why do it?” He wasn’t harsh, just tired. “We’ve got the mortgage, your mum, our son. Do you want the stress?” “I don’t,” she answered. “But I saw it.” He looked at her as if she were a naive child. “Forget what you saw,” he said. “You owe nothing to anyone.” She didn’t argue. To argue was to admit there was a choice, and choice felt heavier than threats. On the day she was called in, she woke early, packed her son’s breakfast, checked her phone battery, put the letter, passport, and a notepad in her bag. She messaged her friend where she was going and when she’d expect to be done. Her friend replied simply: “Got it. Text me when you’re finished.” The station smelled of paper and wet mats. She hung up her coat, reported to the desk, and waited in the investigator’s office. The investigator was young, tired-faced. He offered a chair, set his recorder going. “Do you understand the consequences of false testimony?” he asked. “Yes.” He questioned calmly: Where were you standing? What was the signal? Which side did the SUV come from? Did you see its speed? She answered precisely, sticking to the facts. Then he looked up. “Has anyone contacted you?” he asked. She paused. Admitting it would mean admitting she’d already been touched by it all. Keeping quiet meant shouldering it alone. “Yes,” she said. “Calls, people at my building—they told me to say I wasn’t sure.” He nodded as though he’d expected this. “Do you still have the numbers?” She showed him her phone. He noted them, asked her to screenshot and send them to his work email. She did this in front of him, hands awkward on the screen. Then she was sent into the corridor until it was time for identification. Sitting on a bench, clutching her bag, she saw the SUV driver appear, lawyer at his side, speaking quietly. As he passed, he glanced at her, calm, even a bit weary, like someone who expects everything will be settled. The lawyer paused by her. “You’re the witness?” he asked with a smile. “Yes.” “I’d advise caution with your account,” he said just as gently. “People get confused in stressful moments. No one wants you burdened by mistake.” “I only want to speak the truth,” she said. “A truth is different for everyone,” he replied, moving on. She was called in, shown a series of photos, asked to pick out the driver. She did. She signed a statement; the pen left crisp blue lines, reassuring—it couldn’t be erased by a phone call. When she left the station it was already dark. She walked to the bus stop, glancing behind, though no one followed. On the bus, she sat nearer the driver, like people who need some sense of safety. At home, her husband said nothing. Her son poked his head round his bedroom door. “So?” he asked. “I told them what happened,” she said. Her husband exhaled loudly. “You know they won’t leave you alone now?” he said. “I know,” she replied. All night, she lay awake, listening for doors, for footsteps in the stairwell. Each sound felt like a warning. In the morning she walked her son to school herself, inconvenient but necessary. She asked his teacher not to let him leave with anyone—even if they “come from Mum.” The teacher looked closely at her and nodded. At work, her manager was even more distant. Her assignments thinned; colleagues avoided her eyes. No one spoke directly, but an empty space formed around her. The calls stopped for a week. Then a new message came—no signature: “Think about your family.” She showed it to the investigator, as instructed. His reply was terse: “Noted. Let me know if anything else happens.” She didn’t feel protected, but at least her words hadn’t vanished. One evening, the downstairs neighbour caught her at the lift. “I heard you’re in a mess,” she whispered. “If you need anything, my husband’s here and we can put in for a security camera together.” Her neighbour spoke simply, no heroics, as if discussing a new intercom. Tears pricked at her eyes. A month later, she was called again—the case was going to trial; there’d be more hearings. The investigator made no promises about justice, stuck to procedures and protocols, paperwork and witness statements. “Any more threats?” he asked. “No—not exactly. I just keep waiting.” “That’s normal,” he said. “Try to live as before. Tell us if anything happens.” She left the station thinking “normal” felt like someone else’s word. Her life was not as before. She was more cautious: changed her walking routes, never left her son alone outside, installed a call recorder app, kept her friend up-to-date. She didn’t feel brave—only like she was holding the line against collapse. In court, when called to testify, she saw the SUV driver again—straight-backed, quietly taking notes, never looking her way. That was worse than eye contact: as though she was just part of the background paperwork. When asked, “Are you sure about your statement?” a wave of fear rose. She flashed to her son waiting at school, her manager’s dry expression, her mum’s warning to stay out—all in an instant. Still, she said: “Yes. I’m sure.” After the hearing, she stood on the steps, hands icy inside her gloves. Her friend texted: “You okay?” She replied: “I’m alive. Going home.” On the way, she stopped for bread and apples, because there were still dinners to be made. That somehow comforted her—the world still needed ordinary things. At home her son met her at the door. “Mum, are you coming to the parents’ meeting tonight?” She looked at him and realised his question was everything. “I’ll be there,” she said. “But first, let’s eat.” Later, double-locking the door and ensuring the chain was on, she realised she wasn’t panicked—just careful, as part of this new life. The cost of calm had to be learned all over again. She hadn’t won, wasn’t lauded, hadn’t become a hero. What she carried was simple and heavy: she hadn’t backed away from what she’d witnessed, and now she didn’t need to hide from herself anymore.

The Empty Bench Sergey Petrovich placed his thermos on his knees and checked the lid—just to make sure it wasn’t leaking. The lid was fine, but habit always won over trust. He sat at the far end of the bench outside the school entrance, in the spot free from bustling parents and swinging backpacks. In one pocket of his jacket was a little bag of dry crumbs for the pigeons, in another, a folded note with his granddaughter’s schedule: after-school club days, music lessons. He’d memorised it all, but the paper calmed his nerves. Beside him, as always, sat Nicholas Andrew. He held a small packet of sunflower seeds, popping them from shell to palm without even watching. He didn’t eat the seeds; just poured them back and forth, as if counting. When Sergey Petrovich arrived, Nicholas Andrew nodded, shifting slightly to make space. They never greeted each other loudly; it would feel wrong, as though disturbing school order. “They’ve got a maths test today,” Nicholas Andrew said, glancing at the upstairs windows. “We’ve got reading,” replied Sergey Petrovich, surprised by his own use of “we.” He liked that Nicholas Andrew never teased him for this. They’d met without any fuss at first—just timing, then recognition by coats, by gait, by the way each held his hands. Nicholas Andrew came precisely ten minutes before the bell, sat on the same bench, and always checked the school gates. Sergey had stood aside at first, but one day, tired, he sat down. From then, the bench was theirs. The school yard never changed, which was oddly reassuring: the security guard in his booth, slipping out for a smoke and back, never raising his eyes; the primary teacher, bustling past with a folder, muttering “Yes, yes, after lessons” into her phone; parents debating activities and homework; children waving from break-time windows. Sergey Petrovich realised he looked forward not just to seeing his granddaughter, but to this daily rhythm. One day Nicholas Andrew brought a second cup and set it beside Sergey’s thermos. “I don’t pour myself any,” he said, almost apologetic. “Blood pressure.” “I’m allowed,” Sergey replied, hesitating before pouring a finger’s worth into the cup. “Would you at least like a sniff?” Nicholas Andrew smiled, just a little. “A sniff’s fine.” After that, their ritual began: Sergey poured the tea, Nicholas held the cup to avoid spills, returning it empty. Sometimes they shared biscuits, sometimes silence. Sergey noticed Nicholas’s silence was comfortable, like a pause in a conversation bound to continue. Grandchildren were discussed gently, like the weather. Nicholas Andrew said his grandson Victor (“Vicky”), disliked PE, always finding an excuse to stay in class. Sergey Petrovich laughed—his granddaughter Anna was the opposite, running so wildly the teacher begged her to slow down. Soon their conversations deepened. Nicholas Andrew admitted, after his wife’s passing, he couldn’t leave the house until the school’s routine pulled him out because he “had to.” Sergey didn’t share his own story right away, but later, washing up, realised he wanted to. He lived with his daughter and granddaughter in a small flat on the city’s edge. His daughter worked in accounting, came home tired, speaking in clipped sentences. Anna was noisy, her noise wholesome and bright. Sergey aimed to help without getting in the way—sometimes he felt like an extra kitchen chair: unobtrusive, yet still a reminder of cramped space. Sitting on the bench, for the first time he felt wanted for more than just his practical use. Nicholas Andrew asked, “How’s your blood pressure?” or “Been to the doctor lately?”—and it wasn’t just politeness. Sergey replied, and caught himself speaking honestly. One morning Nicholas Andrew brought birdseed. “The pigeons are used to us now,” he said. “Look how close they come.” Sergey spread a handful on the pavement. The pigeons gathered as if awaiting command. Their feet shuffled in the grit, and Sergey felt a strange relief: a simple act that made someone’s day a little better. Soon, he counted their meetings—not as “while Anna’s in class,” or “when there’s time,” but an essential part of his day. He even stopped cutting it close, started arriving early to claim his spot and watch Nicholas sit, remove his gloves, gaze up at the windows. Then one Monday, Sergey arrived as usual—and the bench was empty. He stopped, unsure he hadn’t entered the wrong courtyard. Rain had left the bench damp; a single yellow leaf clung to the wood. Sergey wiped the seat, settled down, thermos at his side, pigeon crumbs in his lap. The security guard, absorbed in his phone, didn’t notice. “He’s just late,” Sergey thought. Nicholas sometimes got held up at the chemist. Sergey poured himself some tea, sipped, and waited. When the bell rang, Nicholas hadn’t come. Next day, the bench was still vacant. Sergey didn’t bother wiping it down, sat on the dry spot, using a newspaper as protection. He watched every older man in a dark coat, hoping. No one arrived. By day three, frustration crept in—not at Nicholas Andrew, but at being left without explanation. “Maybe I don’t need it after all,” he thought, almost ashamed at his own expectation. But he couldn’t stop expecting. Nicholas Andrew had a simple old phone; Sergey had seen him squint, searching for numbers. He’d jotted down Nicholas’s number while arranging a taxi for Victor once. At home, he found the note and dialled. Ringing, then a brief beep, then silence. He tried again—same result. On the fourth day, Sergey approached the security guard. “Excuse me, Nicholas Andrew… Victor’s grandfather, he always sat here. Have you seen him?” The guard looked up as if Sergey had asked for a password. “Lots of grandads here,” he shrugged. “Don’t keep track.” “He’s tall, has a moustache…” Sergey realised how pathetic he sounded. “No idea,” the guard was already back to his phone. Sergey tried the woman at the gates, usually complaining about homework. “Do you know Nicholas Andrew?” “I don’t know anyone,” she snapped. “I’ve got my own to worry about.” He asked a young mum with a buggy who sometimes smiled at him. “Sorry, do you know Victor, in Year 3?” “Victor?” she said, thinking. “Quiet boy, yes. Why?” “His grandfather… stopped coming.” She shrugged. “Maybe he’s ill. Everyone is, these days.” Sergey returned to the bench, feeling anxiety rising. He tried to convince himself it wasn’t his business, but each glance at the empty spot felt like betraying something important by just sitting and pretending nothing was wrong. That evening he told his daughter as she chopped salad. “Dad, who knows?” she said, not looking up. “Maybe he went to relatives.” “He’d have told me,” Sergey replied. “You never know,” she sighed. “Don’t stress. Your blood pressure.” Anna listened, notebook open. “Granddad Nick?” she asked. “He’s nice. He once said I read faster than he thinks.” Sergey smiled, but it hurt. “See?” said Anna. “Maybe he just… has things to do.” Sergey nodded, but lay awake that night, listening to his daughter’s quiet phone call in the next room. He wanted to get up and dial the number again, but feared hearing a stranger—or nothing at all. The next afternoon, waiting for Anna, he spotted Victor. The boy left school last, backpack oversized. Alongside walked a stern woman, about forty, short hair—Victor’s mother, Sergey realised. He waited, then caught up with them. “Excuse me, are you Victor’s mum?” She tensed. “Yes. And you are?” “I… I waited for the children with your father, Nicholas Andrew. He hasn’t been here, I’m worried.” She studied him carefully, deciding if he was trustworthy. “He’s in hospital,” she finally said. “Stroke. Not too bad… well, as much as it can be. He’s on the ward. No phone—so he doesn’t lose it.” Sergey felt his knees buckle, clutching his bag strap. “Where?” he asked. “The City Hospital, up on Woodland Road,” she replied. “But you can’t just visit, there are rules.” “I understand,” Sergey said, though he didn’t. How could anyone block a visitor to someone all alone? “Thanks for asking,” she added, gentler now. “It’ll mean a lot to him, knowing he’s remembered.” She led Victor to the bus stop. Sergey remained at the gate—relieved at the explanation, yet anxious because it was so grave. At home, he told his daughter. She frowned. “Dad, you’re not going there,” she said. “They’ll have you on the security list. Anyway, who is he to you?” Sergey heard not anger, but fear: fear that he’d lose himself to new worries. “No one,” Sergey said. “Still…” The next day, he visited his local clinic, where he’d seen a poster for a social worker before. The corridor smelled of bleach and wet shoe covers. People lined up with files, grumbling. Sergey took a ticket, waited his turn. The woman behind the desk listened quietly, her face tired. “Are you family?” she asked. “No,” Sergey admitted. “Then I can’t give you patient information,” she replied evenly. “It’s private data.” “I just want to send a note,” Sergey’s voice sharpened. “He’s alone, you see? We… we met every day…” “I understand,” the woman softened a little. “You could send a note through his relatives. Or the ward, if permitted. But I need their consent.” Sergey left, sitting on the waiting-room bench, feeling ashamed, like he’d come begging. “That’s it. Silly old man, interfering,” he thought. He wanted to go home, shut himself away, never come back to school. But then he remembered Nicholas Andrew holding the tea cup, passing birdseed, brightening each day with small acts. Now it was Sergey’s turn to do something, anything. He called Victor’s mum, after approaching her again at school for her number. She refused at first, but gave in, seeing his persistence. “But no fuss,” she warned. “Strict routines there.” Sergey called in the evening. “This is Sergey Petrovich. I… I’d like to send Nicholas Andrew a few words. Could you…” There was a pause. “He can’t speak much now,” she said. “But he hears. I’m visiting tomorrow. What should I tell him?” Sergey glanced at his notebook, where he’d drafted some phrases—but they felt wrong. “Just tell him the bench is waiting,” he said quietly. “And I’m here. I’ll bring tea when I can.” “All right,” she replied. “I’ll let him know.” After, he sat in the kitchen a long while. His daughter washed dishes, pretending not to listen. Then she put the plate to dry and said, “Dad, if you want, I’ll go with you. When they let visitors in.” Sergey nodded. What mattered wasn’t her company, but that she’d said “with you” instead of “Why bother?” A week later, Victor’s mum met him again at school. “He smiled when I mentioned the bench,” she said. “Waved his hand, like this, inviting. The doctor says rehab will take a while. We’ll bring him to ours afterwards. Can’t leave him on his own.” Sergey felt something cinch inside. Daily meetings would likely never resume. The emptiness was like a coat missing from its hook. “May I write a letter?” Sergey asked. “You can,” she replied. “Keep it brief. It’s hard for him to focus long.” That evening, Sergey wrote in large letters for easy reading: “Nicholas Andrew, I’m here. Thank you for the tea and sunflower seeds. I’m waiting for when you’re ready. Sergey Petrovich.” After thinking, he added, “Victor is doing well.” He read it over, then left it unchanged. He folded the sheet, marked the surname from an old utility bill Nicholas had once shown him. Next day at school, Sergey handed the envelope to Victor’s mum. The envelope was dry, crisp—he carried it as if fragile. When the bell rang and the children streamed out, Anna hugged him and launched into her stories. Sergey listened, glancing at the bench. It was empty; and it no longer angered him. It had become a place where something mattered, even if that something was now absent. Before leaving, Sergey scattered bread crumbs for the pigeons. They swooped down, as if knowing the schedule as well as the children. Watching them, Sergey realised he could come not just to wait, but to stay open. “Granddad, what are you thinking?” Anna asked. “Nothing,” he replied, taking her hand. “Let’s go. We’ll come back tomorrow.” He said it not as a promise to someone else, but as a decision for himself. And his steps felt steadier because of that.

The Cupboard and the Scales She reached into the cupboard, not in search of memories, but for a jar of pickled cucumbers for her salad. On the top shelf, behind a box of Christmas lights, the corner of a case stuck out—one that was never meant to be in her flat anymore. The fabric had darkened, the zipper got stuck. She tugged, and from the depths emerged the long, narrow body of a violin case, like a stretched-out shadow. She placed the jar on the stool by the door so she wouldn’t forget, then crouched right down, as if that made it easier not to decide. The zipper gave way on the third try. Inside lay a violin. The varnish had dulled in places, strings hung loose, the bow looked like an old broom. But the shape was unmistakable, and something clicked inside her chest, like a light switch. She remembered how, back in Year Nine, she’d carried this case across the entire neighbourhood, embarrassed by how silly she thought she looked. Then there was college, work, a wedding—and one day she just stopped going to lessons. Life was busy elsewhere. The violin was sent for safekeeping to her parents, then it came with her things when she moved, and now it lay here, in the cupboard among bags and boxes. Not offended, just forgotten. She lifted the instrument carefully, as if it might fall apart. The wood grew warm under her palm, though it was chilly in the cupboard. Her fingers found the fingerboard immediately, and then—awkwardness. Her hand didn’t remember how to hold it, as if it was a stranger’s thing she’d borrowed without permission. The kettle was boiling in the kitchen. She stood up, closed the cupboard, but didn’t put the case back. She left it in the hallway, propped against the wall, and went to turn off the hob. She could make the salad without cucumbers. She caught herself already looking for an excuse. That evening, once the dishes were done and nothing remained on the table but a plate of bread crumbs, she brought the case into the living room. Her husband sat in front of the TV, flicking through channels without really listening. He looked up. “What have you found there?” “The violin,” she said, surprised by her own calm. “Oh. Still alive?” He smirked, not meanly, just with that familiar, domestic irony. “Don’t know. I’ll check.” She opened the case on the sofa, slipping an old towel under it to save the upholstery. She took out the violin, the bow, a tiny box of resin. The resin was cracked, like ice on a puddle. She ran the bow across it; the hairs barely caught the surface. Tuning turned into its own humiliation. The pegs were stiff, the strings squeaked, one popped straight away and slapped her finger. She swore softly enough not to alert the neighbours. Her husband grunted. “Maybe better let the repair shop have at it?” he suggested. “Maybe,” she replied, though inside she felt the sting—not at him, at herself for not knowing even how to tune it. She found a tuner app on her phone, set it beside her. The screen showed letters, the needle wandered. She twisted pegs, listened—some notes slipped low, others went sharp. Her shoulder ached, fingers grew tired from unfamiliar effort. When the strings finally stopped sounding like telephone wires in the wind, she brought the instrument under her chin. The chin rest was cold; her neck felt thin and exposed. She tried to straighten, as she’d once been taught, but her back protested. She chuckled to herself. “So, concert time?” Husband asked, eyes still on the screen. “For you,” she said. “Brace yourself.” The first sound made her flinch—not a note, a complaint. The bow trembled; her hand couldn’t draw a straight line. She paused, breathed, tried again. It was better, but still shameful. The shame was adult—different from the adolescent kind where you think the whole world is watching. Here, the world wasn’t. Just the walls, her husband, and her own hands, oddly foreign. She played the open strings, slowly, counting to herself. Then attempted a D major scale, and her left fingers got jumbled. She couldn’t recall where the second finger went, or the third. Her fingers were thicker than before, fingertips too soft, no familiar pain—just a dull sense that her skin was unprepared. “It’s okay,” her husband said unexpectedly. “Well… you won’t get it all in one go.” She nodded, not sure who it was meant for—him, her, or the violin. Next day, she visited the workshop near the station. It wasn’t romantic: glass door, counter, walls hung with guitars and violins, the air smelled of varnish and dust. The technician—a young guy with an earring—handled the instrument confidently, as if it was simply a tool. “Strings need changing,” he said. “And the pegs greased, bridge sorted. Bow could use rehairing, but that’s pricier.” She heard “pricier” and tensed. Thoughts of bills, medications, a birthday gift for her granddaughter. She almost said, “Never mind, then.” Instead, she asked: “What if we just do the strings and the bridge for now?” “That’s fine. It’ll play.” She left the violin, took her receipt, slipped it into her wallet. Walking out felt like she’d handed not just an object for fixing, but a piece of herself to be returned in working order. At home, she opened her laptop and typed “adult violin lessons UK.” She chuckled at the phrase—adult. As if adults were a special breed needing things explained slower, gentler. She found some adverts. Some promised “results in a month,” others spoke of “individual approach.” She closed the tabs—words got her anxious. Then she reopened them and messaged a female teacher in the next borough. Brief: “Hello. I’m 52. Want to regain some skills. Is it possible?” She regretted it instantly. Wanted to delete the message—it felt like an admission of weakness. But it was sent. That evening her son visited. He stepped into the kitchen, kissed her cheek, asked about work. She put the kettle on, found biscuits. He spotted the case in the corner. “Is that a violin?” he asked, genuine surprise in his voice. “Yes. Found it. Thinking… of giving it a go.” “Mum, you’re serious?” He smiled, more puzzled than mocking. “You haven’t… not for ages.” “Ages,” she agreed. “That’s why I want to.” He sat, turned a biscuit over in his fingers. “What do you want it for?” he finally said. “You’re tired enough already.” She felt the old reflex rise—explain, justify, prove she had a right. But explanations always sounded feeble. “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I just want to.” He looked at her closely, as if seeing not the always-capable mum, but a woman wanting something just for herself. “Well… alright then,” he said. “Don’t overdo it. And spare the neighbours.” She laughed. “They’ll survive. I’ll practise in the daytime.” When he left, she felt lighter. Not because he’d permitted, but because she hadn’t gone in for excuses. Two days later, she collected her violin. The strings were shiny, the bridge set straight. The tech showed her how to adjust, how to store. “Don’t leave it by the radiator,” he said. “Keep it in the case.” She nodded, like a pupil. At home, she set the case on a chair, opened it, stared at the instrument, afraid to ruin it again. For her first exercise, she chose the simplest: long bow strokes on open strings. As a child, it had felt like punishment. Now it was a lifeline. No tune, no judgment—just sound and the attempt to keep it steady. After ten minutes her shoulder hurt. Fifteen and her neck was stiff. She stopped, placed the violin in its case, zipped it shut. Inside, anger flared—at her body, her age, the difficulty of everything now. She went to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, stared out the window. On the playground, teens whizzed on scooters, laughing loudly. She envied them—not for their youth, but their shamelessness. They fell, got up, tried again; it never occurred to them it was too late to learn balance. She returned to the room and opened the case again—not because she had to, but because she didn’t want to end on anger. Reply from the teacher came that evening: “Hello! Of course it’s possible. Come along, we’ll start with holding and simple exercises. Age isn’t a barrier, but patience is needed.” She read that twice. “Patience” felt honest, which made her calm. For the first lesson, she travelled with the case in hand, clutching it like something precious and fragile. On the tube, people glanced, some smiled. She caught their gaze and thought: let them. Let them see. Her teacher was a petite woman in her forties, cropped hair and kind eyes. In the room stood a piano, music on a shelf, a child’s violin on a chair. “Let’s have a look,” she said, and asked her to hold the instrument. She did, and instantly it was clear she held it wrong. Her shoulder lifted, chin pinched, her left hand wooden. “No trouble,” the teacher said. “You haven’t played. Let’s just stand together first. Feel that it’s not the enemy.” She smiled at that and felt a bit silly: learning how to hold a violin at fifty-two. But the feeling was liberating. No one expected her to be good—only to be present. After the lesson, her hands shook like after PE. The teacher wrote out a list: ten minutes a day on open strings, then scales, no more. “Less but regular,” she advised. At home, her husband asked, “Well, how was it?” “Tough,” she replied. “But alright.” “Are you pleased?” She thought. Pleased wasn’t quite it. She felt anxious, amused, embarrassed—and, oddly, light. “Yes,” she said. “Feels like I’m doing something with my hands again, not just working and cooking.” A week later, she dared play a tiny tune she remembered from childhood. She’d found the notes online, printed them at work, hiding them among papers so colleagues wouldn’t ask. At home she set the music up on a makeshift stand—book and box. The sound was wobbly, the bow scratched other strings, her fingers missed. She stopped, started over. At one point, her husband poked his head in. “You know… it’s kind of lovely,” he said, cautious, as if not wanting to scare it away. “Don’t lie,” she told him. “I’m not. It’s… recognisable.” She smiled. “Recognisable” felt almost like praise. At the weekend, her granddaughter visited—six years old, she spotted the case instantly. “Gran, what’s that?” “The violin.” “Can you play?” She thought of saying “Once.” But for a child, “once” makes no sense. There’s only now. “I’m learning,” she said. Her granddaughter perched on the sofa, hands folded neatly like at a school recital. “Play something!” She felt something shrivel inside. Playing for a child was scarier than for adults—a child hears honestly. “Alright,” she said, and took the violin. She played the tune she’d laboured over all week. On the third bar, the bow slipped, the note came out squeaky. Her granddaughter didn’t grimace. She tilted her head. “Why does it squeal like that?” “Because Gran’s bow isn’t straight,” she said, laughing at herself. Her granddaughter giggled too. “Try again!” she asked. She played again. It wasn’t better, but she didn’t stop out of shame. She played right to the end. Later, when everyone was busy elsewhere, she was left alone. Music printouts on the table, a pencil for marking trouble spots. The violin was in its case; the case closed, but left beside the wall—not back in the cupboard. It stood there, a reminder that this was now part of her day. She set a ten-minute timer on her phone—not to force herself, but not to burn out. She opened the case, took out the violin, checked the resin, tightened the bow. Lifted it under her chin, exhaled. The note was softer than in the morning; then it squeaked again. She didn’t scold herself. Just readjusted and pulled the bow, listening to the note holding on and trembling. When the timer chimed, she didn’t stop straightaway. Finished the last stroke, settled the violin in its case, zipped it up. Then placed it by the wall—not in the cupboard. She knew tomorrow would be the same: a bit of embarrassment, a bit of fatigue, a few clear seconds worth opening the case for. And that was enough to keep going.