Shadows of the Past: A Journey to Family Warmth
Edward and Catherine prepared for their visit to her parents in a quiet riverside town along the Thames. Edward was sombre, his face shadowed with melancholy, tension stiffening his movements. Their six-year-old son, Henry, dashed about the flat, thrilled at the prospect of the train journey. After a long and wearying trip, they stepped onto the platform of a small station, the air thick with the scent of the river and pine. Catherine’s parents were already waiting. “You must be tired and hungry after your journey,” said Catherine’s mother, embracing her daughter warmly. “We’ll have supper, then you can take a walk through the town!” “Margaret, I don’t think that’ll work,” Edward replied curtly, shooting a glance at his wife. “Henry will need to sleep soon.” Margaret raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Then we’ll look after him! What’s the trouble?” Edward frowned, and Catherine gently squeezed his hand, trying to ease the tension.
A week earlier, Catherine had received a call from her mother. “Come next week,” she had pleaded. “We miss you and Henry so much!” When Edward overheard, his mood darkened at once. “I don’t want to go anywhere,” he snapped, turning away. Catherine, startled by his reaction, sat beside him and searched his eyes. “Edward, what’s wrong? We’re on holiday—can’t we visit my parents? They’ve only seen Henry once, at our wedding! Is that fair?” Edward sighed heavily. He knew she was right, but the thought of visiting her family filled him with silent resistance. His own parents, who lived nearby, had already worn him down with their ceaseless advice. “Catherine, must we? Perhaps next year?” he muttered. She shook her head firmly. “Yes, we must! The train’s on Wednesday, and the tickets are bought. You said you didn’t mind. What’s changed?” “Nothing,” Edward grumbled, turning to the window. “Just a week,” Catherine added softly, trying to lighten his mood. “Then we’ll go to the coast. I’ve started packing—it’s a long journey.” Edward only sighed, lost in thought.
Edward’s parents had always been stern. His mother controlled him relentlessly, even now, long after he’d married and had a son. She meddled, dictating how he should live and raise Henry. His father, Arthur William, was no better—his motto was, “Always be first!” In school, if Edward brought home anything less than an A, he faced hour-long lectures about how he’d “never achieve anything that way.” Punishments—no walks, no games—were routine. These endless sermons had destroyed any closeness between them. Even now, Edward visited them reluctantly and never called first.
He had assumed all parents were like this—people you tolerated. But Catherine was different. She could talk for hours with her mother, sharing joys and worries, speaking of Henry. Edward thought it was just a habit that would fade. He never asked about her parents, offering only a dry, “Give them my regards.” “Edward, I’m so glad we’re going!” Catherine had said that evening, glowing with happiness. “I’ve missed them so much!” Edward only shrugged. He would’ve been glad never to see his parents again. “You’re odd,” he muttered. “I wouldn’t want to see mine for ten years!”
Catherine gave him a sympathetic look. She knew his parents and didn’t care for them. Their house was stifling—her father-in-law scolding Edward or Henry, her mother-in-law ordering everyone about. She understood his feelings, but her parents were different. “Edward, don’t take this the wrong way, but my mum and dad aren’t like yours,” she said gently. “They love me.” Edward grimaced. “Right. Mine said that too when I was little,” he muttered, echoing his father: “‘We do everything for your good, we love you.’ Only there wasn’t a drop of love in it.” Catherine hugged him, stroking his shoulder, but stayed quiet, knowing he wasn’t ready to hear her.
The days passed swiftly. Catherine packed eagerly, looking forward to seeing her family. Edward was gloomy, while Henry, infected by his mother’s excitement, raced about, dreaming of the train. At last, they stepped onto the platform. “We should get a cab,” Edward said, gripping the bags. “What for? Dad’s meeting us!” Catherine said, surprised. Edward pressed his lips together. His own father would never have thought to meet him from a train.
“Dad! There he is—come on!” Catherine waved happily as a man made his way through the crowd. Soon they were embracing, then Robert James shook Edward’s hand and crouched to Henry’s level. “Hello, Henry, I’m your granddad. How are you?” The boy, shy, hid behind his mother. Catherine laughed, comforting her father. “He’ll warm up!” “Let’s head to the car, Edward—I’ll help with the bags,” Robert said, taking the luggage and leading the way. Edward, unused to such kindness and ease, followed silently.
Margaret greeted them with smiles and hugs. Henry soon settled, though he remembered his other grandparents—strict and grumbling. These new ones were kind. The boy explored the house, playing with a toy train Robert had given him. “Are you hungry? Come have tea!” Margaret called. Edward glanced at the clock reflexively. His mother had enforced strict mealtimes—a minute late meant no supper. Catherine, laughing, whispered, “Mum’s rule is simple—no one goes hungry.”
“You must be tired from the journey,” Margaret continued. “Eat, then take a walk. Catherine, show Edward the town—it’s his first time here!” Edward frowned. “Margaret, it won’t work. Henry’s tired—he’ll need sleep soon.” Margaret smiled, slightly puzzled. “First, call me just Maggie or Aunt Maggie—it suits me better. Second, why do you think Henry won’t be fine with us? We often look after our grandchildren—they’re happy here.” “You’d look after him?” Edward shot a glance at Catherine, but she seemed untroubled. “Why not?” Maggie asked. “Don’t you trust us?”
Edward hesitated, unsure if he should explain. “It’s not that,” he said at last. “It’s just—my parents never looked after Henry. It’s strange to me.” “Edward, I told you,” Catherine murmured, while Maggie added, “Edward, you’ve nothing to worry about. We adore children, and Henry will be fine. You came to rest—best do that together. We’ll get to know our grandson.”
Robert nodded. “Edward, it isn’t right you visit so seldom. You’re always welcome. The house is big, and fares aren’t so steep. I know Catherine has her own family, but we miss her.” Edward felt a lump in his throat. He stood abruptly. “I’ll check on Henry,” he mumbled, hurrying out. Alone, he realized these warm words, these kind eyes and gentle voices—this was what he’d always wanted from his parents and never had.
Henry rolled his toy train along the floor as Edward sat lost in memory. As a boy, he’d vowed never to scold his own children or intrude on their hearts. So far, he’d kept that vow—Henry was happy. But now Edward saw just how much warmth he’d missed as a child. “Edward, let’s walk!” Catherine touched his shoulder softly. “Unless you’re tired?” “No, I’m all right,” Edward said, winking at Henry. “Henry, stay with Granddad and Grandma? Grandma will put you to bed, yes?” “Want a song…” the boy murmured sleepily. Maggie scooped him up, humming a lullaby as she carried him off. Edward froze—his parents had never sung to him, not even to Henry.
Walking through the dusky town, Edward said quietly, “You know, I envy you. I wish I’d had parents like yours. Now I see why you’re so kind and cheerful—you had them.” Catherine smiled. “Edward, you’re kind too. Though, yes, your parents were… stern.” “This town’s lovely,” Edward went on, glancing around. “You must have friends here still.” “A few old schoolmates,” Catherine nodded. “I work from home—could live anywhere…” “Where are you going with this?” she asked, puzzled. “Let’s move here!” Edward burst out. “It’s better—you’re loved here, Henry will be too. Maybe even I’ll get some. Your parents are wonderful. And back home—what’s keeping us? What do you think?”
Catherine stared, then laughed, hugging him. “You mean it? We’re really moving?” “Yes,” Edward nodded. “Today I saw what parents should be like—what family should be. I want Henry to grow up with grandparents who love him.” Catherine pressed close. “Edward, I never dared hope for this. Of course I want to live here! I just thought you wanted to stay near your family.” “Shall we tell them?” he asked. “Yes!” Catherine beamed.
Half an hourThey gathered in the cosy sitting room, the fire crackling softly, as Edward and Catherine shared their joyful plans with Robert and Maggie, who welcomed the news with open arms and hearts full of delight.
