Natalie was trudging home from the village shop, her arms straining under the weight of several shopping bags. She was just turning into her road when she spotted a car she didnt recognise parked outside her gate.
Who could that be? Im not expecting anyone, she wondered quietly. She edged closer and, to her surprise, saw a young man stepping out onto her front garden.
Hes here! she exclaimed, dropping her bags and hurrying to embrace her son.
Hold on, Mum, he said, gently pulling away. I need to tell you something first.
Natalies heart thudded. Whats wrong? she asked, her nerves jangling.
Youd best sit down, David said softly.
Natalie followed her sons advice, lowering herself onto the garden bench, bracing for the worst.
She had been living alone in the picturesque English village since her husband had passed away two years prior. Her only son, David, had joined the army, then moved to the city for university and a job as an engineer at a local factory. At first, he rented a small flat and rarely visited, but over the past yearsince hed bought himself a carhe started coming by more often, usually unannounced, bringing groceries and odd bits of clothing.
Natalie would protestDont go spending your money on me, lovebut David never listened. Last time, hed brought her a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf.
But he never spoke of his life. Alls well, Mum. No need to fret, he would say if pushed. That was as much as she ever got. Luckily, village gossip often filled the gaps. Young Vera, her neighbour, had recently gone to the city and come back with news.
Natalie had given Vera a jar of homemade jam and some pickled mushrooms for David. Vera had his phone number, so arranged a quick meet-up.
Ooh, Mrs. Natalie, he turned up in a new car with some lady. Took all the food, said to say hello and that hell visit soon.
What lady? Natalie asked, curiosity piqued.
No idea. She didnt get out the car, but she looked older than himat least five years or so! Bit round, plenty of make-uplooked very well-to-do.
Natalie pondered this. David had never shared anything about his private life before. Maybe it was time to ask. Turns out, she didnt have to wait long.
As Natalie neared home from the shop, she saw David with a little boy beside him waiting in the garden, car parked at the gate.
Hes here! she called, walking faster to hug her son. But David stepped aside.
This is Jack, he said. Hes like a son to me now.
Well, come on in, both of you. No sense standing out here on the pathway.
Natalie hustled them into the kitchen. Luckily the potatoes on the hob were still warm. With pickled cabbage, crisp cucumbers, and tender boiled beef, she quickly threw together a spread.
Jack sat miserably at the table, pushing food around his plate and refusing to make eye contact. After they were fed and had a cup of tea, David suggested Jack go outside and explore the garden.
Mum, theres something I need to tell you, David began. I got married last year. Or, rather, I registered my marriage with Emma. Thats her son, Jack. Please dont feel upsetI didnt want to worry you. Emma doesnt want to meet her mother-in-law. Her first marriage ended badly, and there were awful rows with her ex-husbands mum. Emma never got over it. Both her ex and his mum passed away last year, so she was left with a flat, the car, and Jack. When we met, she invited me to live with them, and then we got married. She doesnt want to talk about mother-in-laws.
So why have you brought Jack here? Natalie asked, perplexed.
Well, its summer, and Emmas expectingshes due in August. She cant manage Jack on her own, not in her condition, and Im busy at work all day. If you could keep an eye on him till autumnIll fetch him back then.
Ill take care of him, dont worry, Natalie replied, But does he want to stay with me?
No-ones asked him. Emma just said hes to do as hes told.
Natalie raised her eyebrows at that, but held her tongue. She didnt know Emma at all, so thought it best not to interfere. Jack was eightold enough not to get underfoot, and soon there would be another new grandchild. Life was looking up.
David left for the city the next morning, and Jack sulked at the window, arms folded tight across his chest.
Natalie went over to him. Come on, young man, lets try and make the best of this. You can call me Granny Natalie. Which year are you going into?
Year Three, he grumbled, never looking round.
Well, lets go see the chickens, then. Ill show you the veg patch too; the strawberries are nearly ripe. Weve got the early varietysoon time to start picking.
I dont want to go anywhere with you.
Whats that about? I wont bite, and neither will Max, my old collie in the yard, if thats whats bothering you.
Mum said youre mean. And I wont be here long anyway. Im not scared of your Max.
Well, there we are then! And how would your mum know Im mean? Weve never even met! Alright, sit here if you like. Ive things to get on with in the garden, dear.
Natalie disappeared outside, feeling for the boy. It was obvious Emma must have suffered terribly at the hands of her last mother-in-law, but perhaps with kindness, she could help Jack settle.
She spent her days weeding and tending her modest plot. She didnt keep many animalsjust a few hens and a pair of ducks. Milk, cheese, and cream she bought from Veras family, swapping eggs or berries from her patch in return.
After a week, Jack began wandering around the garden. He soon grew to like Max and munched on the strawberries straight from the plant. He wasnt keen to help, but Natalie wasnt one to push.
One day, Natalie asked Jack along to the village shop and, to her surprise, he agreed. On their way home, he nearly talked her ear offafter that, something in him changed, as though a cloud had lifted.
He began tidying the house, watering plants, feeding Max, and making friends with the village boys. In the evenings, he rarely wanted to come home, and he even started reading Robinson Crusoe, a worn old copy that had once belonged to David. He devoured it, laughing over Fridays adventures and retelling the stories to Natalie while she knitted by the fire.
August brought David back, full of happy newsEmma had delivered a baby girl. Theyd called her Lily. Hed come first to update his mum and check on Jack before collecting Emma and the new arrival.
Dad, I like it here with Granny. Can I stay a bit longer? Ill see my sister once I start school.
So Jack stayed until September. Natalie gave David a pile of gifts for Lily: hand-knitted socks, a little bonnet, a light woollen blanket. For Emma, she knitted a pair of thick mittens for winter. David hugged his mum, shook Jacks hand like a grown-up and returned to the city.
Late August, Jack was playing football in the lane with the village boys when he spotted a car pulling up outside Natalies cottage. Everyone stopped to stare as chubby Emma got out, holding the baby, with David close behind. Jack dashed over, yelling, Mums here! but tripped on a stone. He didnt cry, just stuck a dock leaf on his scraped knee, like the other boys had taught him.
Emma kissed her son, took his hand, and headed inside.
What are you letting Jack run wild for? she demanded, instead of saying hello.
Hello, love, Natalie replied calmly. Good to finally meet you. In this village, the boys always run about togetherits part of growing up. Jacks been a great help, both in the house and in the garden. He deserves a bit of playtime.
Natalie crept up to see Lily. The baby slept soundly, tiny and angelic, and tears of joy welled up in Natalies eyes.
She treated the guests to a traditional roast with Yorkshire pudding and apple crumble for afters, then chatted about family life.
Were here for Jack, actually, Emma declared. Schools starting soon. Im sure youve had enough of him by now, and he must be eager to come home.
Jack jolted up, blurting fiercely, I dont want to go back to the city! I want to stay here with Granny Natalie! You told me she was mean, Mum, but shes kind!
Emma’s cheeks flushed bright red and she looked wounded. Natalie stepped in softly, Jack, darling, mind your manners, apologise to your mum, then off you go out but dont leave the garden.
Jack mumbled, Sorry. Wont do it again, and slipped outside.
Dont worry about him, Emma. Hes a smashing kidso polite and hardworking. Youve done a fine job raising him. And honestly, this summer was a joy for me. Bring him as often as you likehes welcome anytime.
Just then, Lily started to wail, and Emma hurried off to tend to her. The family spent two more days at Natalies. David fixed a few things around the cottage, Emma doted on the baby, and Natalie filled them up on good food, with Jack flitting between helping his dad, his granny, and looking after his sisterchatting away about his country adventures.
Finally, they packed up to leave. David and the kids went out to the car, while Emma lingered, gave Natalie a quick, nervous hug and quietly said, Thank you, Mum. I barely remember my own, and never thought a mother-in-law could be… like this. Im sorry for how I was. I love David, and you raised a good man.
Hes yours now, love. Im just so glad youre happy. And do bring Jack backI love him as my own.
And so they parted, and life moved on happily for them all. That winter, Natalie came to stay with her sons family, helping out with the children and the house. Emma and Natalie grew close as real mother and daughter, much to the delight of David and lively little Jack.
Sometimes, life requires time and kindness for old wounds to heal, but with patience and warmth, the heart can always find room for new family and new happiness.
