I was thirteen back then. Every summer, Mum would send me off to Granny’s house in the countryside for a fortnights holiday. When I was younger, I loved those trips. I trusted Granny with all my secrets, cherished her, and always looked forward to the next visit. But as I got older, things changed. The countryside felt dullno friends to meet up with, no cinema trips, nothing to do. I became the only grandchild, really.
One day, Dad drove me to Grannys. Mum was about to give birth to another baby, so I suppose they thought it best to send me away for a bit. They claimed I needed some fresh air, and I suppose it was also to lift Grannys spirits. She was delighted to see me and said I looked exactly like Mum at my age; her little mirror. I could see how much she adored me.
Having me there also helped Granny financially. Before, she lived solely off her pension, but now Dad gave her extra money to cover my stay. Granny didnt hold backshe spent generously, making sure I had everything I wanted. I wasnt used to doing chores, but Granny never pushed me to help out. It felt kind of nice, having someone around for real conversations about life.
But soon, I started whining about the food Granny cooked. I knew Dad sent plenty of money for meals, so I thought I could ask for whatever I fancied. Granny was upset, even though shed bought every treat I could think of, hoping I wouldnt go hungryor worse, come home thinner.
Then I complained about Granny being too loud, and about Uncle George, Mums brother who still lived with Granny. He was hopelessa bit of a nuisance, really. Hed stumble about drunk, humming tunes under his breath, which made it impossible for me to concentrate on the summer reading Mum insisted I do.
After two weeks, early one morning, disaster struck. Someone had eaten my pain au chocolat. I kicked up a real fuss, crying and shouting, and Granny was frantic, trying to work out whod taken my pastry. In frustration, I rang Dad and asked him to send more money. That evening, he showed up to get to the bottom of things. My tantrum muddled everything. Mum sided with Dad and decided never to send me to Grannys again.
Granny was deeply upset. I can still picture her face that dayhurt and disappointed. I wish Id appreciated those summers a bit more, and handled things differently.
