Ah, my boys finally home, Evelyn exclaimed as she heard the front door open.
Nick shoved his coat off the hall table and grinned, Hey, Mum. Im not alone today. He nudged a skinny lad in glasses, a backpack slung over his shoulders, forward.
Good heavens, whos this little one? Evelyn asked, peering at the boy. Is that Sam or Tom? I cant tell without his spectacles.
Nick settled onto a kitchen chair. Put those on, love. This is Victor, mywell, my son out of wedlock. Remember when Zoe and I spent a year apart? I got together with Valerie then, and Victor was born. I signed the papers myself, he sighed.
Evelyn snapped at him, Dont babble about that in front of a child. Hes too young to know about your tangled past. Victor, go to the lounge and watch some telly while I sort things out with your father.
The boy slipped out silently and disappeared into the living room. Evelyn lowered her voice, Does Zoe know about him?
She never liked my sons wife; she was quarrelsome and sharptongued, Nick replied, his voice shaking. If shed found out, shed have fled the house barefoot long ago. I built this boy from the ground up, after all.
Evelyn let out a weary sigh, Youre a mess, Nick. Not a proper man, just a wimp. Youve kept Zoe on a short leash all your life. How did you manage to have a son on the side? And why bring him here? Zoe will find out and Ill be in trouble.
Nick, increasingly frantic, tried to explain, Valerie wanted to marry a new fellow and ran off down South for a month. She called me and said, Take the boy wherever you like, even bring him home. I told her I was losing my mind, that I already have a wife who would throw us both out. She threatened me, said shed make it difficult if I didnt comply. Ill hand you Victors birth certificate, and you sort it out as you see fit. Thats the end of it for me. Valerie barely spoke to me for six months. So I thought maybe he could stay with you for a month, then Id come back and take him, he muttered, never meeting his mothers eyes.
Evelyn shook her head, Thats how you were as a boy, and you havent changed. Whatever youve done, Ill help. Fine, where shall we put him? He isnt of our sort, she hesitated, Is he really yours?
Nick waved his hand, Hes mine, no doubt. Valeries not a saint, but Im loyal.
Silence fell. Evelyn sprang up, Enough standing about. Lets get him something to eat.
Nick rose, Sorry, Mum, but Im off. Zoes waiting at home. I told her I was heading to town for spare parts. Feed Victor and Ill be on my way.
Evelyn hugged her wayward son and whispered, God be with you, my dear.
Victor ate quickly, eyes glued to his plate.
Want another bite? Evelyn asked, pitying his speed.
No, thank you, he replied, pushing his chair back.
Go have a walk outside while I finish dinner. Whats in your backpack? she inquired.
Just my things, he muttered.
Evelyn asked, Will you wash them yourself or should I?
For the first time Victor looked at her with frightened eyes, I cant. Mum always did my laundry.
She lifted the small rucksack, Alright, Ill sort through it and rinse whats dirty.
He stepped out, and she began pulling out a few simple items: two tshirts, a pair of shorts, and a couple of underwear.
Not much, she mused, Not even a warm jumper. Typical mothers neglect. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to bake a cherry pie.
A sudden cry came from the garden. Evelyn rushed out, wiping flour from her hands.
Whats happened?
Victor wailed, clutching his leg, The goose pecked me! It hurts! Tears streamed down his face.
Why were you near the geese? she asked, spotting the red welt on his shin.
I just wanted to look at them, Victor sniffed.
Youve never seen geese before? she asked, surprised.
Yes, but I never got close, he whispered.
Alright, lets get you inside and Ill put some ointment on that, she said, taking his hand.
After dinner she placed him on the sofa and lay awake, unable to sleep. She thought of how she would never have sent her own child to a strangers house. A mothers worry was not for the childs trousers, but for his heart. The quiet sobbing from the next room drew her attention. She leaned toward the sound, Whats the matter, love? Not liking it here?
Victor sat up, his voice trembling, Theyre going to send me to a boarding school when Uncle Victor arrives. I heard them say Ill be taken away. I like staying here with you.
Evelyns heart ached. She embraced his thin frame, Dont cry, dear Victor. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill speak to your mother and keep you with me. We have a good school nearby, teachers who care. Well go mushroompicking, pick berries, even milk our little cow. Youre small now, but fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul; hes a sturdy lad, as solid as a biscuit. Will you come with us?
Victor clutched her neck, I want that. Will you keep your promise?
Evelyn kissed his forehead gently, I promise.
Years passed. Lily, Victors aunt, visited now and then, bringing parcels, always hurried away by Uncle Victor, who was always in a rush. Nick appeared occasionally. Zoe learned of Victor and blamed Evelyn, not her husband, saying she didnt need grandchildren, only the odd trinket. Evelyn paid her no mind. The frail boy grew into a robust young man.
One morning, after preparing Victors favourite breakfast, Evelyn glanced out the kitchen window. A young soldier in a crisp uniform entered the house and called, Gran, Im here! Where are you?
She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, Victor, my dear grandson!
Are you going back to Mum? he asked, setting down his fork.
Which mother? The one who left me and only sent a few toys once a year? he replied. No, I wont go. Youre my mother, and thats final. He sat down calmly and ate.
Evelyn wiped a tear from her cheek, grateful for the grandson who had become her strength in old age.
She learned that love, no matter how tangled the past, can be rebuilt through kindness and steadfast care. In the end, family is what you nurture, not what blood alone dictates.
