So, they came to her gate and said,
Sorry, love, but youll have to leave your house.
But where am I supposed to go now, at my age? Oh Lord, what am I going to do…
Thats how they told her.
Cold as anything.
Didnt even look her in the eye.
That morning, Granny Edith had been sweeping the path. She was over 70, you know, and everything shed ever known was within those old cottage walls. Her children had been born there. Her husband had passed away quietly in that very home. All her happiness and all her heartbreak had unfolded right there.
Suddenly, the gate creaked open.
Two men in suits, clutching paperwork, strolled straight into the garden as if they owned the place.
Are you Edith Gardner?
Thats me she replied, pulling her old cardigan tighter.
Were here to let you know that a bypass is going to be built across this land.
Your house is in the way, Im afraid.
Edith blinked a few times, confused.
You mean I have to move?
Youll be compensated, madam. Youll get money.
But where on earth could I go, love at my age? This is my home
One of the men sighed, visibly annoyed.
Madam, theres no point talking about home.
To us, its just a plot of land.
Feelings dont come into it, Im afraid.
Those words hit her harder than the news itself.
Am I at least allowed to ask she whispered.
You have the right to sign when youre told to, said the other, voice sharp.
Dont make a fuss.
Edith slumped onto the old bench by the wall.
She felt something aching deep in her chest.
Once theyd left, her cottage seemed smaller.
More fragile.
She wandered from room to room, fingers trailing along the faded wallpaper, the family photos, the old oak table.
Where will I go now, dear Lord?…
Word flew round the village in no time.
And suddenly, something flickeredcommunity spirit, I suppose.
Neighbours started arriving.
First in twos, then tens, and soon, just about everyone from the village green.
How can they throw out Granny Edith?
That woman never asked a soul for anything!
Let them move the road instead!
When the council officials returned, they didnt find Edith alone.
People were packed around the front gate
Young and old, even children, stood shoulder to shoulder.
No ones going anywhere!
You cant just bulldoze someones whole life!
One of the officials tried to shout them down:
The laws the law!
Law without kindness isnt justice! someone retorted.
Edith stood in the doorwaysmall, but standing tall.
Im not asking for money she said, her voice trembling.
I just want to be allowed to spend my last days where Ive lived my whole life.
A deep hush came over everyone.
Days went by.
Petitions were signed, the local paper wrote about her, people kept up the pressure.
Then, one morning, someone else came.
No arrogance this time. No coldness.
The projects being changed.
The new route will go elsewhere.
Nothings going to be built here.
Edith didnt quite realise at first.
You mean I get to stay?
You do.
The crowd in the garden broke into applause.
Some people cried.
Others threw their arms round each other.
Edith leant against the gate and murmured,
Thank you, Lord, for not leaving me on my own.
That evening, the village wasnt just a place.
It felt like a family.
Because sometimes, the biggest, busiest road has to stop outside the smallest cottage
When folks remember what home really means.
Would you have stood at Ediths gate too?
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