I rose before dawn on a Saturday, the streets still quiet, because the neighbourhood youths always left a mess on the weekend. At four oclock I was already out with my broom, keen to finish before the sun got high. Id been a caretaker for the courtyard for years, though once my life had been very different.
Gripping the broom, I thought of my beloved son, the boy Id given birth to at thirtyfive. Men had never been kind to me, so I devoted myself entirely to my child. I never heard a kind word from my exhusband, Tom. My son, Simon, was bright and handsome; the only thing that troubled me was how much he disliked living in our council estate.
Ma, when I grow up Ill be a proper man! hed tell me.
Of course you will, love, what else can I say? Id reply, encouraging him.
When he turned sixteen he left home and moved into a hall of residence nearer the technical college. It pained me that he was now so far away, but he promised to visit more often.
At first Simon kept his promise, coming round regularly. Then a girl entered his life, and he mentioned the old house less and less. One day he returned, pale and shaking, and told us he was gravely ill. Neither I nor Simon could understand why such a cruel fate had befallen us.
We had to muster every ounce of strength to fight. The doctor suggested a specialist clinic, but the treatment would cost a small fortune several thousand pounds.
Without hesitation, griefstricken, I sold the flat wed lived in for years. One night the phone rang.
Your son is no longer with us, the doctor said flatly.
I felt my world collapse. Without Simon, life seemed meaningless.
The next morning, as always, I set out to sweep the courtyard.
Morning! called out Samuel Lewis, strolling his golden retriever, Rex.
Morning! Youre up early, I answered.
Too bored sitting at home, so Im out walking the dog and thought Id chat with you, he chuckled.
Samuel was a solitary bachelor, and I felt a little embarrassed by his friendly chatter.
Alright, well let you get on with your work, he said, continuing his walk with Rex.
I bent over the broom when something caught my eye on a bench a mobile phone. No one was around. I picked it up and switched it on. Photographs flickered across the screen; someone had apparently taken pictures and forgotten the device. As I looked closer, tears sprang to my eyes.
My boy! Simon! I sobbed.
The phone rang then, startling me. I hesitated, then answered.
Hello? This is my phone can I have it back? a womans voice asked.
Yes, of course. I found it in the park on a bench. Come to this address, I replied, reciting the number.
A young woman arrived, and as the door opened I caught a glimpse of a boy standing behind her.
Where did you get those pictures of my son? I asked.
Egor? the girl stammered.
The boy stepped inside.
Simon! I shouted, and the world went dark.
He lunged toward me.
Whats happened to her? he demanded.
Probably shes mixed you up with someone else. We need an ambulance, the girl replied.
In fifteen minutes the paramedics had revived me. After they left, I finally learned how the photographs had ended up on the phone.
Recovering a little, I turned to the girl.
Do you know me? How did you get pictures of my Simon? I asked, voice trembling.
My name is Emma, she said. I knew your son once. He left me when he found out I was pregnant, she sighed heavily.
He left you? What do you mean? He never mentioned you, I said, bewildered.
We dated for a few months. Then I told him I was expecting. He vanished straight away. I thought hed been scared, Emma explained.
No, Emma. Now I see why everything fell apart. My son fell seriously ill. He didnt want to be a burden to anyone, not even to you. Simon has been gone for years now I could not hold back the tears again.
Emmas eyes widened.
How can he be gone? she asked, confused.
He slipped away from us. I sold the flat to try to save him, but it wasnt enough. We never got the chance I whispered, fighting the surge of emotion.
Emma absorbed my words and sighed.
I understand now. He only wanted to protect me, not add more pain, she said.
She then called the boy who had been standing nearby.
Ethan, come here!
The lad entered the room.
Yes, Mum? he asked.
Ethan, remember I told you my husband left us? It turns out thats not true. He was seriously ill and died before you were born. And this is your grandmother, Emma said, turning to me.
My heart softened. I looked at the youngster with a new warmth.
Grandma, Ethan said shyly.
My dear, come here, I said, pulling him into an embrace.
Emma smiled.
Perhaps youd like to move in with us? We have plenty of room, and wed love a grandma around, she offered.
No, Emma. Im attached to my neighbourhood, but Ill visit often, I replied.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
May I? a voice asked. At the threshold stood Samuel Lewis, a large bouquet of roses in his hands. He handed them to me.
These are for you, Margaret. Shall we take a walk?
Certainly, I said, smiling.
From the kitchen, Emma and Ethan peeked out.
Will you take us with you? they asked in unison.
If youre on your best behaviour, Samuel quipped.
Two months later I married Samuel Lewis. His dog Rex was delighted with the new members of the household, often trotting out with Ethan while I, the happy grandmother, baked scones for everyone.
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