The Little Things in Life
Ignoring her parents advice, Emily married her beloved, James, a dependable lad. He was raised by his grandmother, Marthaknown to him as Gran Martha since childhood. James’ parents passed away when he was just two, so he didnt remember them at all.
When Emily introduced James to her parents, her mother, Susan, struck a pose the moment he left.
Emily, we didnt raise you for this. Youre in your third year at university, what are you thinking? Marriage? A wedding? I dont want James for a son-in-law. What has he got to offer? Works at a garage just a tradesman Know this, if you go through with this, I wont help you.
Mum, Im marrying him regardlessyou know me, Emily insisted. Her father, as usual, kept quiet, always seeking neutral ground between his wife and daughter. Besides Im expecting.
The wedding was modest. Despite Emilys parents having plenty, Susan refused to celebrate in style. If only Emily married the son of her old friend, but Emily was stubborn as ever.
Shell live in poverty with her mechanic, soon enough shell come running home. Right now, shes got romance clouding her mind, Susan grumbled to her husband. Shes even left for his grans house, claims she doesnt want me humiliating her husbandas if! Emily isnt thrilled about being pregnant.
Emilys parents lived comfortably in a spacious flat in London; Emily was used to an easy life as their only child. Still, she left with James for Gran Marthas cottage in a village seven miles outside the city.
Time passed, and Emily gave birth to a daughter. Gran Martha was a tremendous help, teaching the young mother everything and even getting up at night to tend to little Sophie. Emily resumed her university studies, juggled being a wife and mum, but she was forever tired. Every morning, she woke early, sprinted for the bus to the city, then switched to another bus to reach university.
Shed return home exhausted; Gran Martha and Sophie waited at the gate, little Sophie missing her mum dearly. Later, James would come home, always late, working long hours. Hed scoop Sophie into his arms and whirl her around, doting on his girls. Though Emily wanted to spend time with her husband, he arrived late on the last bus, hungry and worn out.
Emilys dissertation was looming. Often, she wished she could return to her parents comfortable flatno more wasting so much time getting to university. But Susan was still offended; she didnt call or enquire about her granddaughter.
James had an older brother, Thomas, who lived in his own flat in the city with his wife and son, earned his keep working out of town. But Thomas family life was rocky. His wife, Mary, wanted more and more.
Thomas phoned, James told Gran Martha and Emily, Hes left Maryall those endless arguments. Hes renting a flat now.
Oh dear, Gran Martha fretted, He bought a flat of his own, and now hes moved out?
Gran, Thomas did the right thingleft everything to his wife and son, James defended his brother.
One evening, Emily admitted to James that the hectic routine wore her out, especially the two-bus commute. She didnt outright say she wished theyd move in with her parentsshed agreed to live independently after all.
Im tired, she said. Tired of being chained to the bus schedule, all those stops, barely making it in time.
James listened quietly, kissing her cheek.
Ive had an ideaIll tell you soon. Promise, itll be a surprise, he said mysteriously, but Emily was too weary for curiosity.
Days later, a car stopped outside their house.
Maybe it’s my parents, Emily thought, but the car was unfamiliar, rather old. No, that’s not thembesides, its a clunker.
She hurried outside and saw James step out with pride.
Well, what do you think of our beauty?
This is a car? Where did you get it?
I bought itwith the money wed been saving for a deposit, James replied.
Emily stared at the car, upset. Theyd been saving for a deposit on a flat, and now hed gone and spent it on this old banger. Now they’d be stuck in the village for ages.
James admired the car. I fixed it up myselfit runs well. Come on, let me take you for a spin. Taking her hand, he ushered her in. Just needs a paint job, and at least you wont have to slog on the buses anymore. Its practically good as new and cost next to nothing.
It drove decently, though Emily feared it might crumble any moment. When they returned home, Gran Martha and Sophie were at the gate. James scooped up Sophie and spun her round, while Emily hurried inside, tears streaming as she crossed the threshold. She sobbed uncontrollablyso much had built up.
Emily, dear, whats wrong? Gran Marthas worried voice reached her. Whats happened?
He spent all our savings for the deposit on that heap! Wed dreamed of a flat and now
Calm yourself, darling, Gran Martha hugged her. Youre the smartest, sweetest girl. Youre just tired, thats why youre upset. Its all the little things that matter. So long as everyones healthy and safe, dont get so worked up. Moneys nothinglove and understanding mean everything.
Emily took Gran Marthas wise words to heart and calmed down, feeling a bit embarrassed for her behaviour. She stepped out to the porch where James sat. The scruffy family dog bounded about, while Sophie cheerfully chased him, trying to grab his tail. Emily quietly sat beside her husband.
James, why didnt you ask me first? she said softly.
I wanted it to be a surprise thought it would please you
Emily gazed into his eyes, seeing so much unspoken pain, and suddenly understood. He did love her and bought the car to make her commute easierhe was trying to solve her problem as best he could. He hadnt realised shed actually meant something else.
All right, James, a car it is. Just promise me youll always talk things through with me first.
Agreed, James answered happily. You know meIve always made decisions on my own, sorry. From now on, well decide together.
Good. Its all just the little things in life, Emily echoed Gran Marthas words. The main thing is, were together and have a wonderful daughter.
Gran Martha watched from the window, smiling.
Their first family quarrelbut who hasnt had one? Therell be plenty more. As long as they love and understand each other, thats what matters. I dont doubt theyre in lovelook at them, like two doves all reconciled, she whispered, crossing herself and grinning.
James painted the car, Gran Martha stitched new covers. True, there wasnt much to celebratethe car had seen better days. But soon, Emily sat beside James in the front seat as they drove to the city.
Emily didnt wish to ask her parents for help.
Time moved on. Sophie grew, it was nearly time to settle her into nursery. Gran Martha, now elderly, needed rest. Emily finished university and found a job in London. James still worked late at the garage, trying to earn more. Again came the question of finding a flat in the city. They hadnt managed to save enough for a deposit, and Emily still refused to ask her parents for helpher mother didnt speak to her or Sophie.
Unexpectedly, help arrived from a surprising quarter. One weekend, the dog barked excitedly in the yard. Emily thought the neighbour had come with milk for Sophie.
Thomas! James cried out joyfully, spotting his older brother through the window, and rushed out. All right, matewhereve you come from?
Hello, James, hello!
The brothers embraced, clearly thrilled to see one another. Curious Sophie peeked through the door.
Theres my niece! Arent you lovely? Thomas exclaimed. Come here, Ive brought you a present.
He pulled out a large rabbit with long ears and a bow on its neck from a bag. Sophie gleefully took it, studied the bright ribbon, and scampered to show Gran Martha.
Gran Martha and Emily greeted Thomas warmly.
Not seen you in ages, Thomas. Hows it going? James said youre renting now, the grandmother asked while pouring tea.
Oh, Im all right, he said cheerfully. Mary left, found someone else, moved somewhere up North. I pay maintenance regularly. And this he handed a thick envelope to James, Actually, to both of youmy wedding gift. I was away working when you got married.
Whats this? James tensed.
Money.
What do you meanmoney?
For your deposit, Thomas explained, putting the envelope in his brothers hands. Marys gone, out of the flat, so now I live there. Id been saving to buy another flatcouldn’t take my old place from Mary and my son. Consider this a wedding gift.
A hush fell over the table, then everybody laughed with joy.
Thank you, mate, thank you, Thomas. Perfect timing
Emily nearly wept with gratitude. Gran Martha hugged her eldest grandson. The brothers embraced in silenceeverything was understood.
By autumn, James, Emily, and Sophie moved into a new two-bedroom flat in London. Sophie started nursery nearby, with the school close by as welltheyd chosen the flat with the future in mind.
James still worked at the garage. Fate had tested them, just as Gran Martha had said: all the little things in life, love and happiness, and everyone staying healthythats what counts.
Thanks for reading and for all your support. Wishing you luck and goodness!
