Thanks for all the likes, the comments, the follows and the generous donations a massive shoutout from me and my five whiskered companions. If you enjoy the tales, feel free to share them on your socials; it always makes a writers day.
We had a cracking evening a few drinks, a round of cards, good chat and a proper homecooked meal. Gordon, whos been a chef in a West End restaurant for years, really outdid himself. His dishes are always spectacular, so I was a bit surprised at how stunned I was, considering hes been in the business forever.
Megan and her husband Tom left the gathering in high spirits, strolling toward the tube. The sky was a bit grey and night was falling early, but we were all glowing from the lovely night.
Megans cousin Gordon and his wife Violet have been tight with us for ages. Theyll be over for Tonys birthday he was born right before New Years. Well be swapping film recommendations, nibbling festive treats that we never seem to have time to make ourselves, and just enjoying the company. Its an old tradition to welcome guests with the best food, sample a little bit of everything, and talk about pleasant things while leaving worries for tomorrow. Visiting each other is a joy from our childhood, a little celebration we all look forward to.
Later on, we can tackle our todo lists with fresh energy, maybe picking up a useful tip from a relative that could nudge our lives in a better direction.
Always a breeze with your brother and his wife, good bloke, Tony said, grinning at Megan.
Honestly, I dont have any siblings, but Gordons like a brother to me now, Megan replied, her eyes lighting up. And speaking of family, dont you have a cousinonceremoved, Jane, who lives out in the suburbs? Why havent we kept in touch?
Tony shrugged. Im not sure. My dad didnt get along with his sister, so the families drifted apart. Janes a couple of years older than me, thats all I know.
Megan nudged him. We should fix that. I didnt realise until my forties how important it is to stay connected with kin. Gordon isnt perfect, but weve found common ground and I love our little visits. Family ties run deep lets rekindle the bond with your cousin. Besides, as we get older, it feels right to have the closest people nearby. Friends are great, but a brother and a sister are something else entirely.
Tony hesitated, Im not sure, Megan I havent spoken to her in ages. His doubt only fueled Megans determination.
Do you have her number? If youre shy, I can call her myself.
Under a bit of pressure from Megan, Tony dug out an old home phone number for Jane, but it rang straight to voicemail. Determined, Megan managed to track down Janes mobile. A few days later she and Tony placed a call.
Hi Jane, Im the wife of your cousin Tony, Megan began, only to hear, Good afternoon is he dead?
Megans mouth fell open. She glanced at Tony, who pretended not to hear. She pressed on, Tony was a bit nervous about ringing, but I convinced him. Were old friends and as we get older, we think more about family. Wed love to catch up with you and your husband, if thats okay?
Jane was silent for a moment, then asked cautiously, Is Tony after the flat our grandmother left us? She gave it to me years ago and I still live there with my husband. He never mentioned any claim.
Tonys eyes widened. He hadnt even thought about a flat. Megan saw his confusion and kept going, No, thats old news. We just want to get to know you both again. Tonys birthday is coming up why not drop by? We can chat properly then.
Janes tone softened. She noted the address, agreed to be on firstname terms, and promised theyd visit.
When the call ended, Megan turned to Tony and said, See? She was just surprised at first, but shes happy to come. Itll be nice to reminisce about childhood and relatives together. At our age, staying close to family matters.
Tony laughed, You and your stay close as you get older talk. Were not even fifty yet!
Megan smiled, remembering a coworker who had recently reconnected with distant relatives back in Wales. It felt good to see people bridge those gaps.
On Tonys birthday, Jane and her husband Vince showed up, both warm and friendly. Not knowing what to bring, they turned up with a handy tool kit in a suitcase, which made Vinces eyes light up. Around the table, Gordon, as usual, whipped up an elegant spread and a homemade cake. Hes long ago settled on gifting restaurantstyle dishes he prepares himself for special occasions a crowdpleaser that meant Megan didnt have to spend hours in the kitchen, though she still had a few signature recipes of her own.
The celebration was heartfelt. Gordon and Violet loved meeting Jane and Vince, and everyone dove into a lively card game, pairing off until only a few remained. Vince dazzled us later with a few slick card tricks.
Tony grabbed his guitar, and we all sang along to old Antoonstyle tunes, recalling our teenage years. The age gap that once felt huge now seemed trivial; we were practically peers.
After saying goodbye, Megan and Tony wandered the festively lit streets, the fresh snow sparkling under the streetlamps. Wasnt it brilliant? You didnt look nervous at all, Megan nudged Tony as they headed home.
Come February, as planned, Jane and Vince turned up for Megans birthday. The house buzzed with laughter and good cheer once more.
By March, Megan mused, We should pay Jane and Vince a visit soon they say its easy to get to their place, and Janes birthday is around the corner. She liked having Tonys sister close by, someone they could enjoy regular visits with.
Tonys reaction was a little odd. I dont know, maybe well go if they invite us
Megan frowned, What do you mean? I heard Jane say shed always be happy to see us.
Tony smirked, I heard, and it stuck with me, but lets see if anythings changed.
An invitation never came, which puzzled Megan. Perhaps they were ill or something came up?
When Megan and Tony called Jane to wish her a happy birthday, she beamed, Oh, thank you so much! It means a lot.
Heres a little something, just the money you asked for, Megan said cheerfully, transferring a few pounds. Jane had mentioned shed prefer cash as a gift, so Megan sent the same amount shed planned for a beauty treat.
Jane, we wish you health, happiness, prosperity and good luck, Megan added, hoping the gesture would coax another visit.
Jane replied brightly, Thanks! A friend of mine will pop over soon and well celebrate together as usual. Bye, Megan
Tony, seeing his wifes slightly puzzled expression, chuckled, You know, I think I finally understand why dad and his sister barely spoke theres that old family story about his mother never inviting anyone over. Shed say, If you want to wish me happy birthday, just come by, no invitation needed.
Megan was intrigued, What does that even mean? If theres no invitation, how do people know where she lives?
Tony shrugged, She liked the idea of people showing up unannounced, no fuss about cooking or anything. In some places, folks just bring a bottle of wine, some biscuits and cheese, and chat. Its a different kind of hospitality.
Megan laughed, So maybe Jane liked our little gettogether because it was lowkey and everyone had a good time.
Tony agreed, Everyone decides how they want to handle guests either host or be a guest. In their family, they liked being guests.
Megan asked, You once told me about the flat you left Grandmas for, right?
Tony explained, We used to have a place in Manchester, and when the flat was mentioned, Dad thought my sister needed it more. Its been there forever, an old building, nothing to split.
Megan probed, Do you think Jane worries you might change your mind and want a piece of it?
Tony shook his head, No, not at all. Its been ages, dont worry. Some people are just that way, I guess.
These days Jane and Vince still pop in now and then, always happy to be welcomed. Megan doesnt hold a grudge after all, Janes the only sister her husband has, and thats something special. Shes kind, smiley and pleasant, even if she never initiates a visit; its just the way she was brought up.
Maybe one day Janell realise that family never wants to feel like uninvited guests.
