The Long-Awaited Granddaughter Natalie Michaels couldn’t stop ringing her son, who had set off on yet another long journey. Still no answer. “Oh, what a mess you’ve made, son!” she sighed anxiously, dialing the familiar number once more. But no matter how much she called, she knew he’d stay out of reach until the ship docked at the nearest port—which might not be for quite some time. And to think, now of all times! Natalie had been unable to sleep for two nights running—oh, the trouble her son had caused! * * * The story, truthfully, had begun years earlier, back when Michael hadn’t even considered a career at sea. He was already a grown man, but nothing ever seemed to work out with women—he was so impossibly picky in Natalie’s eyes! One after another, relationships with perfectly lovely, respectable girls collapsed, and Natalie’s heart ached to see it all fall apart. “You’re impossible to please!” she would lecture her son. “Always finding fault! What woman could ever meet all your standards?” “I don’t understand your complaints, Mum. You want a daughter-in-law, but don’t care what kind of person she turns out to be?” “Of course I care! I just want someone who truly loves you, who’s decent and kind!” Michael always fell silent, and somehow that silence infuriated Natalie. How dare her own son—her boy, who had once sobbed on her lap—not only grow up but act as though he understood life better than she? Which one of them was the grown-up after all? “What was wrong with Sophie, then?” she’d snap. “I’ve already told you.” “Well, suit yourself…” Sophie wasn’t the best example, but Natalie was in no mood to lose any argument about her son. “If you say she was dishonest with you—but I still don’t understand…” “Mum! I really don’t think we need to discuss this. Sophie simply wasn’t the person I wanted to spend my life with.” “And Kate?” “Not Kate either,” Michael calmly replied. “Or Jenny? She was such a sweet girl, so homey and thoughtful. Always offered to help out—surely a sign she’d make a good wife?” “Yes, you’re right, Mum. She was very sweet. But it turned out she never really loved me.” “And you didn’t love her?” “I suppose not.” “What about Darina, then?” “Mum!” “Well, what ‘Mum’? No one’s ever good enough for you! You’re acting like a proper womaniser, instead of settling down, starting a family, having children!” “Let’s stop this useless conversation!” Michael would finally explode, storming out. “He’s just like his father, with all that stubbornness and fussing,” Natalie would think in irritation. Time passed, girls came and went, but Natalie still clung to the cherished hope that she’d one day see her son happily married and sit her first grandchild on her knee. Then Michael changed tack altogether—he bumped into an old mate, who invited him to work at sea. Michael accepted at once, though Natalie had tried hard to talk him out of it. “Come on, Mum! It’s a brilliant opportunity! Do you know how much they pay these days? We’d never have to worry again!” “I don’t care about the money if you’re always somewhere far away and I never see you! I wish you’d start a family instead!” “You have to earn money for a family, especially when the children come. Once that happens, I’ll put my days at sea behind me. I may as well take the work now, while I’m still young enough, then build the rest later!” Michael really did earn well. After his first trip, he refurbished the whole flat. After the second, he set up a bank account for Natalie and handed her the card. “So you’ll want for nothing, Mum!” “I’m not wanting for anything—except a grandchild! I’m getting old!” “Nonsense! You’ve years off the pension yet!” Michael laughed. Natalie hardly touched the money. She earned her own small wage at the local pharmacy, and it was enough for her modest needs. “Let it sit on the card—Michael never checks it, anyway. When he finally does, he’ll be surprised to see how thrifty his mother is!” she thought. And that’s how they lived. Back from journeys, Michael seemed to cram in as much life as possible—catching up with mates, going out late, and seeing girls Natalie never got to meet. She eventually challenged him about not introducing any new girlfriends. Michael’s reply was short and rather cutting: “It’s better this way, Mum! Then you won’t get attached and worry when I don’t marry them. I’m not planning to settle down with any of them, anyway.” Natalie felt wounded, especially since Michael called her “too trusting.” He’d said it outright: “You think too well of people, Mum! You really are too trusting. In truth, you hardly knew any of my girlfriends. They just tried to seem nice around you, but they weren’t what they seemed.” That unpleasant rebuke never left Natalie’s mind—it stung that her son had pointed out a flaw in her character and painted it in such a negative light. Trusting meant naïve. He’d called his own mother foolish! But then she saw him one evening with a young woman, and Natalie’s longing to set her son’s life straight flared anew. She shamelessly approached—Michael, a grown man, actually blushed! But a mother is a mother, and introductions were made. Natalie liked Melanie the moment they met. She was tall, slim, curly-haired, with a pleasant face and nice manners. Seeing such a pretty girl next to her son, Natalie instantly forgot all past grievances. “Maybe he really was just unlucky all this time! Maybe it’s best he let those others go, so he could meet such a beauty!” she thought. Her son’s romance with Melanie lasted his whole leave. On her insistence, Melanie came over several times. Natalie was delighted—the girl was clever, entertaining, charming. But when Michael prepared for his next voyage, Melanie disappeared. “We’re not seeing each other anymore, Mum. And you shouldn’t try to get in touch,” her son informed her and left. Natalie racked her brain for what might have happened, but there was no way to find out. * * * A year rolled by. Michael visited home between trips, but stonewalled any questions about Melanie. “Well, what was wrong with this one, then? What on earth could be the issue with her?” Natalie eventually snapped. “Mum, it doesn’t concern you. If I broke up with her, I had my reasons. Please stop interfering in my life!” Natalie almost cried. “But I only worry for you, Michael!” “Please don’t!” he barked. “And I told you, don’t talk to Melanie! And stop nagging me!” Michael went back to sea, and Natalie, heart aching, returned to her routine. Then one day, at work in the pharmacy, Natalie was surprised when a woman came in for baby food—it was Melanie! She looked shy, eyes downcast as she adjusted a little girl’s hat in the pushchair. “Melanie! I’m so glad to see you! Michael never explained anything. He just left, told me not to ask about you!” Natalie blurted out. “Is that so?” Melanie answered quietly. “Well, so be it.” Natalie felt anxious. “Tell me, love—what happened between you? I know my son; he can be difficult. Did he hurt you?” “It doesn’t matter… I bear him no grudge. But we have to go, we still need to get to the shops.” “Come and visit me, please! Or stop by here when I’m on shift. We could have a proper chat!” Melanie did come again, buying more baby food. Gradually, Natalie got her to open up: Melanie was pregnant when Michael left. When she told him, he’d been cold. He didn’t want the baby, said he had no time and wasn’t looking for anything lasting. Then he vanished. “Off to sea, probably,” Melanie shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. We’re not here to impose on anyone! We’re fine on our own.” Natalie nearly knelt beside the pushchair, gazing at the baby. “Does that mean—she’s my granddaughter?” “So it seems,” Melanie answered quietly. “Her name is Annie.” “Annie…” *** Natalie couldn’t find peace. She managed to learn that Melanie was struggling—she was from out of town, renting a flat, but raising a child without stable work was hard. Melanie was thinking about going back to her parents. The mere thought that her granddaughter could move away, out of reach, made Natalie’s heart ache. “Come live with me, Melanie. Bring Annie! She’s my granddaughter! I’ll help, you’ll find steady work, and Michael sends more money than I could ever spend. Annie will have everything!” “What will Michael say?” “Who cares? He got you into this! He left you both, never told me anything. The least I can do is try to make things right! And when he gets home, I’ll have words with him—I promise!” So, that’s how they began living together. Natalie spoiled her granddaughter and spent as much time with her as possible, cutting down her hours at work. Melanie found a job, leaving Annie with Natalie, and would return late, exhausted. “Been on my feet all day. So many difficult customers!” “Never mind! Go get some rest—I’ll bathe Annie and put her to bed.” Michael’s next leave was approaching. Natalie kept imagining their confrontation, how she’d meet her son with Annie and force him to apologise to Melanie. But Melanie grew increasingly nervous. “Michael will come home and throw us both out! I wish I’d never moved in—I need to start looking for a new place.” “Nonsense! He’s not throwing anyone out! I’ll have plenty to say when he’s back! I’ll take care of it!” Melanie protested that she was better off relying on herself, not on Natalie’s kindness. She feared Michael would accuse her of only wanting money. But Natalie refused to listen, insisting they stay. “I’ve got an idea,” she said one night. “Let’s get this flat put in Annie’s name! That way, no one can question anything. Michael might never marry, but our Annie should have a home. Michael’s name isn’t even on her birth certificate,” she added, glancing at Melanie, who hung her head. “Sorry,” Melanie whispered. “I thought—” “I understand. But if the worst happens, we’ll have a hard time proving she’s his, so tomorrow we’ll get the paperwork started.” “No, Natalie, please! My parents have a flat too…” “Don’t talk me out of it! I’ve made up my mind!” But the solicitor explained the paperwork would have to wait until Michael officially gave up his share of the flat. Natalie was frustrated, but with Michael’s return only days away, she was hopeful. Melanie became even more elusive—often gone, staying late at work. “Where are you disappearing to?” Natalie asked one evening. Melanie hesitated. “Work… My boss says I can’t get my pay advance until a special job is done.” “Why do you need an advance? Is money tight?” Melanie changed clothes in silence. Natalie trailed after her and spotted a packed bag hidden by the bed. “Where are you planning to go? Have you decided to move after all?” “Natalie, I have to leave! Once Michael comes back…” “I won’t let you go! And stop working yourself to exhaustion—I told you where my bank card is, and the code, too! You can use it to get what you need—you don’t have to work all hours. At this rate, Annie will forget what her own mother looks like! If you want Michael to accept you, you’d better learn to run a household.” Melanie said nothing. Michael was due in two days. * * * Early on the morning of Michael’s return, Natalie checked on Melanie and Annie. Melanie was gone, Annie asleep. “Where on earth is she? She’s never left so early for work…” Natalie carried on with her preparations, imagining how Michael would be confronted with Annie, how he’d be made to apologise to Melanie upon her return. At last, the doorbell rang. Michael came in, pausing in surprise to see his mum holding a small child. “Hi, Mum. Whose child is that? What’ve I missed?” “That’s something you ought to know very well!” “I don’t understand—tell me, what’s happened?” “What’s happened? I found my granddaughter, Annie! That’s what’s happened!” Natalie replied firmly. “Excuse me? Do I have siblings I never knew about?” Michael said, bewildered. “Stop playing games! Melanie told me everything. I didn’t raise you to act this way—you should be ashamed!” “Melanie? I don’t understand. First, I told you not to contact her. Second, what’s she got to do with this child?” Incensed, Natalie told Michael everything—with plenty of scolding thrown in. Michael listened, then clutched his head. “Oh, Mum!…” “Go on, call me foolish again! But I—” “Mum, this isn’t my child. Melanie’s lied to you, and you… you’re just so trusting! She’s only interested in money—what did she take?” “Nothing! You’re being—” “Mum! Check your savings! She’s probably run off with them already!” “She’s just at work!” The two argued for ages. At last Michael agreed to wait for Melanie’s “return”—then they’d have it out for good. Night came, but Melanie didn’t show up. The next day brought no sign of her. Natalie tried calling—but the workplace Melanie had named had never employed anyone by that name. When Natalie showed the staff a photo, they still shook their heads. Natalie rushed home and, following her son’s advice, checked—her money and the card were gone. So were Melanie’s clothes—only Annie’s things remained. Only then did Natalie grasp she’d been duped. “How could this be? I can’t believe she’d just abandon Annie and leave!” “Oh, she’s quite capable,” Michael sighed grimly. “My friends warned me she was trouble. Then Fred told me she’d robbed him… But I was seeing her, introduced her to you… Later, she claimed to be pregnant—whose child, who knows? Said it was mine… Yeah, right. Word was, she was always with different blokes.” “Oh, what a fool I am!” Natalie wept. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want you to hear such things. You’re always so kind-hearted…” “What do we do now?” “File a police report! Thank goodness you didn’t sign the flat over. Or you’d be homeless now.” They filed the report—Melanie had vanished without trace. She’d barely taken any money, as Michael froze the bank account as soon as he found out. The card was eventually retrieved at a train station. Meanwhile, since Melanie was missing, the authorities allowed Natalie to look after Annie. She had to quit her job for a time, but Michael made enough for them both. A DNA test confirmed Michael was not Annie’s father. But by then, Natalie couldn’t bear to let the little girl go. After much discussion, mother and son decided to bring Annie up as their own. Melanie was stripped of her parental rights in absentia. Natalie had to resume working, sort out daycare for Annie, and there was a mountain of paperwork to obtain custody. Michael was refused guardianship, but Natalie, with her job and home, was allowed. Eventually, everything settled down. A year later, Michael returned from sea with… a wife. “Mum, meet Sonia. We’ll be living together now.” “And what about—” Natalie gestured at Annie’s nursery, unsure if Michael had told his new wife. But Sonia smiled warmly. “So lovely to meet you, Mrs. Michaels. Michael told me everything, and honestly, I admire what you did! If you’ll let me help raise Annie, I’d be thrilled—” she looked at her husband. “Yes, Mum. I’m finishing my sea contracts. Sonia and I will adopt Annie officially. I’m sure they’ll approve us now.” Natalie beamed through happy tears. “Oh, my goodness—what joy! Come in, both of you! I’ve made a huge meal in anticipation of today! Let’s all get acquainted. I’m so happy!”

Author Walton MerrittReading 16 minViews 1

The Long-Awaited Granddaughter

Margaret Chapman was relentlessly ringing her son’s phone, though he was somewhere out at sea yet again. There was still no signal.

Oh, what a mess youve landed us in this time, my boy! she muttered worriedly, dialling his number again. But no matter how many times she tried, he wouldnt be in reach until his ship docked next to a harboura prospect that seemed as far-off as a fairytale. And at a time like this!

Margaret hadnt slept in two daysher son and his choices kept her wide awake.

* * *

It all began years before, back when Michael still found the idea of long voyages entirely alien. He was a grown man already, but romance eluded him; every woman was, apparently, unsuitable in some mysterious way. Margaret observed, aching, as one relationship after another fell aparteach time the girl seemed decent enough to her eye.

Youre insufferable! shed tell him. Nothing ever pleases you! Who on earth will be good enough for you?

I dont see what youre getting at, Mum. You want a daughter-in-law and you dont care who she is?

Thats not so! Of course I want her to love you. She has to be honest, good-hearted!

Hed just shrug or fall into significant silence, which would, absurdly, send Margaret into a frustrated rage. Since when did her sonher little Michael, who used to weep on her lapknow more about life than her? Who was the grown-up, after all?

And what was wrong with Amy, exactly? shed snap.

Ive told you already.

Alright, maybe not the best example Amy was a lost cause, but Margaret refused to lose this argument. So perhaps she was dishonest, as you say, but I cant quite see

Mum! I think its best if we dont discuss the details. Amy wasnt the right person for me, thats final.

And Catherine?

And not Catherine, either.

What about Jenny? Such a sweet girlquiet, homey, always asked if she could help. Surely that means something?

She was nice, Mum, I know. But it later came out shed never loved me.

And youdid you love her?

I suppose not.

Well, then, what about Harriet?

Mum, please.

What, Mum? Honestly, youre impossible! Youre turning into a right playboy. Rather than settle down and have children

Can we please drop this pointless conversation? Michael would say, patience snapping, and storm out.

Just like his father, with that stubborn streak and over-particular fussing, Margaret would fume afterwards.

Years glided by. Michaels girlfriends came and went, yet Margarets dream of celebrating her sons happiness and cuddling grandchildren remained stubbornly unfulfilled. Then, one day, Michael met an old mate who suggested working on the ships. Michael said yes, quick as a flash. Margaret campaigned desperately to talk him out of it.

Dont be daft, Mum! Its a brilliant offer! You know how much you make out there? Well be rolling in it!

I dont want your money if it means I never see you! Id rather you had a family.

A man has to earn for the family, doesnt he? And once the kids arrive, Ill have to stay putbetter to squirrel away now while I can. Therell be time for everything else.

Michael did, indeed, earn a lot. After the first trip, he renovated the flat. After the second, he opened a savings account and handed Margaret a bank card.

So you never want for anything!

I dont want for anything, except grandchildren. And time runs onIm getting old!

Dont be daft! Youve got years till retirement, Michael laughed.

Margaret didnt touch the money. She had her job at the local chemists, providing just enough for her simple needs. Let the money pile up, as it should. He never checks it anywayhell be shocked by my thrift! she thought smugly.

And so the years ticked by. Whenever Michael dashed home between trips, he made up for lost time with friends, drank, roamed, and met girls he no longer bothered to introduce. One day, after she objected, he replied with icy bluntness:

It’s so you don’t worry when I dont marry them. I dont intend to marry the likes of them, Mum.

Margarets heart achedespecially after he accused her of being terribly naïve:

You idealise people, Mum. Youre far too trusting. You never really knew my so-called girlfriends. They just made themselves look good for you.

That comment gnawed at herhed spotlighted her character flaw, even called her foolish. Foolish! Her own son!

Then she caught sight of him out with a woman, and the old longing to set his life straight flared up in her. Shameless, she approached. Michaelher grown sonblushed red as beetroot, forced to introduce the woman properly.

Rachel made a fine impression: tall, waif-like, curly-haired, with pleasing manners. Margaret forgot all her earlier grievances in an instant.

Perhaps he just had rotten luck before, Margaret mused. Maybe its a blessing he left the othersotherwise hed never have met such a beauty!

The romance lasted through Michaels shore leave. At Margarets urging, Rachel visited several times; she was lively and full of stories. Yet as soon as Michael packed for sea, Rachel vanished.

We dont see each other any more! And you neednt keep in touch, either, was all Michael said, before leaving.

Margaret puzzled over what might have happened, but there was no one to ask.

* * *

A year passed. Michael came home now and then, always curt about Rachel when asked.

Oh, and what was wrong with this one? What could possibly be wrong with her? Margaret finally burst out.

Mum, thats my business. If we’ve split, theres a reasonlet it rest, please!

Margaret nearly cried. But I worry for you, Michael!

No need! he barked. Stop pestering me about Racheland stop prying!

Michael sailed off. Margaret, heart in tatters, resumed her daily routine.

One day she was at work when Rachel herself appeared at the pharmacy, buying baby food. With her was a little girl in a pram, all curls under her winter hat.

Rachel, dear! Its so wonderful to see you! Michael told me nothing, just headed out to sea and forbade me to ask after you! Margaret babbled in relief.

Did he? Rachel replied sorrowfully. Well, so be it.

Margaret grew anxious. Tell me, love, what went on between you? My Michaels got a difficult nature, I knowdid he upset you?

It doesnt matter. Im not angry at him. Anyway, we must go; Ive more shopping.

Please, come again! Even to workI’m here every other day. We can have a chat at least.

And Rachel did return, another day of Margarets shift, again buying baby food. Over time, Margaret coaxed the truth from her: Rachel was pregnant by Michael, but when she told him, he said he didnt want the childclaimed he was away too often and had never planned to settle down. Then he disappeared.

He must be at sea, Rachel shrugged. No matter! Were happy as we are.

Margaret very nearly knelt before the pram. Does this meanthats my granddaughter?

Thats right, Rachel whispered. Her names Annie.

Little Annie

***

Margaret couldnt rest. She eventually learned that Rachels circumstances were precarious: she was not local, renting a flat with little income and considering moving back to her parents. The idea of her granddaughter leaving town broke Margarets heart.

Move in with me, Rachel! You and Annieshes my granddaughter! Ill help in every way, youll find a steady job, and Michael sends more money than I can spend. Annie will be well looked after!

But what will Michael say?

Since when do I ask his permission? He made his bed! Abandoned his child and told me nothing! Ill make it up to you both if its the last thing I do. When he returns, Ill talk to himoh, will he hear from me! Margaret shook her fist.

So they moved in. Margaret spared neither money nor time for Annie. She took fewer shifts, determined to be close to her granddaughter. Rachel soon found work, trusting Margaret with the baby, and often came home late, exhausted.

On my feet all day, so many difficult customers! Rachel would sigh.

Never mind thatrest yourself. Ill bathe Annie and put her to bed, Margaret would say cheerfully.

Michaels leave approached. Margaret imagined greeting her son with Annie in her arms; shed finally set him straight, shed give him a right earful, and stand up for Rachel, who grew ever more tense as the date drew near.

Michaelll come home and throw us out, I know it! I never should have agreed to live here, Rachel chattered anxiously. Tomorrow Ill start looking for a flat.

Throw you out? Nonsense! Let him dare say a wordIll tell him!

Hell say Im only after the money. Youve done so much for us, but I cant keep taking your kindness. Im better off with my parents. Well stay in touch, dont worry!

Margaret stood firm as a Dickensian headmistress. My house, my say! Ill host whomever I wish, and Michael cant stop me!

No matter how Rachel protested, Margaret insisted. They stayed.

Actually, said Margaret one night, we should transfer the flat immediately to Annie, so everythings certain! Michael will never settle and marry, but my granddaughter must inherit something. Besides, hes not listed as her father She glanced at Rachel, who looked down, embarrassed.

Im sorryI thought

I understand. But if anything happens, itll be hard to prove shes his child. Well put it right tomorrow.

No, please, thats too much! My parents have a flat as well

Dont be absurd! Margaret interrupted. Ive decided.

They tried but the solicitor refused, saying Michael would have to give up his claim first.

Margaret was annoyed, but with only days to Michaels return, she hoped it would be sorted in time. Meanwhile, Rachel started disappearing for stretches.

Where have you been? Margaret asked crossly one evening, catching Rachel packing her things into a bag behind the bed.

I have to go, Mrs. Chapman. When Michael comes

Youre not going anywhere with my granddaughter! Margaret declared. After reflection, she softened, And anyway, enough with the extra work! You know where the card is, and the PIN. Use it for what you needno point working yourself into the ground. Annie will forget who you are at this rate! If Michael is ever to accept you, you must learn to be mistress of the house.

Rachel said nothing. Michael was due home in two days.

* * *

On the morning of Michaels arrival, Margaret woke early and went straight to Rachel and Annies roomonly Annie was there, snoozing peacefully.

Whats going on? Wheres Rachel? Shes never left for work so early!

Margaret went to the kitchen to prepare Michaels favourite foods, cheering herself with thoughts of presenting Annie to him and watching him apologise to Rachel on her return.

Finally the doorbell rang.

Michael stepped over the threshold, froze at the sight of his mother cradling a little girl.

Hi, Mum. Whose child is this? What have I missed while Ive been away?

You should know well enough!

Im lost, Michael said, removing his boots. What misadventures have you been up to?

Misadventures? Ill tell you. Your granddaughter, Annie! Thats the adventure! Margaret gave him a stern look.

What do you mean? Have I got siblings I didnt know about? Michael said, bewildered.

Dont pretend, Michael! Rachel told me everything. I didnt raise you for this! Im so ashamed of you!

Rachel? I dont follow. I asked you not to meddle. Whats Rachel got to do with any of this?

Now Margaret, angry and upset, told the whole taleembellishing with liberal scoldings. Hearing her out, Michael grasped his head.

Oh, Mum, you! he exclaimed at last.

What, are you calling me foolish again? Fine! But I

Shes tricked you, Mum! That child isnt mine. Rachels played youshes after your money, I saw through her a long time ago Did she take anything?

Not a penny! How could you

Mum, check your savings! Rachels likely made off with the lot!

Shes just at work! Margaret insisted.

They argued back and forth. Eventually, Michael, worn out, agreed to wait for Rachel to return and clear it up.

They waited into the night. In that time, Margaret told Michael everything: how shed met Rachel, how theyd lived together, how shed planned to transfer the flat to Annie. Michael maintained shed been taken for a ride, but Margaret refused to accept it.

Shes a wonderful girl

A wonderful con-artist, more like. And you believed her without question!

Enough! Shell be back, youll talk, and then youll feel ashamed! Ill play with my granddaughter for now.

Thats not your granddaughter!

Margaret glared. Well get a DNA test then!

Exactly, said Michael, chin raised, and left the room.

Evening melted into night. Rachel never appeared, nor did she answer her phone the next day. Margaret took Annie to the address where Rachel claimed to workonly to find the staff had never heard of her. Margaret showed photos but met only blank looks.

Margaret rushed home, remembering Michaels advice about her savings. The bank card, the savingsgone, as was Rachels luggage. Only Annies things remained. It finally dawned: shed been deceived.

How could this be? I dont believe it! She couldnt have abandoned Annie and just run off?

She could, and she has, Michael muttered. I was warnedshouldve listened. Same story with Fred, you knowshe stole from him too. When I brought her home to you, she was already pregnantby goodness knows who. Said it was mine but my mates told me she was out with all sorts.

Im such a naive fool! Margaret wept. Why didnt you tell me?

I wanted to spare your feelings. Youre always so warm-heartedyou didnt need to hear the worst.

What do we do now?

“Ring the police! Good thing you didnt manage to transfer the flat. Youd be out on the street!”

They did report it, but Rachel vanished like fog over the Thames. Months passed with no news. Shed not emptied the accountMichael had blocked everything rapidly afterwards. The bank found the card abandoned at a train station somewhere in Sussex.

While the search dragged on, authorities allowed Annie to remain with Margaret, who resigned from work to care for her; fortunately, Michaels earnings sufficed. The DNA test proved Annie wasnt Michaels child, but Margaret had grown to love the little girl. Together, after long discussions, the family decided to raise Annie as their own. Rachel was never found, and in her absence was stripped of parental rights. The process of obtaining guardianship was painfully slow: forms, assessments, daycare placements, re-employment for Margaret so shed have an independent incomeeverything. But life found its new rhythm.

A year later, Michael came home with a wife:

Meet Sonya, Mum. Were living here now.

And? Margaret gestured at Annies room, uncertain whether Michaels bride knew the whole saga.

Sonya smiled broadly, Its lovely to meet you, Mrs. Chapman! Michael has told me everything, and I honestly admire you. If youll let me help care for Annie, Id be so grateful. You see she looked at Michael.

Yes, Mum, I plan to quit the ships, and weSonya and Iwant to adopt Annie properly. This time they wont refuse us!

Tears sparkled in Margarets eyes. Oh, what joy! Come in, both of youthe tables loaded, Ive been waiting for ages for this! Lets sit together and become a family at last!The meal that evening was noisy with laughter and stories, the kind that knit a family closer than ever. Margaret watched as Sonya gently lifted Annie onto her lap, the little girl nestling in as if she had belonged there all along. Even Michael, wary and battered by the past, was softenedhe fed Annie spoons of mashed potato, grinning as she smeared butter on his sleeve.

Later, after Sonya had tucked Annie into bed and Michael finished washing up, Margaret found herself pausing at the doorway to the living room, listening to Sonyas quiet humming echo from the nursery, the sweet domestic ordinariness filling every hollow space left by old disappointments.

She felt a small hand slip into hers. Annie, up againjust for a momenther curls tousled and cheeks glowing.

Nana, Annie whispered. Will you always stay here with me?

Margaret knelt down, her arms enfolding the child. Yes, my darling girl. Always.

The front windows glowed with lamplight, laughter drifted down the hall, and in that gentle shelter there was, finally, abundance: not just the granddaughter Margaret had dreamed of, but a daughter-in-law to cherish, a son returned home, and the certainty that the hearts longings are sometimes fulfilled in the most unexpected ways.

Outside, spring buds trembled on the treespromising new beginnings long after the storms. And in that small, sturdy home, Annies laughter rang out once more, bright and free: a sound that, at last, meant everything.

You Just Can’t Find Common Ground With Him “I’m not doing that! Don’t order me around! You’re nothing to me!” Daniel slammed the plate into the sink so hard that water sprayed across the kitchen counter. Anna stopped breathing for a moment. The fifteen-year-old glared at her with the kind of fury you’d think only someone who’d had their life ruined could muster. “I just asked you to help with the washing up,” Anna tried to keep her voice calm. “It’s a normal request.” “My mum never made me do dishes! I’m not a girl! Who are you anyway to start giving orders?” Daniel turned on his heel and stormed out. Seconds later, music blasted through his bedroom walls. Anna leaned against the fridge and closed her eyes. A year ago, everything seemed so different… Max walked into her life by chance. He was an engineer in the next department of a large London construction firm. They kept running into each other at meetings. First coffee over lunch breaks, then dinners after work, long phone conversations until midnight. “I’ve got a son,” Max confessed on their third date, fiddling with a napkin. “Daniel’s fifteen. His mum and I divorced two years ago, and he’s… he’s finding it hard.” “I understand,” Anna placed her hand over his. “Children always struggle when parents split. It’s normal.” “Are you really ready to take us both on?” Anna truly believed she was. She was thirty-two, with a failed first marriage but no children, and she longed for a real family. Max seemed just the man to build it with. Half a year later, he proposed—awkwardly but endearingly—hiding the ring in a box of her favourite Mark & Spencer pastries. Anna laughed and said yes without a moment’s hesitation. They held a small wedding: parents from both sides, a few close friends, a modest gastropub in Islington. Daniel stared at his phone the entire evening, never once glancing at the couple. “He’ll come round,” Max whispered, noticing Anna’s nerves. “Give him time.” Anna moved into Max’s spacious three-bed flat in Clapham the day after the wedding. It was a lovely place—bright, big kitchen, a balcony looking out over the communal gardens. But from the start Anna felt like a guest in someone else’s home… Daniel looked through her as if she were furniture—past her, beyond her, not bothering to notice. If Anna entered a room, he’d pointedly pull on his headphones. If she asked him anything, he’d grunt a monosyllable without meeting her eyes. For the first two weeks Anna put it down to adjustment. Of course, it’s hard for a teenage boy. Hard to accept that Dad has a new wife. It’ll settle down. It didn’t. “Daniel, please, don’t eat in your room. It’ll bring mice.” “Dad let me.” “Daniel, have you done your homework?” “None of your business.” “Daniel, tidy up after yourself, please.” “Do it yourself. You’ve got nothing better to do.” Anna tried to talk to Max. Treading carefully, trying not to sound like a wicked stepmother. “I think we need some basic house rules,” she said one night after Daniel had disappeared to his room. “No eating in bedrooms, clean up after yourself, homework before gaming…” “Anna, he’s struggling,” Max rubbed his temples. “The divorce, a new person in the house… Let’s not push him.” “I’m not pushing. I just want some order.” “He’s still a child.” “He’s fifteen, Max. He should know how to put his cup in the dishwasher by now.” But Max only sighed and switched on the football, making it clear the discussion was over. Things got worse day by day. When Anna asked Daniel to take the rubbish out, he looked at her with open contempt. “You’re not my mother. You’ll never be. You can’t boss me around.” “I’m not bossing. I’m asking for help. We all live here.” “This isn’t your house. It’s my dad’s. And mine.” Anna tried to talk to her husband again. He listened, nodded, promised to have a word. But nothing changed—or maybe those chats never even happened. Anna lost track. Daniel started coming home long after midnight. No warning, no calls. Anna would lie awake, straining to hear each creak in the corridor. Max snored beside her, blissfully unbothered. “Can you just tell him to message when he’s out late?” Anna pleaded over breakfast. “Anything could happen.” “He’s old enough, Anna. You can’t control him.” “He’s fifteen!” “I was always out late at that age.” “Still, can’t you talk to him? Say we worry?” Max shrugged and left for work. Every attempt at boundaries became a row. Daniel would shout, slam doors, accuse Anna of breaking up their family. Every time, Max sided with his son. “He’s hurting after the divorce,” he repeated like a mantra. “You need to understand.” “And what about me?” Anna finally snapped. “I live in a home where I’m openly disrespected and my husband pretends everything’s fine!” “You’re exaggerating.” “Exaggerating?! Your son told me to my face that I’m nobody here. Word for word.” “He’s a teenager. They’re all like this.” Anna phoned her mum, who always had the right words. “Sweetheart,” her mother’s voice was worried, “you’re miserable. I hear it in every word.” “Mum, I don’t know what to do. Max won’t admit anything’s wrong.” “Because for him, nothing is. He’s content. The only one suffering is you.” Anna’s mother paused, her voice soft: “You deserve better, darling. Remember that.” Daniel, sensing total impunity, really let loose. Music blared into the early hours. Dirty plates appeared everywhere—on the coffee table, the bedroom windowsill, even in the bathroom. Socks lay strewn in the hallway, textbooks on the kitchen counter. Anna cleaned up, because she couldn’t stand mess. She cleaned and wept in frustration. At some point, Daniel stopped greeting her at all. Anna only existed for him as a target for sarcasm or rudeness. “You just don’t know how to connect with my child,” Max told her one day. “Maybe the problem’s you?” “Connect?” Anna gave a bitter laugh. “I’ve tried for half a year. He calls me ‘what’s-her-name’ in front of you.” “You’re being dramatic.” Her last attempt to break the ice took her all day. She found Daniel’s favourite meal online—honey-glazed chicken with village-style potatoes. She bought the finest ingredients. Spent four hours in the kitchen. “Daniel! Tea’s ready!” she called, laying the table. He came out, looked at the plate, and grimaced. “I’m not eating that.” “Why not?” “Because you made it.” He turned on his heel and left. A minute later, the front door slammed—off to his friends’. Max came home, saw the untouched dinner, the upset wife. “What happened?” Anna explained. Max sighed. “Don’t take it personally, Anna. He doesn’t mean it.” “Doesn’t mean it?! He humiliates me! Deliberately! Every day!” “You’re overreacting.” A week later, Daniel brought five mates home after school. Anna found the kitchen strewn with leftovers and dirty plates. “Out—all of you! It’s nearly eleven!” Anna barked, standing in the living room where the lads sprawled. Daniel didn’t even turn his head. “It’s my house. I’ll do what I like.” “It’s our house. There are rules here.” “What rules?” one of Daniel’s friends sniggered. “Dan, who’s she?” “No one. Forget her.” Anna retreated to the bedroom and rang Max. He arrived an hour later, just as the boys were leaving. He surveyed the chaos, then his exhausted wife. “Anna, don’t make a scene. The boys just popped round for a bit.” “A bit?!” “You’re overreacting. And honestly,” Max frowned, “it feels like you’re trying to turn me against my son.” Anna looked at her husband and barely recognised him. “We need to talk, Max. Seriously. About us. About our future.” Her husband tensed but sat opposite. “I can’t do this anymore,” Anna said, choosing her words with painful care. “I’ve endured half a year of disrespect. Daniel is rude, and you—well, you don’t care about how I feel at all.” “Anna, I—” “Let me finish. I tried. I honestly tried to be part of this family. But it’s not a family. It’s you, your son, and me—the outsider no one wants, except for cooking and cleaning.” “You’re being unfair.” “Unfair? When was the last time your son said one kind word to me? When was the last time you stood up for me?” Max was silent. “I love you,” he whispered at last, “but Daniel is my son. He’ll always come first.” “Before me?” “Before any relationship.” Anna nodded. Hollow. Cold inside. “Thank you for your honesty.” The final straw came two days later. Anna found her favourite blouse—a birthday present from her mum—shredded to rags on her pillow. No doubt who’d done it. “Daniel!” Anna stormed out, holding the scraps in her hand. “What is this?!” The teenager shrugged, eyes glued to his phone. “No idea.” “That’s my property!” “So?” “Max!” Anna called her husband. “Come home. Now.” Max turned up, saw the blouse, his son, his wife. “Dan, did you do this?” “No.” “See?” Max spread his hands. “He says it wasn’t him.” “Then who? The cat? We haven’t got one!” “Maybe you ripped it by accident…” “Max!” Anna stared at her husband. Pointless. He wouldn’t change. He’d never take her side. There was only one person that mattered to him—his son. She was just a convenient extra in someone else’s house. “Daniel misses his mother,” Max said for the hundredth time. “You have to understand.” “I do,” Anna said quietly. “I understand everything.” That night she took out her suitcase. “What are you doing?” Max froze in the bedroom doorway. “Packing. I’m leaving.” “Anna, wait! Let’s talk!” “We’ve been talking for half a year. Nothing’s changed.” She folded dresses into her bag. “I have a right to happiness too, Max.” “I’ll change! I’ll speak to Daniel!” “Too late.” She looked at her husband—a good man, maybe, but never truly a husband. Just a father. The kind of father who ruins his child with blind devotion. “I’ll file for divorce next week,” Anna said, zipping the suitcase. “Anna!” “Goodbye, Max.” She walked out and didn’t look back. In the hall, Daniel’s face flashed by—something like confusion, maybe fear, crossed his features for the first time. Anna didn’t care anymore. The rented flat was small but cosy—a one-bed in a quiet suburb, with windows overlooking a peaceful street. Anna unpacked, made herself a cup of tea, and sat in the window. For the first time in six months, she felt calm. The divorce came through two months later. Max rang a few times, asking for another chance. Anna was polite but firm: no. She didn’t break. Didn’t become bitter or vindictive. She just realised happiness doesn’t mean endless sacrifice or patience. Happiness is being respected and valued. And one day, she’d find it. Just not with this man.

On the Brink of This Summer Working in a local library, Dana considered her life rather dull—visitor numbers had dwindled, with most people now surfing the internet. She busied herself by rearranging books and dusting shelves. The only real perk was her having read an incredible number of books, from romance to philosophy. By the time she turned thirty, Dana realized romance itself had somehow eluded her life. A reasonable age to start a family, she thought; her looks were ordinary, and her job poorly paid. Changing jobs just never crossed her mind—she was content enough. The library’s regulars were mainly students, with the occasional school pupil or pensioner. Recently, a county-wide professional competition was held, and much to her surprise, Dana won the grand prize: an all-expenses-paid fortnight at a seaside resort. “How wonderful! I’ll definitely go,” she told her friend and mum excitedly, “On my salary I’d never travel far, so this is a stroke of luck.” Summer was drawing to a close. Dana strolled along a deserted English beach—most holidaymakers were in cafés, as the sea was particularly choppy that day. On her third day by the coast, she longed for a solitary walk to reflect and dream. Suddenly, she saw a young man swept off the pier by a wave. Without thinking, she rushed to help—even though she wasn’t the strongest swimmer, she could hold her own in water. The waves alternately helped and hindered the rescue, but finally she managed to get him ashore. Only then did Dana realise: “He can’t be older than fourteen! Just tall for his age—taller than me, even.” “Why did you go swimming in this weather?” she asked, but the lad, thanking her briefly, staggered off. The next morning, Dana awoke smiling—the sun was shining and the blue sea sparkled, calmer than before. It was as if the sea itself was apologising for yesterday’s trouble. After breakfast, she found a spot on the beach for sunbathing. Toward evening, she wandered into a seaside amusement park and spotted a shooting gallery. Having shot well in school and university, she missed her first shot but hit the bullseye the second time. “Look, son, that’s how it’s done,” came a man’s friendly voice behind her. Dana turned to find the same boy from the pier, accompanied by his father, a tall, pleasant man called Andrew. Later, they wandered together, enjoyed ice creams at a café, and rode the big wheel. Dana expected the boy’s mother to join them, but she never appeared. Andrew turned out to be an interesting, engaging conversationalist. “Dana, have you been holidaying here long?” “No, just arrived. Still got another week left.” When Dana told them her home city, she was surprised—they lived there too. They all laughed at the coincidence. “Fancy that! Never met in town, but fate brings us together here,” Andrew smiled warmly. Their easy camaraderie grew. The next days were a dream—days on the beach, evenings spent exploring together, taking in the local sights. Dana, sensing a cloud over the boy, wanted to chat with him alone; an opportunity arose when he arrived solo at the beach. “Dad’s under the weather, so I’ve got the day to myself. Hope you don’t mind keeping me company?” he said, all charm. With Andrew’s blessing, Dana happily obliged. Relaxing together, the boy said suddenly, “You’re a real friend—you didn’t tell Dad about what happened the other day. I got swept off the pier and panicked for a moment.” Smiling, Dana asked, “Where’s your mum, by the way? Why just the two of you on holiday?” He hesitated, then shared how his once-happy family had changed, thanks to his mother’s betrayal. He described the separation, his decision to stay with his dad, and the pain of losing trust. The day Andrew rejoined them, he looked cheerful, promising to make up for lost time. But in just a few days, father and son had to return home. Summer was almost over. At summer’s end, they parted on the beach’s edge with promises to meet again. Andrew pledged to meet Dana at the airport, and his son beamed with hope. Dana let go of plans, basking in the glow of Andrew’s affectionate messages proclaiming how much he missed her. Soon, Dana moved in with Andrew and his son. Of all of them, the boy seemed the happiest—full of joy for his dad, for himself, and for Dana. Title: Edge of This English Summer – Dana’s Unexpected Seaside Rescue, New Friendship, and the Beginnings of Love at Thirty

I Think the Love Has Faded — “You’re the most beautiful girl in the whole department,” he said, handing her a bunch of daisies from the flower stall by the tube. Anna laughed, accepting the flowers. The daisies smelled of summer and something indescribably right. Dmitry looked at her like a man who knew exactly what he wanted. And what he wanted was her. Their first date was in Hyde Park. Dmitry brought along a blanket, a flask of tea, and homemade sandwiches his mum had made. They sat on the grass until dark. Anna remembered the way he laughed, head thrown back. How he touched her hand as if by accident, and looked at her as if she was the only person in all of London. Three months in, he took her to a little indie cinema to watch a French comedy she didn’t really understand, but she laughed with him all the same. Six months later, he introduced her to his parents. A year on—he asked her to move in. “We’re always together anyway,” Dmitry said, gently running his fingers through her hair. “Why pay for two flats?” Anna said yes. Not for the money, of course. Just because with him, the world made sense. Their rented one-bed flat smelled of Sunday roast dinners and freshly washed sheets. Anna learned to make his favourite cottage pie, exactly the way his mum did. In the evenings, Dmitry read aloud articles from The Economist and The Times. He dreamt of running his own business. Anna listenend, propped on her hand, believing every word. They planned their future. First—a deposit. Then—their own home. After that—a new car. Children, obviously: a son and a daughter. “We’ve got plenty of time,” Dmitry would say, kissing the top of her head. Anna would nod. With him, she felt invincible. …Fifteen years together brought routines, little traditions, and stuff—so much stuff. They had a nice flat with a view over the green, a 20-year mortgage they worked hard to pay off early, sacrificing holidays and restaurants. A silver Toyota in the drive—Dmitry chose it, haggled for it, and polished the bonnet to a shine every Saturday. There was pride—a warm, rising wave. They’d achieved everything on their own. No handouts from parents, no lucky breaks. Just hard work, saving, perseverance. Anna never complained. Not even when she was so tired she fell asleep on the tube and woke up at the end of the line. Not even when she wanted to pack it all in and fly away somewhere sunny. They were a team. That’s what Dmitry always said, and Anna believed him. His happiness always came first. Anna learned that rule by heart, wove it into her very DNA. Rough day at work? She’d make a special dinner and a pot of tea and listen to him. Trouble with his boss? She’d stroke his hair and whisper everything would be alright. Self-doubt? She’d find the right words, pull him out of his slump. “You’re my harbour, my anchor, my rock,” Dmitry would say. Anna would smile. What could be better than being someone’s anchor? There were tough times. The first, five years in—the company Dmitry worked for went bust. He sat at home, scrolling job listings and sinking into gloom. The second was worse. Some colleagues set him up, and not only did he lose his job, he got hit with a big bill. They had to sell the car to pay it. Anna never blamed him. Not a word, not even a look. She took on more freelance work, stayed up late, scrimped every penny. All she cared about was how he was coping. Would he break? Would he lose faith in himself? …Dmitry pulled through. Landed an even better job. They bought another silver Toyota. Life went back to normal. A year ago, they were sitting in the kitchen when Anna finally voiced what she’d been quietly thinking for ages: “Maybe it’s time? I’m not twenty anymore. If we keep waiting…” Dmitry nodded. Serious, thoughtful. “Let’s start getting ready.” Anna held her breath. So many years of dreaming, postponing, waiting for the right moment. Now it was here. She’d imagined it all a thousand times: tiny hands gripping hers, the smell of baby powder, first steps across their flat, Dmitry reading bedtime stories. A child. Their child. At last. Everything changed at once. Anna revamped her diet, her routine, cut back on stress. Saw doctors, took her vitamins, shifted career plans—even as her boss offered her a huge promotion. “Are you sure?” her manager asked, peering over her glasses. “A chance like this…” But Anna was sure. The promotion meant late nights, travel, pressure—not ideal for starting a family. “I’ll transfer to the branch near home instead,” Anna said. The manager just shrugged. The branch was a fifteen-minute walk around the corner. The work—dull, routine, no prospects. But she could leave on time and stop thinking about it come Friday. Anna settled in fast. The new colleagues were nice enough, if unambitious. She made her own packed lunches, took walks at lunchtime, was in bed by midnight—all for the baby they hoped for, all for their family. The chill crept in slowly. Anna didn’t notice at first. Dmitry was working a lot, tired—that happened, right? But he stopped asking about her day. Stopped hugging her goodnight. Stopped looking at her the way he did when she was the most beautiful girl at uni. The flat got quiet. Wrong kind of quiet. They used to chat for hours—about work, plans, silly things. Now Dmitry scrolled on his phone every evening, gave short answers, turned his back to sleep. Anna would lie next to him, staring at the ceiling. Between them—a gulf, half the width of a mattress. Intimacy vanished. Two weeks, three, a month. Anna lost count. Dmitry always had an excuse: “I’m just shattered. Tomorrow, alright?” Tomorrow never came. One night, Anna just asked. She blocked his way to the bathroom. “What’s going on? Please, honestly.” Dmitry looked past her, at the doorframe. “Everything’s fine.” “It’s not.” “You’re overthinking. It’ll pass.” He sidestepped her, locked himself in the bathroom. Water started running. Anna stood in the hallway, clutching her chest where it hurt—dull, persistent, constant. She lasted another month. Then she couldn’t bear it any longer. “Do you love me?” she asked, straight out. A pause. A long, awful pause. “I… don’t know what I feel for you.” Anna sat on the sofa. “You don’t know?” Dmitry finally looked her in the eye. There was emptiness. Confusion. None of the fire from fifteen years ago. “I think the love’s gone. Has been for ages. I kept quiet because I didn’t want to hurt you.” Anna realised she’d been living in this hell for months, desperate for an explanation. Maybe it’s work. Midlife crisis. Just a bad patch. But no—he simply stopped loving her. And said nothing while she planned their future, gave up her promotion, prepared herself for motherhood. The decision came suddenly. No more “maybe,” no more “give it time.” Enough. “I’m filing for divorce.” Dmitry turned pale. Anna saw his Adam’s apple twitch. “Wait. Don’t go so fast. We can try—” “Try what?” “Let’s have the baby, yeah? Maybe a child will bring us together. People say kids do that.” Anna laughed bitterly. “A baby will just make things worse. You don’t love me. Why have a child just to end up divorcing with a newborn?” Dmitry said nothing. There was nothing left to say. Anna left that day. Packed a bag of essentials and moved in with a friend. Filed for divorce a week later, when her hands finally stopped trembling. Sorting out the house and car would take ages. Fifteen years of stuff to split. Life, measured out in square feet and horsepower. Anna listened to the lawyer, taking notes, doing her best not to think about how their life had boiled down to a spreadsheet. Soon, she found a little flat to rent. She learned to cook for one, watch Netflix without commentary, stretch out in bed all by herself. The waves of grief broke at night. She’d bury her face in the pillow and remember: daisies from the market, picnics in Hyde Park, his laughter, his arms, his voice telling her, “You’re my anchor.” The pain was unbearable—fifteen years doesn’t go out with the rubbish. But through the pain came something else: relief. The sense that it was right. She’d stopped in time, before tying herself to someone with a child, before getting stuck in a marriage for the sake of keeping up appearances. Thirty-two years old. Her whole life ahead. Is it terrifying? Completely. But she’ll make it through—there’s no other way. I Think the Love Has Faded: Fifteen Years Together, a Dreamed-of Family, and the Courage to Walk Away in Search of Happiness

The Long-Awaited Granddaughter Natalie Mayhew couldn’t stop ringing her son, out at sea on his latest voyage. But the connection was still down. “Oh, Michael, look at the mess you’ve made!” she sighed anxiously, dialling his number again. Call or not, the signal wouldn’t come back until he reached the next port—and that could be ages yet. And now, of all times! For a second night, Natalie Mayhew couldn’t sleep—what a situation her son had gotten into! * * * This story had begun years earlier, before Michael had ever dreamed of working long-haul shifts on ships. Her son was already a man, but things never seemed to work out with women—according to him, none were ever quite right! Natalie Mayhew watched with heartache as his promising relationships with perfectly decent and even attractive girls all collapsed in turn. “You’re impossible to please!” she told him. “What sort of woman could ever measure up to your impossibly high standards?” “I don’t see your point, Mum. You want a daughter-in-law so much you don’t even care what kind of person she is?” “Of course I care! I want someone who’ll love you, someone decent.” Michael would just shrug in silence, which—as any mother knows—only made her more frustrated. Really, which one of them was supposed to be the elder here? “What was wrong with Natalie, then?” she’d snap, when he dismissed another girl. “I’ve explained.” “Fine… so maybe she wasn’t honest—but I still don’t really understand…” “Mum! I don’t think we should discuss the details. Natalie just isn’t the person I want to spend my life with.” “And Kate?” “Kate either,” he’d answer evenly. “And Sophie? She was lovely, that one. Quiet, homey, helpful—always asking what she could do around the house. Are you sure?” “Yes, she was very sweet. But then it turned out she never really loved me.” “And you didn’t love her either?” “Probably not.” “And Darina?” “Mum!” “Oh, what ‘Mum’? You’re impossible to please! You’re turning into a real ladies’ man instead of settling down with a family and having kids!” “Let’s drop this pointless conversation!” Michael would finally snap, storming out. “Just like his father,” Natalie thought, both annoyed and bemused. Years went by. The women came and went, but Natalie’s cherished hope—seeing her son happily married and finally having grandchildren to spoil—remained just out of reach. Then Michael changed careers altogether. He met an old friend, got offered a job on the ships, and accepted. Natalie did her best to talk him out of it. “Oh, Mum, it’s a great opportunity! Do you know how much seafarers make? We’ll want for nothing!” “I don’t care about your money if it means I never see you. I’d rather you started a family!” “But a family has to be provided for! When the kids come along, I’ll have to quit the sea and help raise them. So for now I’ll earn as much as I can!” Michael really did make good money. He renovated the flat after his first voyage, set up a savings account after the second, handing Natalie the card. “So you’ll never want for anything!” “I’m not wanting for anything—except grandchildren, and time is marching on. I’m already old!” “Don’t talk nonsense! You’ve years before you’re anywhere near old age,” Michael laughed. Natalie never touched the money. She had her own modest wage from her job at the high street chemist, enough for her simple needs. “Let it accumulate. Michael never even checks the balance—one day he’ll be shocked by what a thrifty mother he’s got!” she thought. So the years slipped by. Michael would come home between voyages and fit a whole month’s worth of living into a few days—seeing mates, going out late, meeting girls he no longer even introduced to his mother. When Natalie once reproached him, she got a thankless reply: “It’s so you don’t get attached or fret when I don’t marry them. I’m not looking for that, Mum!” She was hurt—especially when Michael said she was too trusting. Just like that: “You see the best in people, Mum. The girls you think of as potential daughters-in-law—well, you only see what they want you to see.” That stung. “Trusting means foolish,” she thought bitterly. Her son had called her naive. But when she later saw him with a new girl, that old fire to see him settled returned. Without shame, she approached the pair—Michael, a grown man, blushed. But a mother is a mother, and he introduced them. Natalie immediately liked Milly. Tall, slim, curly-haired, with a pleasant manner. Seeing such a lovely girl on her son’s arm, Natalie forgot her grievances. “Perhaps he really has just been unlucky all along! Maybe it’s good he dumped the others, or he would never have met this gem,” she thought. The romance with Milly lasted his entire leave—by Natalie’s gentle prodding, Milly visited for tea several times, demonstrated her intelligence, and proved delightful company. When Michael packed for his next voyage, however, Milly vanished. “We’re not in touch anymore, Mum, nor should you see her,” said Michael shortly, and left. Natalie puzzled over what had gone wrong, but had nowhere to get answers. * * * A year passed. Michael returned home a few times, always evading her gentle probing about Milly. “For heaven’s sake, what was wrong with this one? What didn’t you like this time?” Natalie finally demanded. “Mum, it’s my business. If I broke up with her, I had a reason. Please don’t interfere!” Natalie was close to tears. “But I worry about you!” “Don’t!” Michael barked. “Don’t talk to Milly and stop getting on at me.” He was off on yet another voyage, leaving Natalie with a torn heart to get on with life until his return. Then, one day at work in Boots, Milly walked in to buy baby formula—pushing a pram with a little girl inside. “Oh, Milly! I’m so glad to see you! Michael told me nothing—he just left again and told me not to pry!” Natalie blurted in delight. “Did he?” Milly glanced down. “Well, that’s how it is.” Natalie grew anxious. “Please, love, what happened between you and Michael? I know my son can be difficult—did he hurt you?” “It doesn’t matter… I’m not upset with him. Anyway, we’ve got to get on—still some shops to hit.” “Pop in and see me some time! Even here at work—I’m on shifts. We could catch up properly!” And Milly did return during Natalie’s next shift—for more baby food. Gradually, Natalie got Milly talking. It emerged Milly was pregnant by Michael, but he said he didn’t want children—he was always away and not looking for a family. Then he disappeared. “Gone to sea again, probably,” Milly shrugged. “But never mind, we’ll manage—just the two of us.” Natalie almost knelt by the pram, gazing at the child. “Wait—does this mean she’s my granddaughter?” “Looks like it,” Milly replied. “Her name’s Annie.” “Annie…” *** Natalie couldn’t rest. She managed to gather that Milly and Annie were struggling. Milly wasn’t local, rented a flat, but without a regular income, things were tough. Milly was thinking of returning to her parents in another part of the country—just the thought of her granddaughter disappearing brought Natalie out in a cold sweat. “Come live with me, Milly—bring Annie! She’s my granddaughter! I’ll help, you’ll find a proper job. Michael sends enough money, I can’t possibly spend it all. Annie will have everything she needs!” “What will Michael say?” “Doesn’t matter! He doesn’t even know he has a daughter—he abandoned you both and left me in the dark! I need to make it right. And when he’s home, I’ll set him straight!” And that’s how they began to live. Natalie doted on her granddaughter, and gave all her time and attention. Milly found work and left Annie with Natalie, coming home late and exhausted. “On my feet all day, the customers were such a handful!” “Never mind! Go rest—I’ll bathe Annie and put her to bed!” Michael’s leave was coming. Natalie imagined meeting him at the door—with Annie in her arms—ready to give him a piece of her mind, while Milly grew more nervous. “Michael’s going to throw us out when he gets back! I should never have moved in. I’ll start looking for a new flat tomorrow.” “Rubbish! No one’s throwing anyone out! I’ll give him what for, don’t you worry!” “Oh, he’ll say I’m after your money, that I only moved in for that. But I want nothing except to thank you for all you’ve done! Still, I should move back to my parents…” “Don’t be silly! This is my flat—I can invite anybody I choose to live here!” Milly argued, but Natalie stood firm. They stayed. “I’ve been thinking,” Natalie announced at dinner, “I should sign this flat over to Annie—just to avoid arguments later. Michael may never settle down, but Annie should have security. Especially since she doesn’t have his surname,” Natalie glanced at Milly, who dropped her eyes. “Sorry—I didn’t know…” “But I understand. Still, we need to get the paperwork sorted.” “That’s not necessary, honestly—my own parents have a flat, too…” “Don’t you talk me out of it!” Natalie insisted. “My mind’s made up.” They went to the solicitor. He refused: “Your son must remove his name from the deeds before you can transfer the flat.” Natalie was annoyed, but Michael was due home any day, and she thought it would all be sorted soon. Meanwhile, Milly was getting increasingly skittish. “Why are you always so late home?” Natalie asked one evening. Milly hesitated. “Just… work. Waiting for an advance, but my boss says no until this job is finished.” “Why do you need an advance? Are you short on money?” Milly said nothing, changing into her house clothes. Natalie followed, noticing some of Milly’s things packed in a big bag hidden by the bed. “Are you going somewhere?” No reply. “Have you decided to rent your own place after all?!” “Natalie, I must leave! Michael’s coming…” “I’m not letting you take my granddaughter anywhere,” Natalie declared. After a moment’s thought, she added, “If you’re short, you know where the money card is and its code. You can take what you need, not run yourself ragged at work. Annie’s going to forget what her mum looks like! If you want Michael to accept you, you need to learn to be practical.” Milly stayed silent. Michael was due in two days. * * * On the morning Michael was due home, Natalie got up early to check on Milly and Annie. But Milly was gone, only Annie slept on. “Where could she be? Six a.m.—she’s never left for work this early!” Natalie started preparing Michael’s favourite meals, determined to meet him with Annie and make him apologise to Milly on her return. The doorbell finally rang. Michael stepped into the hall, frozen at the sight of his mother holding a little girl. “Hi, Mum. Whose child is that? What did I miss this time?” “You should know the answer to that!” “I don’t follow,” Michael said, taking off his boots. “What sort of adventures have you gotten into while I was gone?” “Adventures? Well, I found my granddaughter, Annie! That’s the adventure!” “What granddaughter? Do I have siblings I never knew about?” Michael joked. “Stop fooling around! Milly told me everything! I didn’t raise you for this! I’m ashamed!” “Milly? Wait—first, I asked you not to talk to her. Second, what does she have to do with this child?” Natalie, now indignant, poured out the whole story, complete with reproaches. Michael put his head in his hands. “Really, Mum!” “What, are you calling me stupid again? Well, fine, but I…” she said, head held high. “She’s not my child, Mum! Milly tricked you—she was only after the money, I realised that ages ago… What did she take?” “Nothing! How dare you…?” “Mum! Check your savings—she could be halfway across the country by now!” “She went to work!” Natalie insisted. They argued, and finally Michael agreed to wait for Milly to return and sort everything out. They waited late into the night. Natalie told the full story of her meeting Milly, how they’d lived together, her plans to give Annie the flat. Michael calmly repeated that she’d been conned, but… “I don’t believe you! Milly is a wonderful girl…” “A wonderful con artist, more like. And you fell for it, easy as anything!” “Stop it! She’ll be back, and you’ll see! Shame on you. For now I’ll be with my granddaughter.” “She’s not your granddaughter!” Natalie glared. “We’ll settle it with a DNA test,” Michael added. “Exactly what we’ll do! And you’ll be ashamed!” Night fell, then the next day. Milly didn’t come. Her phone rang dead. Natalie went to the address Milly had given for her work—with Annie in tow—but no one there had ever heard of Milly. No one recognised her photo. Natalie hurried home to check her savings as Michael advised. The money and bank card were gone; so were Milly’s things—only Annie’s remained. Only then did Natalie realise she’d been deceived. “How could I have been so naive? She wouldn’t leave Annie, would she?” “She would, and worse,” Michael answered darkly. “The lads warned me about her… And then Freddie told me she’d stolen from him… But I was dating her, brought her here… then she turned up pregnant—who knows by whom. She said it was mine. Sure. The lads had already told me she’d been with nearly everyone.” “I’m such a fool!” Natalie cried. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want to upset you, Mum. You always see the best in people…” “What do we do now?” “Call the police! Good thing you couldn’t sign over the flat, or you’d be out on the street.” They filed a report. Milly was never found—vanished without trace. As for the card, only a little had been taken; Michael, on learning the truth, blocked the account. The card turned up later at a distant train station. Until Milly could be found, Annie was allowed to stay with Natalie, who had to give up her job for the child. Luckily Michael’s wages covered things. A DNA test proved Annie was not Michael’s. But Natalie had grown to love the girl as her own. After much discussion, she and Michael decided to raise Annie as their own daughter. Milly was eventually stripped of her parental rights in absentia. It took months to arrange guardianship—Michael was refused, so Natalie had to find a job, enrol Annie in nursery, and jump through endless hoops. But at last, life settled. And then, a year later, Michael came home from sea with… “A wife?” Natalie exclaimed in surprise. “Meet Sonia, Mum. We’re living together now.” “But what about…”—she glanced towards Annie’s room, unsure if Michael had told Sonia everything. But Sonia smiled gently: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Mayhew! Misha’s told me everything—and honestly, I think you did something extraordinary. If you’ll let me, I’d love to help bring up Annie…” “Yes, I’m coming off the ships—and Sonia and I will adopt Annie officially. This time, I know the process will go smoothly!” Natalie beamed, tears of happiness in her eyes. “Well, what joy! Come on in—dinner’s ready and I’ve cooked enough to feed a small army. Let’s all get to know each other. I’m so happy!”