“Life must go on. He ran off and thats that. He wasnt exactly an upstanding man anyway. We’ll raise the child ourselves, dont worry!”
I grew up under the care of my mother and grandfather. My grandmother, I recall only faintlyher warm scones, the comforting scent in the parlour. I was but five when she passed away.
As for my father, I never met himnot once. He vanished before I was even born. He and my mother, Margaret, had come to the village together, full of fresh hope.
Hed met Margarets parents, the wedding day had been set, but then he abruptly disappeared. No one could find him. Margaret wept bitterly, being already with child.
Tears wont help, my grandmother used to say. Life moves on. He ran off and let him. Good riddance, if you ask me. Well bring up the child ourselves, dont fret.
I wanted for nothing in childhood, yet was never spoiled. I took joy in my studies and fared well at school.
My grandfather was a stern sort, guiding me with a steady hand. From him I learnt to respect my elders, to hold dear what I had. I could turn my hand to most things. Whatever I tried, I persevered.
By the age of thirty, I was considered a most eligible bachelor. Handsome, well-placed in my career, earning a fine wage, and with a three-bedroom flat in Londoneverything one could wish for.
I was hardly short of admirers, yet I never hurried. My weekends I always reserved for visiting Mother in the village. Grandfather had passed on, and lately Mothers health was fragile.
She still managed with the housework, though it was becoming a strain.
I tried to persuade her to come live with me in town, but she refused.
What would I do there? she told me. Besides, Im not expecting grandchildren from you any time soon. Im better off here, quietly, on my own.
Spend the summer. Then perhaps a stay at the seaside, and after, you can come home with me. You could rest, recover, and when you feel ready, return to your cottage. Who knows, perhaps Ill join you in the end!
But what about your work? Margaret exclaimed. What would you do in the village?
Theres work to be found in the country, too, I replied with a dismissive wave.
At that time, I was seeing two young women. I truly couldnt decide between them.
The first was Mary, a modest country lass. Practical and endearing.
The second was Alicebeautiful, lively, flashy. One might have assumed shed never done a days housework, what with her city ways and ready laughter.
I kept our meetings on neutral ground, never inviting them home. Still, I couldnt put off a choice forever. I decided at last to introduce them to Mother, whod just returned from a respite at the coast, feeling much herself again.
Mary came to visit first. She needed less convincing than I thought and was delightedthoughtful that her hopes might soon come true. An introduction to Mother certainly meant my intentions were serious!
Youve a fine flat here, spacious, Mary remarked, glancing around.
Yes, plenty of space. Mother likes it too, though shes a bit under the weather just now.
Oh, so she lives here with you? I thought she was just visiting. Shes unwell?
She is.
Well, Ill say it plainly, Im not prepared to look after your mother
I never asked you to! I said, surprised. I can manage myself.
But, well Im not sure about this
About what?
Nothing. Only, its easier to live apart. You said your mother had her cottage in the village. Shed be more comfortable there. And we without her, as well.
My mother will always be with me. Thats not up for discussion.
I see. I thought you were serious, but youre just a mummys boy. Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.
With that, Mary vanished, not even pausing for a cup of tea.
Well, so be it, I thought. She fled fast enough. Alice will probably run off even quicker, and Ill be left with no one
When Alice visited, I decided to get straight to the point.
Whatever happens, my mother will always be with me, I declared.
I dont see the problem, Alice replied, puzzled. Why are you telling me this? I understand your mother will be living with you, but
If we were to make a home together, what would you thinkMother living with us?
Thats fine! Are you proposing, then?
I smiled. Perhaps. Would you care to meet my mother?
Oh. Do you think shell like me? Now? Right now?
Shell love you. Whats there to fear?
I dont know. Im just nervous, thats all
Alice and Mother took to each other immediately. They connected so quickly that soon enough theyd stroll together through the garden waiting for me to return from work. Later all three of us travelled to the village for a holiday. Strangely, city-slicker Alice found she rather liked village life. Mother decided to stay on.
After this summer, I feel well again, she said.
Six months later, Alice and I were wed.
Well, now I shall see grandchildren at last! Mother exclaimed.
And she didfirst a little granddaughter, then a grandson.
Alice and I settled in town with our children. As the kids grew and prepared for university, Mother spent increasing time with us too. Every summer, wed all go back to the village as a family. Margaret never could tear herself away from her old cottage.
Alice, forgive me for bringing this up just now, but Id like to go hometo the village. Shall we go? she asked my wife one afternoon.
Of course! Lets wait for your son to come in from work, then well all go together.
Good. But please, lets be off as soon as he arrives. Its important to me
The village was as tranquil as it ever had been, with fewer neighbours each year
Well, thats it thenIve come home for good, Mother said abruptly. Best sell the cottage. We wont get much for it, and it pains me to think it will crumble away
What are you on about, mum? I protested. Well all go back to town straight after!
Shes right! Alice chimed in. Why ever would you say such a thing?
Margaret merely waved her hand. Put the kettle on, please, Id love a cup of tea
After tea, she slipped into her room for a little rest.
Alice and I sat talking in the kitchen for a while.
Mum, time to be off! I called at last.
There was no reply.
I found her in her room, still. Shed slipped away peacefully in her sleep.
We laid Mother to rest beneath the ancient oaks in the churchyard.
She somehow knew, didnt she? Alice wept. Shed come back one last time. I truly loved your mother as though she were my own
I know. Ive known for a long time. What shall we do about the old cottage?
It would be a shame to sell
Indeed, let it be. It holds a piece of our past. It should remainfor a while yet. Well bring the children now and then, perhaps even their children one day
And that is what we decided. To keep the old family cottage, for memories to linger a little longer, for future generations to visit and remember too.
