**Not His Problem**
Tell Edward to come at once! Her daughters voice was choked with panic. All three children are feverish and restless. I cant manage them alone to get to the doctors. He must bring the car and help!
Margaret nodded, though Marjorie couldnt see it. Her heart clenched with worry for her grandchildren.
Ill sort it, love. Dont fret, she said, forcing calm into her voice so as not to upset her further.
The call ended, and she froze. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled for her sons number. Three sick children, Marjorie alone, her husband at work. It was desperate.
Edward would helpshe was sure of it.
One ring. Two. At last, he answered.
Mum, hello, he said briskly.
Eddie, darling, theres trouble Margaret searched for the right words. Marjorie phoned. All three children are ill, they must see a doctor at once. Her husband cant leave work. Could you take them? It shouldnt take long.
A heavy silence settled on the line. She could hear his breathing, the muffled noise of voices in the background.
Mum, todays impossible, Edward sighed. Its Emilys birthday. We booked the restaurant a fortnight ago. Marjories clear across town, and the traffics dreadful. Wed lose our reservation. SoI cant.
Margaret gripped the phone tighter. Her palm was damp. Was he truly refusing?
Edward, listen! The children are illyour nieces and nephew! Marjorie cant manage three sick little ones alone. They must see a doctor!
I understand, Mum, he said flatly. But weve made plans. She can call a cab. Or you and Dad help. Whats the trouble?
She sank onto a chair, her legs weak. She could scarcely believe what she was hearing.
Your fathers at work! I cant handle three sick children alone! Have you no sense?
I cant. Sorry, he cut in sharply. Not my problem. The children are Marjories responsibility.
Margaret choked on her outrage. How could he say such a thing?
Not your problem? Your own sister! Cant you help family just once?
I said no. Were leavinggoodbye. The line went dead.
The dial tone cut like a knife. She stared at the screen, numb. Her hands shook as she called again. No answer. Again. Silence.
A hot, seething fury rose in her. How dare he? She dialled his wife. Perhaps Emily would talk sense into him.
Margaret? Emily answered lightly.
Emily, dear, she struggled to keep her voice even. Please, ask Edward to help. His own nieces and nephew! Theyre ill! Marjories overwhelmedsurely you understand?
Emily sighed, her tone indifferent.
Ill children are their parents concern, Margaret. There are cabs, ambulances. Theyre not infants. Marjories a grown womanshell manage.
Margaret stiffened. The words stung worse than her sons refusal.
Emily, have you any idea what its like, taking three sick children in a cab? Theyre so small! She cant do it alone!
Her children, Margaret, Emily replied coolly. We planned our evening weeks ago. We wont ruin it over someone elses troubles.
Shock gave way to white-hot rage.
Then dont come crying when you need help with your own! Margaret snapped and slammed the phone down.
The days that followed blurred. She didnt call Edward. He didnt call her. She tried not to dwell on it, but the bitterness gnawed at her, restless as the tide.
Nights were worse. She lay awake, the wretched conversation replaying in her mind. How could her son be so cold? Where had she gone wrong? Had she raised him to be so heartless?
Her husband tried to speak of it, but she waved him off. She needed to make sense of it herself. To understand what had broken.
By the fourth evening, she could bear it no longer. She went to Edwards house. They must speak face to face. She had to look him in the eye and ask how he could turn his back on family.
Emily opened the door, surprise flickering across her face before she stepped aside wordlessly. Margaret strode in, still in her coat.
Wheres Edward? she demanded.
In the sitting room, Emily nodded toward the door.
Margaret flung it open. Edward met her gaze, something unreadable flashing in his eyes before his face went blank.
Mum? What is it?
How could you? she cried, loud enough to make him flinch. Four days worth of fury poured out. How could you refuse those children? Your own sister! I didnt raise you to be selfishto be so cruel!
Edward stood slowly, his face calm. The indifference only stoked her anger.
Mum, you couldve called a cab. Gone yourself. Im not at everyones beck and call. He paused, meeting her eyes squarely.
Or have you forgotten how Marjorie cut ties with us? The things shes said? he continued. Ever since we bought the house. No idea why she took offencewont answer calls, looks the other way in the street. Six months of this, and now suddenly she needs help?
Margaret faltered. Words stuck in her throat.
Thatsthats just she fumbled. Marjories renting with three children. You and Emily have a house, no little ones. Of course shes upset. I didnt know shed been ignoring youwhats she said?
Edward narrowed his eyes. Emily lingered in the doorway, arms crossed, face unreadable.
Plenty. Nasty things about Emily, about me. As for the houseits none of her concern, Edward said coldly. We earned it ourselves. No handouts. She can sort her own problemsnot drag my family into it through you.
Margaret stepped closer, fists clenched.
What nonsense is this? Your own sister! Your flesh and blood!
No, Mum, Edwards voice rose. My family is Emily. Marjorie shouldve thought before having three children. Thats her choice. I wont drop everything for her convenience!
Margaret winced.
Youre selfish! she shouted. Only think of yourself! Your sisters drowning, and you wont lift a finger!
Help? Edward scoffed. Why should I help someone who hasnt spoken to me in half a year? Were done, Mum. How could you not see that?
He took a breath, quieter now:
But why am I surprised? Youve only ever cared about Marjorie. Ive never mattered.
You heartless boy! How can you say that? Margaret whirled away, unable to look at him. I didnt raise you like thisto abandon family!
She stormed out. On the landing, she stopped, breath ragged. Her insides burned. How could he speak to her so?
The cold air outside seared her cheeks, but it brought no relief. As she walked to the bus stop, one thought pounded in her skull: Where had she failed? How had she raised such a man? Why couldnt he see that family stood by one another?
Yet somewhere deep, in a corner of her mind she feared to face, a troubling thought stirred. Edwards words about Marjoriethe silence after theyd bought the house, the gossip. That he had his own family now. That shed always overlooked him for her daughter.
Margaret halted on the pavement. Passersby veered around her. What if he was right? What if shed driven this wedge herselfdemanding too much, blind to his burdens?
No. She shook her head sharply. She couldnt bear that. She was their mother. She knew what was right.
But the doubt had taken rootsmall, sharp, growing with every step.
On the bus, she stared blankly out the window. Life carried on outside, ordinary and untouched. Yet something inside her had snapped. Something had changed forever.
She didnt know if she could mend it. If theyd ever speak as they once had. If she could forgive his refusalor if hed forgive her blindness.
The bus jolted over the road. Margaret closed her eyes. Perhaps tomorrow would bring clarity. Perhaps the right words would come. Perhaps family could be family again.
Or perhaps it was already too late.
