You know, sometimes life takes such odd twists, its like something straight out of a soap operaexcept it happens to people you actually know. Let me tell you about Hannah. She was just a little girl when she lost both her mum and dad, one after the other. Her dad fell terribly ill; Hannah remembers her mum sitting at his bedside, caring for him, and then he just wasnt there anymore. Not long after, her mums heart gave up too, and that was thatthe two of them left together.
With no relatives to claim her, it was the family next door who stepped in. Anne and Richard were old friends with Hannahs parents, and they sorted out all the guardianship papers straight away. The thing is, Anne and Richard had a son, Matthew, who was about three years older than Hannah. When Hannah grew into a lovely young woman, Matthew fell for her, and honestly, she didnt put up much resistance. So, as it happened, no one had to look very far for a wife for Matthewshe was right under their roof from the start.
They got married, did up Hannahs old family house, and soon were expecting a baby boy.
Hannah, Im absolutely chuffed, Matthew would say, Weve got a son on the way, our family will carry on, and Ill love himand you, of course.
Their son was born late one autumn night, after a long, exhausting labour. Hannah was wiped out, just lay on her side facing the wall, eyes closed, sighing, Well, thats it. The baby’s here. Maybe now I can get some sleep.
In the morning, the other women on the ward were brought their babies to feed, but Hannah wasnt. She started to panic. Wheres my baby? Why havent you brought him? He needs a feed too.
The nurse tried to reassure her. Dont worry, love. Hes asleep. As soon as hes hungry, youll know about it.
But the same thing happened the next daystill no baby to feed. This time, Hannah burst into tears. Wheres my baby? Whats happened?
It was the cleaner, old Mrs. Evans, who muttered as she mopped the floor, Poor lamb, your boy doesnt look long for this world. Can hardly cry, the little mite.
What do you mean, Mrs. Evans?
Ive seen a lot working here all these years, she replied, a bit too knowingly.
Just then, a nurse appeared, and with calm certainty, said, Your boys very delicate. Hes resting. Were keeping him on vitamins through a drip for now. Hell be alrightgive him time.
Eventually, they did bring her son. He was so tiny, she was frightened just looking at himhis little head seemed far too big for his body. Still, she took him home to a nervous Matthew.
When she unwrapped the blanket, Matthew took one look and froze. Their son was so small, with a big wobbly head, his little eyes rolling about, making only the faintest squeak.
My darling Jack, Hannah cooed, stroking his head tenderly, Time will tell, well get you strong, everything will be alright.
Matthew was rooted to the spot, not what hed pictured at all.
What on earth have you given birth to? he shouted, panic in his voice. His heads enormous and the rest of hims tiny. Maybe they switched babies in the hospital
Hannah tried to soothe him. Oh, Matthew, dont be ridiculous. Hes ours. He was just born like this, hell grow and get stronger, the doctor told me so.
But that look never left Matthews face. She poured all her love into caring for baby Jack, but Matthew barely came near, and after only a week, he announced, Ive handed in my notice at work, and Im leaving. I cant be around well, this. I want a normal, healthy child. Goodbye. He was gone so fast, shutting the door before Hannah could even muster a response. His bags had been packed days before.
Hannah watched through the window as Matthew hurried off down the garden path, not even stopping in at his parents house, heading straight for the bus stop. She had to break the news to Anne and Richard herself. Clutching Jack, she dissolved into tears.
Matthews left us, she sobbed. He doesnt want a son like this.
Oh, my love, whats happening to this family? Anne wailed, while Richard, ever steady, said quietly, Never mind, dear girl, well manage.
And so, thats how it wentHannah, Jack, and Matthews parents all muddled along together. Anne would brew herbal teas and help bathe Jack in them, old Richard, stick in hand, would carry in what little firewood he could, and fetch water from the well. Somehow, they even found ways to laugh over a cup of tea in the evenings.
Jack eventually started to thrive. He filled out, became the cheekiest little ladvery fond of Grandpa Richard, who utterly doted on him, laughing as he bounced him on his knee whenever Hannah visited. One magical day, Jack took his first step. Hannah was overwhelmed, crying happy tears as he teetered across the room and tumbled straight into her arms. She hugged him tight and spun him in circles, beaming.
My darling, my precious Jack, I always knew it would be alright. Youre my own little miracle.
They brought Jack over to Anne and Richards, and when he toddled across the floor, both grandparents beamed with pride. Anne wept happy tears, and old Richard said, There you are. Our boys up on his feet at last. Well, well. He didnt say much else, but Hannah knew he was secretly cursing his son for running out on them.
Shed long since given up hope that Matthew would return.
Five years passed after hed gone. Anne and Richard helped as much as they could, but not for as long as Hannah hoped. Richard died almost two years ago, and a year after that, Anne passed away too, never seeing her son again. Before she died, Anne held Hannah’s hand, crying.
Forgive us, Hannah, for what Matthew didrunning away like that. Youre a mother as well, so youll understand, no matter what, hes still my son. Promise me, if Matthew ever comes back, dont turn him away. Promise.
Hannah had no hope Matthew would return, but she promised anywayat least to give Anne peace in her final hours. After Annes funeral, it was just Hannah and Jack, who grew into the sharpest little lad, thinking and talking like a small man. When Hannah fetched firewood, hed haul a log in for her, grinning when she praised him, Youre my little man, my helper.
When Jack was nearly six, one morning the garden gate squeaked open and in walked Matthew. Jack was running after butterflies, but when he saw Matthew, he stopped and stared.
Hello, Jack said politely, Who are you? I dont think I know you
I Im Matthew stammered, Matthew Richards Richards boy
Im Jack. Mum calls me Jackie, answered the little boy.
Matthew dropped down onto the garden bench, stunned. What did you say? Jack He was in tears.
The sweet little lad just said, Dont cryMum always says men dont cry. Are you my dad?
Matthew broke down, hearing dad spoken so gently. At that moment, Hannah came out to the step, spotted Matthew, and sat down suddenly, lost for words.
You Matthew?
Mum, is that my dad? I know its him. I knew youd come, Dad!
Hannah pulled Jack close, Yes, Jack, this is your dad.
Hannah, Im so sorry, Im so ashamed, please forgive me. I was a coward. I let you both down, Matthew pleaded on his knees, right there on the step.
Jack came down the steps and hugged Matthew round the neck. Hannah was silent, but Matthew could see the forgiveness in her eyes.
And Mum and Dad? I should see themIve come straight here.
Theyre at peace now. We buried them a while back, Hannah said softly, nodding towards the cemetery.
Later, all three of them stood at Anne and Richards graveside. Matthew couldnt hold it together, bawling his heart out, clutching at the grass over his parents graves.
Forgive me, Mum, Dad please forgive me
Hannah and Jack just stood by, quietly. Walking home, little Jack kept glancing up, Dad, are you still crying?
No, son, Im alright now. I promise, no more tears.
Oh, Hannah, how did you ever manage without me? Matthew asked later.
She shrugged. It was up and down. Your mum and dad got us through the worst of it, and Jack and I tried to do what we could for them too.
Yeah, Dad, Jack piped up, Mum used to always thank Granny Anne and Grandpa Richard. I was ever so frail when I was bornGrandpa always said that! But I turned out all right. Ill be going to school next year, Mum says. And I even fed Grandpa with a spoon when he was poorly, and Grandma too. I made sure she ate something every day.
Matthew bit his lip, thinking, Im a grown man, and I legged it when things got tough, thinking it was all too heavy for me and yet my boy got through it all and grew up strong. It was all down to Hannah, reallyshe bore it all on her own. And when things got hard for me, I just ran back home. And look at them both, my beautiful son and my wonderful wife.
What Hannah was thinking, he couldnt tell.
Should she forgive and forget? Just let the past go and take him back into their lives? She remembered her promise to Anne.
That night, after Jack was asleep, Hannah and Matthew were at the kitchen table. He kept wondering, is she going to tell me to leave?
But Hannah spoke softly, reflecting, Your mum, before she died, asked meif you ever came back, not to turn you away. I promised her.
Matthew let out a long breath.
Thank you, Hannah. I wont ever let you or Jack down again. Youre my whole world now.
And not long afterwards, Matthew told Jack, So, what do you think, son, about having a little sister?
Jack answered seriously, Thats fine by me, as long as you and Mum can cope. Ill be off to school soon so I wont have time for nappies and bottles!
Well manage, son. Well manage.
And thats how it goes, you seejust ordinary people muddling through, keeping hold of each other as best they can.
