Evelyn clapped her hands together as her son arrived. Ah, my boys home, she beamed.
Nicholas shoved his cap off the hallway step. Hey, Mum. Im not coming alone, he said, hesitating. He nudged a lanky boy with glasses and a backpack forward.
Good heavens, whos that youve brought? Is he Tom or Sam? I cant tell without his glasses, Evelyn asked.
Nicholas sat down. Put the coat on. This is Victor, mywell, my son out of wedlock. Remember when Imogen and I split for a year? I was with Valerie then, and Victor was the result. I signed the papers in a fit of panic, he sighed.
Evelyn snapped, Dont go talking about that in front of the child. Hes still too young to know about your tangled past. Victor, go into the sittingroom and watch the television while we sort things out with your father.
The boy slipped out quietly. Evelyn whispered, Does Imogen know about him?
She never liked my wife, always quarrelsome and sharptongued, Nicholas muttered.
Evelyn shivered. What are you saying, mother? If she found out shed have bolted out of the house long ago. I feel sorry for you. I built that boy from the ground up with my own hands.
Evelyn sighed. Youre such a mess, Nicholas. Not a proper man at all. Youve been under Imogens heel all your life, and now youve produced a child on the sidehow absurd. Why bring him here? Imogen will find out and youll be in trouble.
Stammering, Nicholas tried to explain. Valerie was planning to marry, then she ran off with a new lover down South for a month. She called me and said, Take the boy wherever you like, even bring him home. I told her Id gone mad I have a wife, shed throw us both out. She warned me shed make my life miserable if I didnt comply. Ill give you Victors birth certificate; figure out what to do. Thats it. Its the end of me. Valerie barely forgave me; she didnt speak to me for six months. So I thought, let him stay with you for a month, then Ill come back for him, he said, refusing to meet Evelyns eyes.
Evelyn shook her head. You were the same boy you were as a childstill a fool. Whatever you do, Ill help. Fine, where shall we put him? Is he really yours?
Nicholas waved his hand. Hes mine, dont doubt it. Valerie isnt a saint, but Im a loyal woman.
Silence fell. Evelyn sprang up. What am I doing standing here? Lets at least get him something to eat from the road.
Nicholas rose. Sorry, Mum, but Ive got to go. Imogens waiting at home. I told her I was off to buy car parts in the city. Feed Victor, and Ill be off.
Evelyn hugged her wayward son and whispered, God be with you, my dear.
Victor ate quickly, eyes glued to the plate.
More? Evelyn asked, seeing how fast he finished.
No, thank you, he replied, pushing his chair back.
Go out for a walk while I finish dinner. Whats in your bag? she asked.
Stuff, he muttered.
Evelyn asked, Will you wash it yourself or should I?
Victors eyes widened. I cant. Mum always did the washing.
She lifted his small backpack. Alright, Ill take a look and rinse whatevers dirty.
He stepped out, and she began sorting through two tshirts, a pair of boxer shorts and a single pair of shorts. Not much, she noted, and not even a warm jumper. Typical mothers oversight. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to a cherrypie she was baking.
A sudden shout came from the garden. Evelyn darted out, flour still on her hands.
Whats happened?
Victor wailed, clutching his leg. A goose pecked me! It hurts! tears streamed down his face.
Why did you go near them? Theyre out there grazing, and you were in the courtyard, she asked, examining the red sore.
I just wanted to look at them, he sniffed.
Youve never seen geese before? she asked, surprised.
I have, but I never got close, he whispered.
Alright, lets get you inside, Ill put some ointment on it, she said, guiding him back.
After dinner she laid him on the sofa and lay awake, thinking how life had twisted. Shed never have sent her own son, Colin, to a strangers house. Yet here she was, with a child whose trousers seemed more valuable than his wellbeing.
A soft whimper rose from Victors direction. She leaned close. Whats wrong, love? Dont you like it here? Wait a month, and Ill bring you back.
He sat up, eyes wide. He wont take me back. I overheard Grandma and Uncle Victor talking about sending me to a boarding school. Theyd only see me on holidays. I like staying with you and Mum. Uncle Victor never even calls me by my name. Youre kind, but Im not needed.
Evelyns heart ached. She embraced his thin frame. Dont cry, Victor. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill speak to your mother, and you can stay with me. Our school is good, the teachers are kind. Well go mushroom picking, berry picking, even milk the cow. Youre small now, but a good share of fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Ill introduce you to Paul tomorrow; hes a solid lad, as sturdy as a bun. Want that?
He clasped her neck. I want it. Will you keep your promise?
She kissed his forehead gently. Of course I will.
Years passed. Imogen visited now and then, bringing small presents, always hurried away by Uncle Victor. Nicholas turned up rarely. Imogen blamed Evelyn for Victors troubles, claiming she didnt need grandchildren, just the occasional oddity. Evelyn cared little. The frail boy grew into a sturdy young man.
One morning, after preparing Victors favourite breakfast, Evelyn glanced out the window. A young soldier entered the house, calling softly, Grandma, Im here, where are you?
She rushed to him, hugging his neck. Victor, my dear grandson!
Will you be going back to mum? she asked. He set down his fork, surprised. Which mum? The one who left me and only brings trinkets once a year? No, I wont go. Youre my mum, and thats final, he said, resuming his meal calmly.
Evelyn brushed away a tear, grateful for the grandson who would care for her in old age. She realised that love, however tangled its beginnings, could become the strongest foundation. The lesson lingered: no matter how tangled the past, kindness and honesty can turn strangers into family, and the care we give returns to sustain us in the end.
