Early spring had just settled over the culdesac on the outskirts of Birmingham. Little Emily, a fouryearold with a curiosity as bright as the morning sun, was eyeing the newest resident in the front garden. It was a silverhaired pensioner perched on a bench, leaning on a wooden walking stick that reminded her of a wizards staff.
Granddad, are you a wizard? she asked, eyes wide.
When he shook his head, she frowned a little.
Then why the staff? she pressed on.
My stick helps me get around, the man replied, introducing himself as George Whitaker.
Ah, so youre really old? Emily asked again.
By your standards, perhaps, George chuckled. By mine, Im still holding up. I broke my leg a few weeks back, so the stick is my best friend at the moment.
Just then Margaret Hughes, Emilys granny, appeared, took Emilys hand and led her toward the park. She greeted the newcomer with a warm smile; George returned it, but it was Emily who quickly forged the first bond. While waiting for her grandmother, Emily would slip out of the house a bit early each morning to tell her new neighbour everything: the weather, what Margaret was cooking for lunch, and the little ailment her schoolfriend had suffered the week before.
George never missed an opportunity to offer Emily a chocolate sweet. Each time she unwrapped it, she would bite off exactly half, tuck the other half back into the wrapper, and slip it into the pocket of her coat.
Why dont you eat the whole thing? Not to your taste? George asked.
Its delicious, Emily replied, but I must save some for my granny.
Touched, George handed her two sweets the next time. Emily still only ate half, the rest safely stored away.
So now who are you saving it for? George asked, amused by her thrift.
Now I can give some to Mum and Dad. They could buy their own, but they love a treat, she explained.
Got it. Youve got a lovely family, then, George said, smiling at the bond forming between them. Youre a kind-hearted girl.
And my granny too, Emily added, just as Margaret emerged from the stairwell, extending a hand to her granddaughter.
Thank you, George, for the sweets, Margaret said, but I must watch my sugar. Forgive us.
Then what can I bring you? George asked.
Nothing, love, really, Margaret replied with a smile.
No, I cant just walk away, George said. I want to keep our neighbourly ties strong.
Lets stick to nuts then, and eat them at home with clean hands, alright? Margaret suggested.
Emily and George nodded, and soon Margaret was finding a few walnuts or hazelnuts tucked into Emilys coat pockets.
Oh, you little squirrel, she teased, nuts are a rare treat these days, and George needs his medicine, you see, hes a bit limping.
Hes not that old, nor really limping, Emily defended, his legs getting better, and he hopes to be out on the skis by winter.
Skiing? At our age? Margaret laughed. Well, good on him.
Could you buy me a pair of skis, Granddad? Emily asked eagerly. We could slip and slide together. He promised to teach me.
Later, while strolling through the park, Margaret spotted George already walking the path without his stick.
Granddad, Ill run with you! Emily called, matching his stride.
Hold on, well catch up with you, Margaret hurried after them.
The three of them began walking together regularly. Margaret grew to enjoy the brisk walks, and Emily turned each outing into a game, darting, dancing, and hopping onto benches, all the while commanding:
One, two, three, four! Keep your steps firm and look ahead!
After their walks, George and Margaret would sit on the garden bench while Emily played with her friends, still receiving a handful of nuts from George before parting.
Youre spoiling her, Margaret whispered. Lets keep the nutsharing for special occasions, please.
George then confided that hed been a widower for five years and was finally ready to downsize his threebedroom flat into a onebed flat for himself and a twobed flat for his sons family.
Im not the most social bloke, but neighbours matter, especially when you need a hand, he admitted.
Two days later, there was a knock at Georges door. Emily and Margaret stood there with a tray of scones and jam.
We thought youd like a treat, Margaret said.
Do you have a kettle? Emily asked.
Of course, love! George opened the door wide.
Over tea, the house felt warm and inviting. Emily explored Georges small library and his collection of landscape paintings, while Margaret watched her granddaughters delight and Georges patient explanations of each picture.
My grandchildren are off at university now, George remarked. I miss them. Youre still young, Margaret!
He handed Emily a sketchpad and a pencil.
Ive only been retired two years, so theres no time for boredom, Margaret replied, eyes twinkling. And my daughters expecting another baby. Lucky us we live in neighboring blocks.
The summer passed with friendly chats, and by winter Margaret kept her promise, buying a pair of childrens skis for Emily. The three of them took to the local parks freshly groomed ski trail, sliding and laughing together.
George and Margaret grew so close that they spent most of their free time together. Emily, who didnt attend a nursery, was almost always at Margarets side, so the trio met every day. One morning, George announced he was heading to London to visit family.
Emily asked repeatedly when hed be back.
Hes away for a month, Margaret explained. Were looking after his flat while hes gone. Margaret and I have grown used to his friendly presence, his jokes and bright smile. Hed fix a loose socket, replace a burntout bulbanything.
A week slipped by, and both Margaret and Emily felt the empty bench where George usually waited.
On the eighth day, Margaret hurried out of the building and saw George back at his usual spot.
Hello, dear neighbour, she exclaimed, we didnt expect you so soon! Werent you staying longer?
Ah, the London hustle got boring, George waved his hand. Everyones busy at work, and I missed you lot. Ive come back, feeling like youre family now.
Granddad, did you bring gifts for your grandkids? Sweets? Emily asked.
The adults laughed.
No, love, sweets arent good for them. Theyre grown now, so I gave them a bit of cash instead. Let them sort out their own studies, George confessed.
Glad youre back, feeling right at home, Margaret replied, smiling.
Emily hugged George, making him grin from ear to ear.
Weve got plenty of pancakes with all sorts of fillings today. Not worse than piesnice and light. Come have a cuppa, and tell us about London, Margaret invited.
Londons lovely, as ever. Ive brought you a few souvenirs, George said, taking Margarets arm and Emilys hand as a light drizzle began, the early spring rain catching everyone by surprise.
Whys it so warm today? George asked, looking at Margaret.
Because springs on its way! Emily chirped. Soon comes Mothers Day, and granny will set a big table for guests, you included.
I love you both, my dear neighbours, George said, climbing the stairs.
After the pancakes, Margaret received a silver brooch, and Emily a bright wooden nesting doll. The trio set off again along their welltrodden park route. The snow, now a soft, waterladen blanket, was melting, revealing the worn footpaths. Emily skipped over the damp tiles, breath steaming in the fresh air.
Granddad, granny, catch me! One, two, three, four! Keep your steps firm and look ahead!
