Sarah was sprawled out on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling. Worry kept her from even thinking about sleep. How could she sleep when her little girl was unwell? She kept thinking, Why did I send her to that nursery? If only Id kept her home a few more days, maybe she wouldnt have caught that awful bug
Her chest tightened with worry, making it hard to breathe. Sarah got up and walked over to the window. Dull, grey clouds hung low over the sleepy village. It had been drizzling with that relentless, chilly autumn rain on and off for three days already. She let out a weary sigh. From the bedroom, little Emily stirred, groaned in her sleep, and started coughing. Sarah rushed over, feeling her hot forehead. She didnt even need a thermometer to know Emilys temperature was up again. She quietly switched on the night light, took the thermometer out, and tucked it under Emilys arm.
Forty degrees! Oh God, what am I supposed to do? she whispered, panicked.
Emilys eyes blinked open. Mummy, Im hot, she whimpered.
I know, darling, I know. Youre burning up
At that moment, her husband Tom woke up and sat beside them. Sarah started fussing around, preparing another dose of Calpol, but the fever wouldnt budge. Just before dawn, a blue flashing light danced across their front garden as the ambulance drew up, whisking Sarah and Emily off to the hospital.
A kindly nurse looked at Sarah pale and shaking with nerves and gave her arm a soft, reassuring stroke as she expertly slid a cannula into Emilys small hand.
Dont worry, love. Well take care of her now. Shes in good hands.
All Sarah could do was sigh in relief.
Soon enough, Emily was feeling brighter. She opened her eyes and asked for a drink. Sarah turned and noticed another child watching her with giant blue eyes, peeking out from the bed opposite. The girl looked transparent and tiny, with wild, unbrushed fair hair spilling over her thin shoulders. Her old leggings had holes at the toes and her washed-out T-shirt had certainly seen better days. Under her bed, instead of slippers, were trainers wrapped in blue hospital covers.
Hello, the girl said.
Hi there. Did you arrive last night too? Sarah asked.
Yes, in the night.
Whats your name?
Im Vera. Who are you?
Im Auntie Sarah, and this is Emily. How long have you been here, Vera?
Oh, ages. Ill be going soon. On Friday.
Thats still a way off. Its only Monday today.
Is your mum here?
Vera shook her head. My mum she died when I was little. My dad well, he started drinking, then he died too. So they sent me to the childrens home. She gave a small, old ladys sigh. Thats where I live but I like it here more. The food is nice, and the older ones dont pick on me
She hopped out of bed to put her trainers on.
Breakfast will be soon. Shall I bring you some?
Thats kind, but no, thank you, sweetheart. Ill see to it myself
Sarah watched the little girl shuffling off, her heart aching. Another mum in the ward nodded after Vera and murmured, Shes a good girl, such a gentle soul. Been through too much, poor thing.
Just then, Sarahs phone played its familiar ringtone.
Hello?
Sarah, darling, hows Emily? came her mums anxious voice.
Mum, were at the hospital.
Oh for goodness sake! Whats happened?
Dont panic Emilys temp shot up, but its down now. They think its bronchitis. Shes sleeping at the moment.
Her mum heaved a sigh. Oh, my poor darling girl. Which hospital are you in? Ill come straight away. What should I bring?
Mum, I forgot my slippers, and Emily needs her pink pyjamas. Also Mum theres a little girl here from the childrens home. If youve got any shampoo, soap, anything like that, could you bring those? And you still have Sophies old things, right?
What girl, Sarah?
Ill explain later. Could you just bring a couple of vests, a dressing gown, leggings? And most importantly, some slippersabout age six, if youve got them?
Of course, love, Ill pack them now.
The next morning, Emily was much chirpier, giggling away with her new friend Vera. Sarah slipped into the corridor and caught a nurse as she walked past.
Nurse, does no one ever visit Vera?
The nurse pressed her lips together. No. Social services pick her up when shes ready for discharge.
And is she allowed to have a bath?
The nurse gave a sad little smile. Not just allowed, she needs one. Its just, you know, were always so rushed.
That evening, Vera was glowing with happiness. Hair scrubbed shiny, cuddled up in a fresh, warm pyjama set and new pink slippers with little dogs embroidered on them she was a different girl entirely. Every present from Sarah, Vera tucked carefully under her pillow. She hid her slippers under the mattress.
Vera, why are you hiding your things? Sarah asked, puzzled.
So no onell nick them Vera replied quietly.
Sarah could only sigh again.
After lights-out, Vera closed her eyes and imagined herself strolling down a sun-drenched, leafy street, holding Emilys hand in one, and Auntie Sarahs in the other. She wished more than anything that she too could have a mum and a dad to tuck her in at night, kiss her forehead, bathe her, dress her in soft, clean pyjamas, and toss her high up into the air just for fun. Shed be good, she promised herself cleaning the dishes, helping Emily learn her letters, whatever it took. All she wanted was to belong, to be loved, to have a mum
She let out a shaky breath. It wasnt that anyone at the home hit her, but the matron, Mrs. Ellison, always shouted and the other children could be cruel theyd nick her food and clothes. Shed once dropped her porridge in the dining room: for that they locked her in a musty, dark cupboard as punishment. Vicky Petterson made fun of her, hissing, Well, silly, youll be with the mice now. Vera was terrified of rodents. Shed stood shivering for hours, crying quietly, until she collapsed on the cold floor. Thats how she caught the cough that landed her in hospital
Memories made her eyes sting. Tears spilled down her cheeks Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand stroking her hair. She opened her eyes.
Auntie Sarah
Oh, sweetheart dont cry, my lovely Everythings going to be alright, I promise.
Sarah pulled Vera into a warm hug, full of motherly tenderness.
Vera snuggled in close. For a moment, it felt like her own mum was holding her, smoothing her hair.
Auntie Sarah
Yes, love?
I wish you were my mum
Sarahs tears fell freely. The decision was made in that instant not in her head, but right in her heart. She just needed to talk to her family now.
Her mum understood before shed even finished explaining, and Sarahs mother-in-law supported her too shed grown up without parents herself. But Tom was more cautious.
Are you mad? Do you realise this is forever? he asked.
I do! But I also know that if I dont do this, my conscience will haunt me forever. Dont you see?
Tom looked away, struggling.
Id like to meet her, he finally said.
Alright, of course.
That evening, they all gathered in the visitors lounge. Tom scooped up Emily, kissing her cheeks. I missed you, my little monkey
Sarah gently touched his arm. Tom, this is Vera. Vera, this is Uncle Tom.
Vera nodded shyly, her big blue eyes searching his face.
Hello, Vera! Tom said quietly, Nice to meet you.
And you Vera whispered.
Something stirred inside Tom that he couldnt explain; he looked at Sarah, eyes shining. Then he nodded.
A few months later, a car pulled up outside the childrens home. Kids crowded the windows, pressing their noses to the glass.
Vera, Vera theyve come for you! someone yelled.
Vera dashed outside, her heart thumping with joy.
Hello, Vera! Weve come to take you home. Shall we go?
Veras tiny heart was almost bursting with happiness. Yes, Mummy!She threw her arms around Sarah, clinging with all the fierce, desperate love she’d been saving up her whole life. Tom bent down and hoisted her up alongside Emily, one girl on each hip, both squealing and giggling as Sarah wrapped them both in a wide, motherly hug.
As they walked toward the car, Vera glanced over her shoulder at the old house for the last time. A soft autumn sun peeked through the thinning clouds, casting the whole world in golden light. In that warm, unfamiliar glow, Vera squeezed Sarahs hand and let herself believe the promise. For once, there were no shadows waiting for heronly the sound of little-girl laughter, and the gentle, steady beat of a familys heart.
At last, Vera belonged. And as Sarah looked back at the two girls nestled together, she felt her worry replaced by a bright, fierce hopeknowing her family had grown, not just in number, but in love.
Home, she realized, wasnt a place. It was this: arms around each other, hearts open, and the promise that, come what may, no one would ever be alone again.
