Poppy Whitaker hobbled into the local health centre, her ankle twisted so badly she could barely stay upright. She had taken a misstep that left her wobbling like a drunk penguin. Just as she was about to collapse, a bald chap in a crisp white coat sidestepped her with the grace of a cat and squeezed right past her, vanishing into the doctor’s office a heartbeat before her. Exhausted, Poppy flopped onto the waitingroom chair and muttered under her breath, Typical mennever give way! A woman sitting nearby leaned over and chuckled, Hes been here all morning, trying to find a prosthetic that fits. She laughed louder, Good lad, Andrew, my neighbour. Lifes never been kind to himlost his leg up to the knee, his wife split, and still hops around like a springy biscuit. No kids, no relativesjust him and his stubborn pride. At that moment Andrew, slightly limping, emerged from the consultation with a grin, winked at Poppy and her new companion and said, Alright, ladies, ready to carry on living? He gave the floor a gentle tap and shuffled out.
Poppy smirked at the word ladies. That wasnt her story any more. Shed married young, her husband twelve years her senior. Luckily they shared the same zodiac signboth were Dogs, according to the horoscope. Her husband Paul, a real dog lover, soon convinced them to get a dachshund which they named Dash. Not long after, Poppy discovered she was pregnant.
Friends gushed, What a perfect familyflat, car, cottage, dog, a baby on the way! But at six months Poppy suffered a miscarriage, and the little boy theyd hoped for never arrived. Paul tried to console her, then said, Well, were not exactly spring chickens any more, but weve got Dash, and that counts for something. Poppy adored Dash; Paul took him to dog shows and bragged about his champion bloodlines. Still, could a dog really stand in for a child?
At a show Paul met Olivia Clarke, who also owned a dachshund. They hit it off, and soon Olivia announced, Paul, well have a child together; Im young and can bear a healthy baby. She compared herself to a spry spring chicken and Paul to a tired old hen. Olivia was nearly twenty years younger than Paul, a fact that didnt escape anyone. Poppy, feeling the weight of years, started to think of herself as a retired old soul even though she was only fortythree.
A week later the swelling in Poppys ankle had nearly gone down, and she returned to the clinic. The same bald man, Andrew, was waiting at the door. Excuse me, miss, please go ahead of me. Ill jump the queue, he said with an apologetic grin. When the nurse called out, Next! Poppy was surprised to hear Andrew call her, Youre invited in, lovely lady. He introduced himself, Andrews the name. And you must be Poppy, right? I figured a pretty face like yours wouldnt have any other name. He asked if a lonely cripple could escort her.
Poppy replied, If Im a pretty lady, you dont look much like a cripple either. Andrew offered his arm as she steadied herself, then suggested, Shall we pop into the little cafe down the hall? Its tasty and cheap, and I havent had breakfast yet. The chat was easy and funny, and Andrew soon asked to see her again. She didnt decline.
One afternoon Andrew, looking a bit wistful, confessed, Dont say Im rushing, but Im scared someone will dash past me on the road and Ill end up nosedeep in trouble again. Im lame, bald, and youre a beautiful young woman! He paused, then blurted, Poppy, marry me! Dont think we dont know each other well enoughI want to spend the rest of my life learning about you. I have a flat, a steady job, Im a sturdy bloke. He fell silent, eyes searching hers, then lowered his head, as if expecting a rejection. Everyone wants a fit, wealthy partner these days, he muttered.
Poppy burst out laughing, Youre impossible, Andrew! It was awkward to say yes straight away, but Im in! Astonishingly, after the wedding Poppy became pregnant almost immediately. She hadnt imagined herself having a child again after all those lost hopes. It felt as if time had turned back, making her young, radiant, and loved once more.
When their son, a curlyhaired little lad named Samuel, arrived, Poppy cooed, Look at you, my little curlytop! Andrew ran his hand over his bald head, chuckling, I used to be a goldenhaired eagle, now Im a legless, bald fellow, but here we areour boy with Mums eyes and Dads curls. He laughed heartily.
Poppy pressed her shoulder against his and sighed, I cant get enough of Samuel. Its like Im watching a miracle unfold. If we hadnt met, wed have no child at all. Tears welled up, and she wept quietly. Andrew, taken aback, tried to soothe her, Darling, stop crying. Look at our boyhe had to be born, Im sure of it. Were not here by accident; without you Id have vanished entirely. He pulled her close, and she whispered, Im crying from happiness. She wiped her cheeks, snuggled tighter, and whispered, For the first time in my life Im crying because Im genuinely happy. A tear glistened on her eyelash like a tiny diamond. She felt rich beyond measure.
After all, the greatest wealth is children, and true happiness is love.
