Jeremy, your father asked if we could visit for a dayneeds help with the roof. He cant manage it alone anymore. Emma looked at her husband hopefully. Lets go, and Lily wants to see her grandad.
Seremys father-in-law lived in a small villagea strong, healthy man, but even he wasnt as spry as he used to be.
Dad, come on, lets go. Fourteen-year-old Lily chimed in.
Have you two ganged up on me? Jeremy scowled. I get two days off a weekcant I spend them on myself?
His wife and daughter lowered their eyes and turned away. Lily slipped off to her room; Emma busied herself in the kitchen. Thats more like it, Jeremy smirked. Forgotten who has the final word? Ill remind you.
Truth be told, he hadnt planned anything too grand for the weekend. Saturday, hed look at a used Land Roverrecently serviced, reliable. If he haggled well, itd be perfect for fishing trips. Hed saved up, cutting back on household expenses. Sell the old car, take out a small loan. How long could a man drive a hatchback without feeling embarrassed in front of his mates? That eveningfishing with the lads, campfire stories, a few pints by the river. Bliss.
And now thisa trip to the village. Later. When he had time.
The next morning, he rang the car seller, arranging to meet at the garage.
Still set on changing the car? Emma couldnt help herself.
Whats it to you? Jeremy grumbled.
Do as you please. She sighed. But Lilys growingwed talked about new clothes, a proper coat, boots. Never mind me…
Shell manage another year. Back in my day He nearly launched into one of his speeches but bit his tongue.
Deep down, Jeremy knew he was unfair to them but couldnt admit it. Spoil them, thats the trouble. A poor excuse, and a thin one at that.
Fifteen years ago, hed been a penniless graduate when he met Emmabright-eyed, quick to laugh, and somehow shed fancied him back. Their early years were leanrented flats, odd jobs, then Lily came along. Theyd scraped by on his engineers wage, saved by Emmas parents. Every week, her father arrived with baskets of vegetables, jams, pickles. Hed drink tea in a hurry, play with Lily, slip them a few quid, then hurry back to the village.
Jeremys own parents lived far off, raising four othersno help to spare. He never climbed high in his career, but side jobs kept them comfortable. His earnings were the backbone of their lives. Thanks to him, they had a flat, a decent car. Emma, a librarian, didnt earn much but made their home warm, kept Jeremy in crisp shirts, her cooking the envy of their street.
When had he decided his word was law? He couldnt say. But laughter faded in their home. Emma smiled less. Her father stopped visiting with his jokes and hampers. Jeremy cared more for his mates opinions noweven the car swap was their idea. The money had been for something else, but this was too good to pass up.
He found the garage easily. The seller wasnt there yet. Jeremy lit a cigarette, scanning the row of lock-ups separating the terraced houses from the flats. Beyond the road, bushes rustled. From them crept a kittentiny, bedraggleddrawn by the sound of the car.
It padded toward the men but kept its distance, sitting just out of reach. It had learned not to hope, but hope flickered anyway. Maybe this time. Maybe food.
The men emerged, shaking hands. One lingered. Jeremys gaze landed on the kitten. It mewed but didnt approach.
Howd you end up here? Jeremy studied it. Should be playing, eating, sleeping safe. Instead, its surviving. Tough luck.
He stubbed out his cigarette, got in the car, glanced once moreand saw the light die in its green eyes.
The kitten turned, vanishing into the bushes. To live out its short, hungry life. People could save it so easilygive it love, get love in return. But they didnt care.
Ive seen that look before. Where? Emmajust like that, yesterday, when hed cut her off. Lily, too, silent as she walked away. Theyd stopped asking. Stopped hoping. Like the kitten. Fed, sheltered, but starved for kindness. And hed let it happen.
He fought itcalled himself softbut he knew what hed do.
He found the kitten curled on a scrap of cardboard. Fear filled its eyes as he lifted it, thententative hope.
Lily! Jeremy called from the doorway. Look what Ive brought you. Think you can handle it?
Her disbelief melted into joy.
Dad! Whered you find him? Hes so tiny. He must be starving!
Absolutely famished, Jeremy confirmed. Never had a proper meal in his life. Hes yours now. Ours.
Emma studied him. Somethings different. What happened?
Plenty, love. Grandads waiting, and youre not ready! Fifteen minutespack and feed the little one. Baths and cuddles can wait. Clocks ticking!
His tone was firm, but warmth spread through him at their smiles. While they packed, he rang his matesfishing was off.
The roof was fixed in no timejust a few slate tiles and fresh mortar. Her father handed up materials but couldnt climbdizzy spells.
Not planting the garden this year? Jeremy asked after.
Would if I could. But alone… Her father sighed. Had a wife, had a garden. Without her…
Dad, Ive got half-term soon, Ill help, Lily offered, stroking the kittennow named Whiskersas he dozed in her arms. And Whiskersll love it here. Better than the flat.
Next weekend, well help dig, Emma can plant. Dont be proudtell us what you need. Youre not alone.
They drove back after dark, the radio humming softly. Lily dozed in the back, Whiskers curled against herbathed, fed, exhausted from play.
Doesnt take much, does it? Jeremy smiled. Just someone to care. And helpings no trouble. Glad I found him. Thingsll be different now.
What was that about Lilys new clothes? He nudged Emma. Tomorrow, Ill take you wherever you like. Get her what she needs. And something for yourself. My girls should look the part.
But the car? Emma leaned into his shoulder. You wanted to trade it.
Whats wrong with this one? Its solidjust needs proper care. The new onell keep. Better get your dad a tiller first. Saw his gardendigging that by handd ruin his back.
They laughed quietly, careful not to wake Lily or Whiskers.
City lights glowed ahead. The engine purred, tyres whispering on the road. An old song played softly from the stereo.
On the back seat, Lily and Whiskers slept, nestled together. Emma rested her head on Jeremys shoulder, smiling as she had when they were young.
If anyone asked him nowWhat more do you need to be happy?
Hed say: Not a thing.
