When I returned home, I found the front door ajar. My immediate thought was that someone had broken in. They must have hoped I kept some cash or jewellery here, I reasoned.
My name is Edith Hawkins, and I am sixty-two years old. For the past five years, Ive been on my own. My husband passed away, and my grown-up children have families of their own and live elsewhere. While its still mild outside, I prefer to stay in my small cottage just outside the village, but come winter, I return to my city flata modest two-bedroom. The moment spring arrives, Im back in my countryside home.
Im quite fond of rural life. Breathing in the fresh air and tending to my beloved garden brings me peace. Theres a little wood nearby where, in the summer, one can find wild mushrooms and berries.
Recently, I had to leave the village for a week to deal with some business. When I got back, the door was wide open. My mind went straight to burglary. Perhaps some thief thought I kept valuables here, I thought. But there were no signs of forced entry, and everything inside was untouched. The only odd thing was a plate left out on the table, which was strangeIm always careful to tidy the house before I go, especially if I know Ill be away a while.
It dawned on mesomeone must have been staying here during my absence. This thought riled me up. I went through to the sitting room and immediately spotted a young boy fast asleep on my sofa. Suddenly, everything made sense!
The boy awoke and looked at me, still half-dreaming. He made no move to bolt; instead, he sat up and said:
Im so sorry for being here uninvited.
I noticed right away that the child was well-mannered and timid. My anger softened into pity.
How long have you been staying here? I asked.
Two days, he replied.
Arent you hungry? I continued. What have you been eating?
I had some pasties. Theres a bit left, would you like some?
He held out a paper bag with the remains of what must have once been pork pasties, now dried and stale.
Whats your name?
Thomas.
And Im Edith Hawkins. Why are you alone? Did you get lost? Where are your parents?
My mum often leaves me by myself. When she comes back, shes usually cross and shouts. She always says Im a burden, that shed be happier if she didnt have me. Two days ago, she was shouting again, and I couldnt take it anymoreI ran away.
Do you think shes looking for you?
I doubt it. This isnt the first time Ive left. Once I was gone for a week and she never even noticed. Shes better off without me. And when Ive come back, shes never seemed glad to see me.
It turned out Thomas lived with his mother, who spent her days chasing after new boyfriends instead of caring for her son. She occasionally lodged with friends, leaving him to fend for himself.
The situation tugged at my heart, but as a pensioner, and with the rules being what they are, no authority would allow me to become his guardian. Thomas wanted nothing to do with foster care. That night, I gave him a proper meal and let him stay another day. At least hed be safe under my roof rather than with a mother unwilling to care for him.
I barely slept that night, worrying over the boys future. Then I remembered my dear friend, Margaret Lane, who worked for social services. First thing in the morning, I rang her for advice.
Margaret was eager to help but asked me to be patient. Three weeks later, I was granted permission to adopt Thomas. He was over the moon, ever grateful. His mother, when she heard someone else was willing to look after him, had no objection to signing away her rights.
Now its just the two of us. Thomas tells everyone Im his gran, and I feel blessed by fate to have been given a grandson.
Thomas is a bright and capable boy. This autumn, he started Year 1 at the village school. Im so pleased when his teacher tells me how well hes doing. Thomas picked up reading faster than most and already whizzes through his sums.
Through all of this, Ive learnt that sometimes, unexpected turns can bring the family you long for, and a home is truly made by love, not by blood or law. Life has a way of granting second chances, and its up to us to welcome them with open arms and an open heart.
