Its been three years since my house burned down. Ill never forget that awful day; fortunately, I was at work, otherwise well, I dont like to dwell on it. I cried for ages. That house was where Id been born and raised, where Id brought up my son, and where my grandchildren used to visit every weekend. Now, its nothing but a patch of ashes and the memory of smoke.
My son, Matthew, and his wife, Emily, insisted I move in with them after the fire. I could see that Emily found it a struggle first a long day at her school job, then all the chores at home. I wasnt much help, either; since the fire, my hands havent quite stopped trembling. For two years, Ive felt like a burden, especially on Emily. One evening, I finally plucked up the courage and said, Matthew, I can see how exhausted you both are. Why dont you look into that new care home nearby? Theres a sign up in the lobby, and I hear they look after people very well. At least then Id not be under your feet.
Matthew hesitated, but nodded, All right, Mum, but lets wait for May. The weather will be pleasant, and well have time to sort out the paperwork, yes?
I agreed. As spring crept in and the sun started peeking through the clouds, I went to Matthew with a gentle reminder, Mays just around the corner. You and Emily promised; I just wanted to check thats still the plan.
He gave me a kind smile, Yes, Mum. Well take you to the care home tomorrow.
That evening, my hands shook as I folded what little I owned just a nightdress, a worn dressing gown, my slippers. In the morning, I kissed my grandchildren goodbye, crossed myself silently, and stepped out the door. Matt started up his old Ford, and soon we set off.
After a while, I started to notice the countryside getting more and more familiar. Wed driven past the turning for the care home. Matthew, arent we going the wrong way? You missed the turn!
Theres roadworks, Mum bit of a diversion, he said quickly, and Emily flashed me a strange little grin. We drove on for another twenty minutes, and then I noticed the old church spire, the green fields. Suddenly, it clicked; were we heading to my old village?
Matthew stopped in front of what used to be my plot, but I barely recognised it. My knees wobbled as I stepped onto the path there, right in front of me, was a brand-new house. Builders and scaffolding were still about, but the garden already had the greenhouse and a brand new hen house.
For a moment I couldnt speak. Matthew, am I dreaming? Whats going on?
He took both my hands. Mum, we never truly wanted you to go to a care home. We just couldnt say it until now weve rebuilt your house from scratch, right here. All for you. Theres even central heating, a new loo, cable TV, and underfloor heating. We waited for spring so everything would be finished.
I burst into tears then, clutching Matthew as tightly as my hands would allow. I still sometimes cant believe how lucky I am. Now, every Saturday, Matthew, Emily, and the grandchildren come over, and my new house is filled with laughter and love once again.
