Sent to the Care Home — Don’t you start with that nonsense, Alice, not a word of it! — Mrs. Gladys Thompson shoved away her bowl of porridge with surprising strength. — You want to pack me off to an institution, do you? So they can stick me with whatever they like and suffocate me with a pillow if I make a fuss? It won’t happen! Alice took a deep breath, trying not to look at her grandmother’s trembling hands. — Nan, what institution? It’s a private care home. It’s next to the woods, nurses are there round-the-clock. You’ll have company there, a huge telly to watch. Here, you’re alone all day while Dad’s at work. — That “company” rubbish, I know all about it — the old woman wheezed, settling back on her pillows. — They’ll rob me blind, take my flat, and chuck me in some ditch. Tell Paul straight: he’ll never get me out of my house alive. Let him look after me himself. He’s my son, isn’t he? Didn’t sleep a wink when he was sick with measles, now it’s his turn. — Dad’s working two jobs just to pay for your meds! He’s fifty-three, his blood pressure’s all over the place, not once been to the cinema in three years, let alone had a holiday! — He’ll manage, — Gladys clamped her lips shut. — Still young. And you watch your mouth. Children don’t tell their elders what to do. Go on, clean up that mess! Filth everywhere! Alice stepped into the hallway and exhaled noisily. How is she supposed to talk to her? Her father came home at seven. He sat down heavily on the footstool, staring at the floor. — Dad, you okay? — Alice took the heavy grocery bag from him. — Fine, love. Work’s stacked up at the warehouse, end-of-year coming. How’s Gran? — As usual. Another row about the care home, says we’re out to get rid of her. Dad, we can’t go on. After bills this month we’ve got three hundred quid for food. And I’ve got halls to pay for, plus books. — We’ll manage, — Paul heaved himself up, pulled off his shoes. — I took on another shift. Night security, every other night. — That’s mad! When will you sleep? You’ll collapse at this rate! He said nothing, just filled a saucepan and put it on the hob. — Has she eaten? — Half went on the bed. I changed the sheets. — Right. Go do your studying for exams. I’ll feed her, and sort her out. Alice watched her limping father go to her grandmother’s room. She pitied him terribly. She saw the man who once laughed and joked fade day by day. The jokes were gone; joy vanished from his eyes. *** A week later, things got worse — he came home late, clearly unsteady. — Dad? Are you ill? — I’m fine, Alice. Just dizzy on the Tube. Too stuffy. — Sit down. I’ll check your blood pressure. The monitor showed 180 over 110. Alice silently fetched the tablets. — Tomorrow you’re not going in. I’m calling the doctor. — I can’t — he winced. — Inspection tomorrow. If I’m not there, I’ll lose my bonus. And Mum’s council tax just went up. — Sell her flat, Dad! — Alice whispered, so Gran wouldn’t hear. — Sell her one-bed in Essex. Six hundred grand — that’s masses for us. Clear the debts, hire a proper carer. Dad sighed: — She won’t agree… — Dad, she’s not set foot in the place for five years! What’s the point if she’s bedbound? He didn’t answer — a loud bang sounded in the other room. Gladys was banging her mug for attention. — Paul! Paul, get in here! Who are you whispering with? Gossiping about me again? — her creaky voice echoed. Paul took the pill Alice offered and went. *** Six years ago, Dad had a girlfriend — Helen. Kind and calm, she visited, brought lemon drizzle cake, and they planned weekends away. It ended when Gran fell ill. Helen tried to help, but Gladys made her life hell. — Coming after my son, are you? — she’d shout, faking “heart attacks” every time Paul had a date. — Get rid of her! Out! So Helen left, and Dad didn’t even try to get her back. Later, when Alice was revising for exams, the house phone rang. Dad wasn’t home. — Hello? — Is that Paul Thompson? — a male voice asked. — No, this is his daughter. What’s happened? — This is HR. Your dad collapsed at work. Paramedics took him to City Hospital. Write down the address. Alice scrawled the details over her revision notes. No sooner had she hung up than Gran hollered for her. — Alice! Who was that? Where’s Paul? Hurry and bring some tea! Alice went in. Gran, mummified with pillows, scowled. — Dad’s in hospital, — Alice said tersely. — Hospital? — Gladys froze, then sneered: — Well, you lot have driven me to it! He shouted at me yesterday, and now God’s punished him. No one ever thinks of me! Who’s going to feed me now? Put that kettle on. Alice left in silence. *** For three days Alice scrambled between hospital and home. Doctors diagnosed Paul with a hypertensive crisis caused by chronic stress. They ordered strict bedrest. — Alice, how’s Mum? — he asked first thing when she visited. — She’s fine, Dad. Our neighbour’s checking in. You need to focus on yourself. At least a fortnight off. — Two weeks… I’ll get sacked… Money… — Sleep, — Alice tucked him in. — I’ll sort everything. I promise. On day four, when she got home, Gran greeted her with a barrage of nagging. — Where d’you wander to? I’m lying in filth, Paul’s lazing in hospital, and I’m left to rot! Alice balled her fists and spoke, steady and calm. — Listen, Nan. Dad’s very ill, next time could be a stroke. — Codswallop! — Gladys scoffed. — He’s tough. Takes after his dad. Come turn me, my side’s going numb. — No, — Alice sat down. — I’m not turning you. Or feeding you. Gladys stared at her in disbelief. — What’s this now? You lost your mind, girl? — No. There’s no money. None. Dad can’t work, no bonus coming. Your pension barely covers your medication. — Rubbish! Paul’s bound to have some savings. — No savings. It all went last month, on your hospital tests. So either sign to let us sell your Essex flat, or tomorrow I’ll ring Social Services — they’ll take you to a state home. Free. — You wouldn’t dare! — Gladys shouted. — I’m his mother! This is my home! — Your home? You’re destroying your son, and you don’t care if he never leaves hospital. All that matters is your comfort. I called the care home about a place. There’s one free now — money from your flat pays for it. The care there is excellent. — I’m not going, — Gladys began coughing. — Then starve. There’s no food money. I’m out working all day tomorrow. Water’s on your table. Up to you. Alice left, closing the door. She was shaking. She’d never been cruel, but knew now: unless she put a stop to this, she’d lose her dad. And Gran… would simply outlive them both if allowed to drain their lives away. The night was silent. Alice stayed out of the room, though she heard Gladys calling, sobbing, cursing. She entered only in the morning. — Some water… — the old woman croaked. Alice held up the cup. — Well? Are we signing? Solicitor arrives at noon. — Vultures… — Gladys rasped. — After everything… Fine. Write your papers. Tell Paul… tell him to visit. — He will. When he’s back on his feet. And I will, too. Promise. *** Paul sat on a bench in the care home’s park, looking much better — a little weight on, pinker cheeks. His mother sat nearby in her wheelchair — clean and wrapped in a new shawl, munching on an apple. — Paul? Paul, — she called. — Yes, Mum? — Did you ring Helen? Made it up, have you? Paul looked surprised. — I did. She’s coming on Saturday. — Good, — Gladys turned to the flowerbeds. — Let her come. There’s a nurse here, young Lena — very bossy, always telling me off. Let your Helen see how they treat me… And you mind how you treat her, Paul! Bad business when a man makes a woman cry. Your father… Paul smiled and squeezed her hand. Down the path ran Alice, waving, grinning from ear to ear. — Dad! Gran! — she yelled from afar. — I got the grant! And a raise at work! Paul stood with arms wide. Gladys watched them, narrowing her eyes. She still grumbled to herself about being forced from her home, but said nothing aloud. When the carer offered her a massage session, Gladys gave an imperious nod. — All right, dear, just careful — I’m a delicate woman, you know. Last time your masseur nearly broke my leg… You tell him to mind what he’s doing. Like a bear, honestly… The nurse wheeled her away. Alice hugged her father, and the two stood watching the tall pines. For the first time in ages, all three were truly happy. *** Gladys lived to meet her great-grandson — Alice graduated, married a decent man, and had a baby boy. Paul married Helen; Gladys grew close to her new daughter-in-law, even forgot the insults she’d once hurled. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, with no grudges left against her granddaughter or son.

They Sent Her to a Care Home

Dont you dare, Alice. Just dont. Maureen firmly pushed the bowl of porridge away from her. You want to pack me off to some home, do you?

Where theyll jab me with God knows what and smother me with a pillow so I dont raise my voice?

Think again!

Alice breathed deeply, doing her best to avoid looking at her grandmothers trembling hands.

Nan, its not some cold, council-run place. Its a private care home, theres woodland all around, nurses there all hours. Loads of people to chat with, big telly, anything you want.

Here youre on your own most days, while Dads at work.

We all know what that company is, the old woman croaked, getting herself comfortable among the pillows. Theyll rob me blind, nick my flat, and kick me out into the gutter.

Tell Paul this: His mothers not leaving this house alive. He can look after me himself. He is my son, isnt he?

I raised him, sat by his side all night when he had measles. Now its his turn.

Dads working two jobs just to cover your medication! Hes fifty-three, his blood pressures through the roof, he hasnt been to the cinema in years, let alone on a holiday!

Hell manage, Maureen cut in, lips pressed tight. Hes still young.

And you, dont you start giving me lip. Off you go, clean up the mess. The place is in a right state!

Alice headed to the hallway and let out a noisy sigh. Just how are you supposed to talk to her?

Her dad got home at seven. Instead of taking his shoes off, he sat down heavily on the stool in the hallway and just stared at the floor for a minute or two.

You alright, Dad? Alice went over, taking the heavy shopping bag off him.

Im fine, love. Its chaos at the warehouseend of year accounts coming up. Hows Nan?

Usual. Kicked off again over the care home. Thinks were trying to abandon her.

Dad, it cant go on. I went through the accounts this monthafter all the bills weve only got three hundred quid for food.

And I still need to pay for the halls and get my textbooks.

Well sort it. Paul finally got up, pulling off his shoes. I picked up extra shiftsnights on security, every other day.

Youre joking! When will you sleep, Dad? What if you collapse somewhere?

Paul didnt say anything. He headed for the kitchen, ran some water into a pan, and put the kettle on.

Did she eat?

Half of it ended up on the bed. I changed the sheets.

Alright. Go on, get back to your work. Youve got revision. Ill feed her myself and give her a clean.

Alice watched as her dad, limping slightly, went to her nans room.

It broke her heart. Shed seen him, a man who used to be strong and full of laughter, turn into a shadow of himself.

The jokes had gone, the spark for life snuffed out.

***

A week later, things were even worse. Dad got home much later, and he looked shaky. Alice immediately worried.

Dad? Are you okay?

All good, Alice. Just got dizzy on the Tube. Too hot in there.

Sit down, lets check your blood pressure.

The numbers flashed: 180 over 110. In silence, Alice handed him his meds.

Tomorrow youre staying put. Im calling the GP.

I cant, her dad winced. Inspection tomorrow. If Im not there, Ill lose my bonus. And we just got a council tax letterthe rates on Mums flat have gone up.

Sell it, Dad! Alice whispered, glancing nervously towards the bedroom. Sell her one-bed out in Kent. Six hundred grand is loads for us now. We can pay off the debts, get a proper carer in.

Dad sighed:

She wont give permission

Dad, she hasnt even set foot there for five years! What does she need it for if she cant move?

Before he could reply, a loud clatter sounded from the bedroom.

Maureen was banging her mug on the cabinet, demanding attention.

Paul! Paul, get in here! Who are you whispering with tonight? Gossiping about me again? she called, voice trembling.

Paul took the pill Alice gave him and went in.

***

Six years ago, Dad had a girlfriendHelen, gentle, kind. Shed come round with a pie, they talked about going away for a weekend in the country.

It all changed when Nan became bedridden. Helen tried her best to help but Maureen drove her out, making every day hell.

Oh, so she wants everything handed to her! Out to bleed my son dry! Shed scream for all to hear, faking heart attacks every time Paul went out to see her. Kick her out! Out, you hear?

In the end, Helen left, and Dad never fought for her.

Alice was preparing for an exam when the house phone rang. Dad wasnt home yet.

Hello?

Is that Paul Lawrence? came a male voice.

No, its his daughter. Is something wrong?

Miss, this is HR. Your dad fainted at the team meeting today. We called an ambulance, hes in St. Marys Hospital. Note down the address.

Alice scribbled the name on the margin of her study notes. The moment she put the phone down, her nan was shouting again.

Alice! Who was that? Wheres Paul? Tell him I want a cuppamy throats parched!

Alice went into the bedroom. Her grandmother, half-slumped, surrounded by pillows, was frowning.

Dads in hospital, Alice said shortly.

In hospital? Maureen stiffened for a second, but quickly added, You see? Youve all done this to me! He shouted at me last night, Gods punishing him.

Not a care for me! Whos going to feed me now? Right, put the kettle on.

Alice walked out in silence.

***

For three days, Alice raced between the hospital and home.

Her dad had suffered a hypertensive crisis, brought on by total exhaustion.

The doctors had ordered strict bed rest.

Alice, hows Mum? he asked her first thing when she arrived on the ward.

Shes fine, Dad. The neighbours helping. You worry about yourself. Youll need to be in here for at least two weeks.

Two weeks Ill get sacked the money

Rest. Alice adjusted his blanket. Ill take care of everything. Promise.

On the fourth day, returning home, her nan met her with a barrage of complaints.

Whereve you been all day? Im lying here filthy, Pauls lazing about somewhere, and Im rotting away in here!

Alice clenched her fists and replied, very calmly.

Heres how it is, Nan. Listen up. Dads in a bad state. If he gets one more shock, he could have a stroke for real.

Dont talk rubbish! Maureen sneered. Hes tough. Takes after his dad. Now, turn me over, my sides numb.

No, Alice sat on the edge of the chair. Im not turning you over. Or feeding you.

Maureen stared at her.

What on earths got into you? Have you lost your mind, girl?

No. Theres no money left. At all. Dads off work, his bonus is gone. Your pension doesnt even cover your incontinence pads or your blood pressure tablets.

Rubbish! Pauls bound to have some savings stashed away!

No spare cash. It all went on your private tests last month. So heres the choice: either you sign to sell your flat in Kent, or tomorrow I call Social Services, and theyll take you to a council care home. Free.

You wouldnt dare! Maureen screamed. Im his mother! I run this house!

Run what, Nan? Youre wearing Dad into the ground. You dont care that he might not make it out of hospital. All you care abouts your soft mattress and a hot tea.

I called the care home today, the one we looked at. Theres space. The money from your flat pays for it. Decent care, good food, nurses.

Im not going! Maureen started coughing.

Then you go hungry. I cant buy you food. Im off to my part-time job in the morning, back late. Youve got a bottle of water on your table. Up to you.

Alice walked out and shut the door, shaking. Shed never been unkind before, but now she knewif she didnt put a stop to it, shed lose her dad.

As for her nan Shed outlive them all if you kept letting her drain them dry.

That night was silent. Alice didnt step into her nans room, though she could hear her calling, crying, even cursing. She only went in come morning.

Water the old woman croaked.

Alice held the cup up to her lips.

So, whats it to be? Signing, yes? The notarys coming at twelve.

You vultures Maureen whispered, but the usual fire was gone. Snatching everything away Fine. Get on with your paperwork.

Just tell Paul tell him to visit me.

He will. When hes up and about. And Ill come, too. Promise.

***
Paul was sitting on a bench in the care homes garden. He looked much bettercheeks rosier, a bit less thin.

Next to him, in a wheelchair, sat his mumspotless in a warm new scarf, chewing on an apple.

Paul? Oi, Paul, she called.

Yes, Mum?

You have you rung Helen? Are you two on friendly terms now?

Paul looked at her, a little surprised.

I have. Shes popping round Saturday.

Good then, Maureen turned her head to the flowerbeds. Let her come. Theres a nurse here, Lynn, bit rough, always goes on at me. Let your Helen see how they treat me. And make sure you treat Helen right, Paul! It’s not right, a man making a woman cry.

Like your dad never did

Paul smiled, squeezing his mums hand. Down the path, Alice came jogging, waving, beaming from ear to ear.

Dad! Nan! she shouted from a way off. I got the grant! And theyre promoting me at work!

Paul stood up, arms wide. Maureen watched them, squinting, still thinking shed been wronged, booted from her own nest. But she didnt say so out loud.

When her carer arrived just then, offering a massage session, the old woman only nodded sternly.

Alright, pet. But take care, Im a fragile lady. Last time your massage man nearly twisted my leg clean off Tell him to be more gentle, will you? Like a flipping grizzly, honestly

The nurse wheeled her inside; Alice hugged her father. The two of them stood for a long time, watching the tall pines sway.

For the first time in years, all three of them really felt happy.

***

Maureen even got to meet her great-grandsonAlice finished her degree, married a lovely man, had a little boy.

Paul married Helen. This time, Maureen accepted her new daughter-in-law, and the women eventually built a warm, trusting friendshipHelen let go of all the nasty barbs Maureen once hurled on their first meeting.

The old lady slipped away quietly, in her sleep, holding no grudges against her granddaughter or her son.