The Small Things in Life
Years ago, against her parents wishes, Emily married her sweetheart, Thomas, a serious young man. He had been raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy Simmonsaffectionately known as Nana Dot. His own parents had tragically passed away when he was just two, so he barely remembered them.
When Emily introduced Thomas to her parents, Mrs. Margaret Forster took a stand, though only after Thomas had left.
Emily, we didnt raise you for someone like him. Youre in your third year at universitywhat husband, what wedding? And I wont have that Thomas as my son-in-law. What does he have to offer? He works at a garagejust a labourer. If you take this step, dont expect me to help you.
Mother, Ill marry him regardlessyou know I will, replied Emily. Her father, as always, stayed silent, trying to remain neutral between wife and daughter. Besides, Im expecting a baby
Their wedding was modest, even though Emilys parents were comfortably off. Margaret refused to make a splash of the celebration. Had Emily married the son of Margarets dear friendwell, that would have been different, but Emily was far too stubborn.
Shell live in poverty with her mechanic, and come running back home soon enough. Right now, her head is full of love and romance, Margaret would mutter to her husband. Shes even moved out, to his grandmothers home, because she doesnt want me to belittle her husbandshe told me straight. And shes not at all thrilled her daughters expecting a child.
Emilys parents lived in a city flat, spacious and well-furnished. Being their only child, Emily had grown accustomed to comfort and the odd extra bit of money. Still, she moved out with Thomas, to Nana Dots cottage in a small village seven miles from the city.
Time passed. Emily gave birth to a little girl. Nana Dot helped, teaching the young mother everything she knew, and even getting up at night to care for baby Sophie. Emily returned to university, striving to be both a good wife and mother, but it wasnt easy. She became exhausted, rising early each morning to catch the bus into town, and then a second bus to campus.
Shed come home weary, to be greeted at the gate by Nana Dot and Sophie, who missed her terribly. Later, Thomas would arrive, tired from working into the evening. Hed scoop his daughter up and spin her around. He adored his girls. Emily wanted more time for her husband, but he arrived late, on the last bus, hungry and worn out.
Emilys dissertation was around the corner. More and more, she dreamed of moving back in with her parentshow much easier it would be, and without all the time wasted on travel. But Margaret was still furious, refusing to call and showing no interest in her granddaughter.
Thomas had an older brother, James, married with a son, living in his own city flat, which hed saved for through years of work. Yet his own marriage was rockyhis wife, Amanda, always seemed to demand more.
James called, Thomas told Nana Dot and Emily. Hes left Amandasaid he couldnt handle the arguments anymore, hes renting a flat now.
How could that happen? Nana Dot fretted. He bought his own flat and now hes walked out?
Nan, James did the honourable thingleft everything to his wife and son, Thomas defended.
One day, Emily confided in Thomas, admitting that the chaotic routine was exhausting, and the two-bus journey to university wore her out. She didnt say outright that she wanted to move back home; after all, shed chosen independent life with Thomas.
Im just tired, Thomas, she said. Tired of being tied to the bus schedules, the long commutebarely making it anywhere on time.
Thomas listened in silence and kissed her cheek.
I have an ideaIll tell you later. Its a surprise, he replied, mysteriously. Emily was too drained to press him further.
A few days later, as evening fell, a car pulled up outside their cottage.
Maybe its my parents, Emily thought, but the car was unfamiliar and rather battered. No, definitely not them. The cars hardly roadworthy.
She hurried outside and saw Thomas climbing out, looking pleased with himself.
Well, what do you think of our beauty? he asked.
Thatthing? Is it a car? Where did you even find it?
I bought it, Thomas grinned. With the money wed saved for the deposit on a flat.
Emily stared, her heart sinking. Theyd been saving for their own home, and now hed spent it on this wreck. It meant theyd be stuck in the village for years yet.
Thomas praised the car: I fixed it myself, it runs fine! Come on, lets take it for a spin, and before Emily could protest, he ushered her inside. Once I paint it, itll be good as new, and you wont need to ride the buses anymore, he promised. It was a bargain, practically perfect.
Once they set off, the car actually ran well, though Emily feared it might fall apart any minute. But when they returned, she saw Nana Dot and Sophie waiting at the gate. Thomas scooped up their daughter, and Emily rushed inside, tears streamingnot from the car, but everything that had built up.
Emily, darling, dont cry, Nana Dot comforted her. Whats happened?
He spent everything wed saved for a flat on that car. It was our dream to finally have a home, and now
There, there, love, Nana Dot soothed, hugging her. Youre the smartest girl I know, just tired, thats all. All these things are just small matterswhat really matters is everyones well and safe. Money comes and goes, but love and understanding are most important.
Emily listened to her grandmothers wise words and calmed herself, feeling a bit guilty for her reaction. She got up and joined her husband outside; their scruffy dog ran around, chased by Sophie. Emily quietly sat next to Thomas.
Why didnt you ask me first, Thomas? she whispered.
I wanted it to be a surprisethought it would cheer you up
Emily looked into his eyes and saw the pain he hadnt voiced. He loved her, and bought the car to make her journey easier. Hed tried to solve what she was struggling with, though hed misunderstood her hints.
All right, Thomasa car it is, she said gently. Just promise me youll always discuss things with me in future.
Of course, he beamed. You know Ive always made decisions on my own, but Ill do betterI promise. From now on, well decide together.
Thats good. Its all just the small things in life, she echoed Nana Dots words. The main thing is were together, and our daughter is wonderful.
Nana Dot, watching through the window, was delighted.
Their first family row! And therell be plenty more, too, but thats how it goes. As long as they stick together, love each other. Theres no doubt in my mind they dolook at them, just like two doves making up, she thought, crossing herself and smiling.
Thomas painted the car; Nana Dot made new covers for the seats. The car had seen better days, but soon, Emily was sitting in the passenger seat, heading to the city with her husband.
She didnt want to ask her parents for help.
Time went by. Sophie grew, and was ready for nurseryNana Dot was getting older and needed peace. Emily finished university and found a city job. Thomas continued working late, earning what he could. The flat question came up again, but they hadnt saved enough for a deposit. Emily wouldnt ask her parentsthey hadnt mended bridges, and Margaret still refused to speak with her or Sophie.
Help appeared from an unexpected source. One Saturday, their dog barked loudly outside. Emily thought it was the neighbourshe often brought fresh milk for Sophie.
James! Thomas cried, spotting his older brother through the window and dashing out. How are you, mate?
Hello, Tom! Good to see you!
The brothers hugged warmly. Sophie peeked from the doorway, curious.
Well, arent you a sweetheart? James exclaimed. Come hereIve brought you a present.
He pulled from his bag a large rabbit with floppy ears and a ribbon around its neck. Sophie gleefully examined it, ran her fingers over the ribbon, and rushed off to show Nana Dot.
Emily and Nana Dot welcomed James warmly.
Its been a while, James. How are things? Nana Dot poured tea nervously. Thomas said you were renting a flat.
Im fine, James said cheerfully. Amanda and I splitshe found someone else, moved away near Liverpool. Im paying child support as I should. But here, he handed Thomas a thick envelope. This is for you and Emilya wedding gift, since I missed your wedding when I was working away.
Whats this? Thomas asked, tense.
Money.
What?
For your deposit, James explained, handing it over. Amanda moved out, freed the flat, so Im back in my own place. Id been saving up, thinking of buying another, but couldnt take my sons home away. Just think of it as my belated wedding gift.
The room was silent for a moment, then joy erupted.
Thank you, mate, thank you, James. You couldnt have timed it better, Thomas said.
Emily nearly cried for joy, Nana Dot hugged her eldest grandson, and the brothers embraced, saying nothingthey understood perfectly.
By autumn, Thomas, Emily, and Sophie moved into a new two-bedroom flat in the city. Sophie started nursery nearby, and the school was close tootheyd made sure of it, thinking of her future.
Thomas kept working at the garage. Life had tested the young family, but Nana Dot was proved rightthese are the small things in life. Love and happiness come first, as long as everyone stays healthy.
Thank you for reminiscing with me. I wish you all luck and kindness.
