**A Surprise for Mum**
Standing on the balcony, Emily watched with pity as her mother-in-law sat alone on the bench below, shrouded in the evening gloom. Should she call out to her? But she knew Mary Wilson would only lift her head, shake it faintly, and murmur, Just a little longer. Mary only ventured out for fresh air when the bench was entirely emptyshe couldnt bear the chatter of the other elderly women about council taxes, rising food prices, and the like. After a lifetime in the countryside, shed spent the last two years living with her son and daughter-in-law in their cramped flat.
Mums really struggling, Emily sighed, turning to her husband. Its time we made her wish come true.
Just a little longer, he replied. Not everythings ready yet.
Two years ago, Marys cottage had burned to the groundonly the foundation remained. The flames had taken everythingthe shed, the chicken coop, even her little greenhouse. Shed been at the market that day, selling tomatoes and cucumbers from her garden. No one knew whether it was faulty wiring or an appliance left on, but the wind had fanned the fire mercilessly. By the time she returned, there was nothing left. Neighbours still shuddered remembering how shed stumbled through the blackened yard, her face streaked with soot, wailing in despair. Shed lived aloneno one else had been hurtbut that cottage had been her whole world.
After her stroke, her son George and daughter-in-law Emily had taken her in. For months, she lay half-paralysed, but slowly, she regained her strength.
Mum, you shouldnt overdo it, Emily would plead.
I need to keep moving, Mary would reply. Soon Ill be back in my village.
Theyd all assumed her mind was going. Did she not remember what had happened? Cautiously, they tried to probe her memory.
You think Ive lost my marbles? Mary would chuckle. No, I rememberthe fire, the hospital. Ive got it all sortedIll stay with my old friend Margaret. Shes on her own, too. Ill help her with chores, save my pension, and rebuild bit by bit. I know moneys tight for you both, and now young Lilys sharing her room with me. Im just a burden here.
No one had the heart to tell her Margaret had passed away months ago, her own cottage now locked in a bitter inheritance dispute. The news might break herthey feared another stroke. Margaret had been her closest friend, the one person she could confide in. Marys younger sister, Annie, lived up north, but the harsh winters made moving there impossible. And her two sonsGeorge and the younger, Jackthough Jack was always away at sea, a mechanic on cargo ships.
What weighed on Mary most was Lilys sacrificethe girl couldnt even invite friends over.
Gran, no one does that anymore! Lily would laugh. We chat online.
What sort of friendship is that? Mary would huff. Not even a proper cup of tea together.
She hated being a burden. She tried to help with cooking and cleaning, but her stiff leg and weakened left hand made it difficult. When she finally learned about Margaret, she wept quietly before declaring:
George, Ive made up my mindfind me a care home. Youve got power of attorney; we sorted it in hospital. If it costs too much, sell my plot. It wont fetch much, but its something.
George, Emily, and Lily were horrified, but Mary wore them down. George claimed hed begun the paperwork, even sold the land, but the care home had a waiting list. Hed slipped the manager some cash, but still, no progress. Autumn was comingshe wanted to leave before then, to give them all their space.
One evening, after her lonely walk, Mary marched in and announced:
George, if you dont take me to that home on Monday, Ill go myself! Ill march right in and demand my placethe state owes me that much!
George vanished all weekend. Late on Sunday, he returned, whispering urgently with Emily before telling Mary to pack. Its sorted. Youll have your own room.
The next morning, they set off in Georges old Vauxhall. Mary frowned as they turned toward her village. This isnt the way!
Roadworks, George muttered. Detour.
Soon, familiar houses flashed by. Mary squeezed her eyes shut, dreading the sight of her old plot. The car slowed, turning through gates. She opened her eyesand there it was. A new red-brick house stood where her cottage had been, and at the gate, beaming, was her sister Annie. Mary swayed, gripping the seat.
When shed recovered, George explained, grinning. We never sold the land. Took out a loan, Jack sent moneyyou shouldve seen the builders! Three bedrooms, a kitchen with a conservatory, underfloor heating. Its yoursand Aunt Annies. She moved down months ago to oversee the final touches. Wed have waited two more weeksfinish the shed, the henhouse, Jacks visitbut you rushed us!
Mary laughed through tears, hugging them all. How could she have known? If only theyd said somethingshe mightve fainted from joy! What a blessing, to have such family.
