Sarah stands by the window, gently rocking her baby daughter, Daisy, in her arms. Tears stream down her cheeks. Just a few hours ago, her husband James came home from work. Without a word, he gathered his things, took all the savings theyd been putting aside as a deposit for their own flat, and left. He tells her hes fallen out of love and has met the woman of his dreamshes moving in with her.
Sarah barely has a chance to respond before James slams the door behind him. He doesnt even say goodbye to Daisy.
Sarah cries all evening. She knows she cant afford to keep renting this flat on her own. Moving back to her mum is impossible; her brother and his family have already settled in there. She has no idea what to do next. The situation feels hopeless. Living on child benefits alone will be tough. Daisy is only eight months oldtoo young for Sarah to return to work.
For two days, Sarah searches for cheaper places to live, but nothing suitable turns up. Shed still need money for a deposit.
On the evening of the third day, theres a knock at the door. Standing there, somewhat unexpectedly, is her mother-in-law.
Sarah assumes shes come to lay blame, as she usually doesalways finding fault, always ready with a criticism. But, surprisingly, this time is different.
May I come in? her mother-in-law asks.
Of course, please sit in the kitchenDaisys just gone to sleep, Sarah says.
Sarah makes tea but apologises. Sorry, theres only jam for tea, nothing else
I havent come for a cuppa, her mother-in-law replies. Yesterday, James told me hes left you. I tried to talk some sense into him, but it fell on deaf ears. Just like his father, always chasing after skirts. He left me and James when James was just a baby. I raised my son alone. Clearly, I made a mistake somewhereleaving a good woman and a child like this…
But anyway, thats beside the point. Ive come for you both. You cant afford this flat alone. Itll be easier if were together. Ill help you with Daisy. If you want to go back to work, I can look after her.
Oh, Mrs Thompson, I wouldnt want to impose. Well manage somehow
Enough of thatits not up for debate. If you dont like it, you can leave, but I offer my help with no strings attached.
I thought about asking my mum, seeing as Im still registered at her address, Sarah tries.
Theres already five people living in your mums two-bed flat. With you two, that makes seven. It wont work. Ive got a three-bed placeIve cleared the biggest room for you. Start packing your things, Ill help.
Thank you, Mrs Thompson Sarah whispers. She never expected kindness from her mother-in-law.
At that moment, Daisy wakes. Her grandmother picks her up gently.
My, hasnt she grown. Our little beauty. Ready to come to Grannys? Well read stories and play games. It helps having worked in a nursery for so many years.
Sarah packs her bags, still amazed by this turn of events. After all, straight from the maternity ward, Mrs Thompson had sworn Daisy looked nothing like their side of the familywhich to her meant Sarah must have been unfaithful. Impossible to convince otherwise. She stayed away for a month, then criticised the choice of name, saying there were too many Daisys already, and that Sarah should have consulted her. This went on for eight months. Yet now, with nowhere else to go and the landlord insisting they move out within a week, she had to accept Mrs Thompsons offer.
Mrs Thompsons house is clean, cosy, and full of orderjust as she likes it.
Come in, I even found a cot for Daisy. If you dont like it, well get another. Make yourselves at home. Unpackthis wardrobes for you. Ill entertain my granddaughter in the meantime.
Soon Daisy is bathed and put to bed. Mrs Thompson sits Sarah down for supper.
Its been a difficult day. Have something to eat.
I want to apologise, Sarah, for all the times I upset you. I know I have, and Ill try not to interfere anymore. As for my son, Im ashamedclearly, I missed something in his upbringing.
Ive cooked; dont be shy, tell me what you like best. Ill help with Daisyplay with her, take her for walks, pop to the shopswhatever you need.
I feel uncomfortable imposing on you
But were not strangers anymore. Hard times bring people closer, you know.
Sarah bursts into grateful tears. No ones cared for her this way before, not even her own mother, who seemed to forget Sarah existed after she married off her daughter.
Enough crying! Mrs Thompson insists gently. Pull yourself together. If youre crying right now, its my fault. I raised a scoundrel. Now, let me fix my mistakes.
Four months pass. Mrs Thompson is busy preparing for Daisys first birthdayshes baked a cake, blown up balloons, and dressed her granddaughter in a beautiful frock.
As Daisy sees the decorated room and the new toys, she lets go of Sarahs hand and takes her very first steps. Both women weep at the sweetness of the moment.
Weve got a walker! Hooray! Mrs Thompson cheers.
Daisy plops on her bottom, then crawls quickly towards her toys.
Just then, the doorbell rings, the key turns in the lock, and in walks James, not alone but with a young woman holding the hand of a boy, about six years old.
Mum, weve decided to stay with you for a bit. You must get lonely on your ownand with how expensive flats have gotten, and all my loans, Im just not managing.
Seeing Sarah, James scoffs, Whats she doing here?
Well, for starters, she is Sarah, your legal wifetheres been no divorce. Second, Sarahs been living here for four monthssince the day you left her and your newborn, taking every penny. Third, were celebrating Daisys first birthdayyour daughter, whom you seem to have forgotten. Fourth, kindly leave your keys on the table and go find yourself another place with your new family. This house is full, and I am not lonely, thank you very much. Not once did you return my calls, but now you remember your mother? Well, Im done. Goodbye.
Sarah stays with Mrs Thompson for another five years. Her mother-in-law takes care of Daisy, helps Sarah get back to work, and looks after them both.
After five years, Sarah meets someone new. For a long time, shes too nervous to tell Mrs Thompson. Eventually, Mrs Thompson brings it up herself.
You two can stop sneaking around. If youve found love, move him in. You deserve happiness. Dont worry, Im not offended, only delighted for you. Youre young, you have a whole life ahead of you. Ill keep helping with Daisy, whatever you need.
And so, Sarah remarries. Mrs Thompson is there at the wedding, smiling with pride. Shes thrilled not just for Sarah, but for Daisy toowhos soon to become a big sister. And Mrs Thompson, full of life, is ready and willing to help raise another granddaughter.
