Lucy hardly realised when the new tenants moved into the old flat that had belonged to late Mrs. Jenkins. It was simply on a chilly morning, as she was locking her own door, that she bumped into them on the landing. The neighbouring door swung open, and first a man appeared, then a small boy with a school satchel nearly as big as himself. A first-year pupil, Lucy decided, and made up her mind to greet them.
For as long as Lucy could remember, that was the custom in their building. You greeted one another, not just on their stairwell but throughout the block. After all, it was one house, one courtyard, and the neighbours all knew each other.
Good morning, Lucy smiled, looking at the boy peering shyly up from under his fringe. Like a little sparrow, she thought.
Good morning, the man responded.
You’ve just moved in? Lucy added, immediately feeling a bit daftobviously thats who they were, but she felt obliged to make conversation. The man didnt look much inclined to chat and answered curtly,
Yes. Then, turning to his son, he said, Charlie, come on, well be late.
Lucy watched them go, unsettled. Something about the man and the boy together seemed off, as if they were strangers to each other. Lucy, mind your own, she chided herself. Who knows whats happened in their lives… No, thats nonsensebesides, the boy goes to school, so all the paperwork must have been sorted out…
***
The autumn dragged on with pouring rain and blustery winds. Lucy met the neighbours on the stairs from time to time. It was always the same
Good morning. Charlie, hello.
Only the father replied.
Lucy once addressed Charlie as Charlie-boy, and the childs upper lip trembled; his father pulled him close and, not looking at Lucy, said quietly,
Its Charlie. He doesnt speak.
Oh, Im sorry, Lucy stammered, flustered. All day at work she replayed the encounter. Maybe his mum used to call him Charlie-boy? And he doesnt speak… Poor lad…
One dreary autumn evening, just as Lucy had curled up on the sofa with her favourite series, a plate of pancakes, and a jar of strawberry jam, the doorbell interrupted her. Reluctantly, she set the pancake aside. At the door stood her neighbour, looking anxious.
Sorry to trouble you…
Its Lucy, she interrupted, sensing his uncertainty.
SorryLucy, do you happen to have a thermometer? Charlies running a fever, and ours is broken…
Before he could finish, Lucy was rifling through the medicine cupboard. Come in, she called out. She grabbed the thermometerand, on impulse, some paracetamol. Turning round, she caught her neighbour eyeing the pancakes. He probably hasnt had time to eat, not with everything else going on, she thought, setting a few pancakes aside for herself and offering the rest to him.
Here, take these pancakestheyre the best medicine. And strawberry jam, too! Lets go look after your patient. The man smiled, and Lucy suddenly noticed how pleasant he looked.
Charlie still eyed Lucy sideways, but with his father close, he felt he could trust the new lady. The fever was minor, but Lucy insisted they call the doctor anyway.
The father nodded. Ill ring work and arrange a visit tomorrow…
You mean, from work? Who will stay with him? Wholl let the doctor in?
Hes used to it… I have to work. Charlies a big lad. Hell manage.
But Lucy was firm. No, Mr.?
Edward. Edward Smith.
All right, Edward. Im sorry, but I cant sleep at night worrying about your son on his own!
Lucy, I see your point. But weve no familyno grandmas or aunts, not nearby anyway. I have to work. Charlie
Edward, listenif the doctor turns up and finds a poorly child home alone, hows she going to react? Look, Ill swap my shifts and stay with Charlie tomorrow.
Will you have to work nights then? Edward asked quietly.
Thats none of your business, Lucy snapped back. Ill be round at eight.
***
A week of convalescence for Charlie passed in a blur. He still didnt speak, but Lucy caught him listening to her with growing interest. And how the boy enjoyed her pancakes and meatballs! At first, he was shy, but soon tucked in heartily. Lucys eyes stung with tears the first time she saw his appetite. On impulse, she stroked his head. Little sparrow, she murmured. He froze, eyes welling up, and suddenly burst into sobs. Lucy flustered, Oh, sweetheart, whats the matter… There, dont cry…
Charlie recovered soon enough, and their morning exchanges on the stairs resumed, now with smilesbut Charlie himself remained silent. So winter crept in, and they went on living side by side, just neighbours.
One evening, Lucy returned from work with shopping bags, grumbling to herself about overdoing it. Charlie, taking out the rubbish, spotted her and quietly reached for a bag.
Its heavier than you are, Charlie, Lucy laughed, touched by the boys offer. But he insisted, stubbornly tugging it along.
All rightjust rest if it gets too much.
Surprisingly, Charlie managed the bag with ease, while Lucy lagged behind, scolding herself for her own foolishness.
My hero, Charlie! Lucy declared breathlessly when they reached her flat. And every hero deserves a reward. She rummaged for a chocolate bar and handed it to him. Charlies eyes shone, and he… smiled. For Lucy, that was the greatest reward.
No sooner had she kicked off her boots than the doorbell rang again.
Edward was there, holding out the chocolate bar.
Lucy, youll spoil him.
Oh, really? Lucy bristled. Ill have you know, that was a reward for gallantry!
A reward? For what? Edward looked baffled.
Try lifting that bag yourselfhard work, isnt it? Picture Charlie dragging it all that way. And he offered to help unasked.
He offered? He… spoke? There was real hope in Edwards eyes, making Lucy feel awkward.
No, just picked it up, Lucy said. Edwards face fell. Dont fret, itll work out in the end.
Thank you, Edward said, quietly, taking his leave.
***
Lucys birthday came at the tail end of November. After office celebrations and armfuls of flowers, Lucy returned home in high spirits. A woman came out of the building holding Charlie by the handhis school satchel on his back.
Good evening, Charlie! Lucy called. Wheres your dad?
Wed like to know that as well, the woman replied with a hint of accusation.
And you are?
Im his teacher, she huffed. Normally his father collects him, but today he didnt come or answer his phone. What am I supposed to do, take him home myself? And the boy wont utter a word… Ive told his father enough timeshe needs a special school.
Lucy didnt take to the teacher.
Ill look after Charlie for now.
Youre sure? The teacher didnt look keen to challenge her luck.
***
Charlie, I havent got children myself, so pop into your PE kit, thank goodness youve got it. Well have tea and cake. Do you like cake? I know I do. Tomorrows Saturday, lessons all sorted? Well leave them till then.
Chatting away, sometimes answering herself, Lucy kept a stream of gentle questions going as she bustled round the flat. Occasionally, Charlie watched her closely; once or twice, he nodded. Lucy was delightedbaby steps in the right direction.
When Charlie finally fell asleep, Lucy peeped at his phonejust one contact: DAD. She copied the number and called several times; no signal. She sent a text: Charlies safe at mine. Anxiety gnawed at her.
Oh please, let nothing have happened!
***
Morning brought a call from Edward.
Edward! Lucy gasped. Where are you? She didnt notice shed slipped into you.
Lucy, Edwards voice cracked. Im in hospital…
What happened? she whispered, with an eye on Charliestill sleeping.
A car mounted the curb… Lucy please Charlie
Dont worry, get better. Which hospital? Charlie will stay with me.
Thank you… Just dont let him know Im ill He still hasnt recovered from his mums tragedy
Lucy felt herself go cold. What hadnt the little one endured? How could she help him?
She told Charlie his father was away on work. Edward phoned, spoke to his son, but Charlie only listened in silence.
***
Lucy took two weeks off. She took Charlie to school, collected him, walked and played with him, cooked together. Slowly, Charlie smiled often, even laughed sometimes. Lucy told Edward all about it during her visits to him in hospital, and he looked at her with changed eyes.
And we bought Christmas ornaments together, Edward. You shouldve seen his delight.
Thank you, Lucy. I dont know what Id have done without you, Edward said, giving her a hug that left Lucy still.
Youd have managed, she smiled, meeting his gaze. They both knew this was a new beginning.
***
Charlie, Dads coming home in two days, Lucy announced as they tidied up the flat together. Lets make sure its spotless. And well need to shopyour fridge is bare.
English winters do not forgive carelessnessone minute snow, the next black ice. Lucy slipped, and a sharp pain shot up her leg. As her surroundings momentarily darkened, Charlies scream pierced the cold:
Mum! Mum! Falling to his knees, he tried to lift Lucy, sobbing, Mum! Mum!
Lucy, fighting the pain, managed to sit up with the help of a passerby.
Oh, Charlie, my little one, she wept, kissing his cheeks.
***
Luckily, it was only a bad sprain. She had to miss Edwards return, though. Lucy decided not to mention that Charlie had spoken at last. He chattered away now, filling the flat with words bottled up for so long. Lucy coaxed him to make it a surprise.
Charlie opened the door himself for Edward. Lucy, foot still sore, watched nearby. Edward bent to embrace his son.
Dad…
Edward stared. What? Say it again…
Dad… Hello, Dad.
Charlie! Edward scooped him up, spinning him round. Charlie shrieked, laughing. Lucy watched through her tears. Edward, catching her eye, whispered, Thank you.
***
That New Year, they celebrated together. For Charlie, it was the happiest of timesfor now, he had a family again.
