Charlotte married at twenty, and by twenty-two she had given birth to her only child, a boy. She never cared much for children, and when her son arrived, Charlotte and her husband entrusted his upbringing entirely to his grandmother. Each month, they sent the old woman a handful of pounds, and lived as they pleased, enjoying their youth and freedom. After two years, circumstances forced the boy to return homethe grandmother passed away. Charlotte, irritated by her sons presence, promptly enrolled him in a nursery so she wouldnt see him often, then sent him to the local infant school. When he started school, he became the subject of cruel laughter.
He didnt know how to read or write. The teachers tried to call his parents into school, but Charlotte always had more important things to do. One day, her husband finally attended a parent meeting. The teachers wasted no time, sharing all the boys troubles and misbehaviour. Upon returning home, the father disciplined his son with a leather belt. After finishing school, Charlotte arranged for him to take a job at a factory. It was there that he met his future wife. The factory provided the newlyweds with a small flat. When Charlotte became a grandmother, she remained as indifferent as ever.
On holidays, she occasionally posted a few pounds to her grandchildren. Soon, the time came for Charlotte to retire. She wanted nothing less than a grand party. So, she telephoned her son: Ill send you some money. Go with Sarah and buy food and something nice for the festivities. Well celebrate my retirement at your place. Alright, Mum. Her son and daughter-in-law sent their children off to the country to keep them out of the way, and threw themselves into preparing for the celebration. Once everything was arranged and the home made presentable, Charlotte arrived and surveyed the scene with approval. Looks decentnow, off to the kitchen with you both.
The guests are arrivingsee that theyre greeted properly. Ill sit with you once they leave. Dutifully, her son and daughter-in-law retreated to the kitchen. The guests feasted and raised their glasses in laughter long into the night. When the house finally emptied, Charlotte entered the kitchen and declared, Theres one slice of cake leftsplit it between yourselves. Im feeling poorlywere heading home. I dont have time to sit with you. Her son felt deeply wounded. A week later, Charlotte called: Son, Im being taken to hospital for an operation. Please bring me the items Ive listed. No, Mum, Sarah and I are off on holiday. You know thatring Dad instead. Goodbye. In that moment, Charlotte at last realised the world did not revolve solely around herself.
