The moment Alices world collapsed was when her husbands nephew, David, handed her a folded note and scurried away with a troubled sigh. She sensed something was amiss had known her husband Tom had been growing distant, spending nights at his brothers, rambling on about his dream of running a pig farm. With shaking hands, Alice unfolded the slip of paper: Alice, Im leaving. Im sorry. I wont leave the children, but I cant live with you any longer. Ive sold the house heres your share. Best go to your mum. The cash spilled onto the floor. Alice swayed as though the wind itself had swept away her life.
Her grandmother, Veronica, stepped into the room, her voice trembling, Alice, dear, whats going on? Alice swallowed down the lump in her throat. Its fine, Gran, go enjoy your tea. The biscuits are burning. The sweet smell of vanilla mingled with the acrid scent of burnt dough. Rumours had trickled in whispers from Victoria, Toms brothers wife but Alice had always pushed them away. Now the truth lay at her feet, cold and sharp as frost.
Her son, William, burst in from the garden. “Mum, Uncle Peter wants to talk to you. Alice pulled on her coat and went outside. Peter, their neighbour, looked uncomfortable. Hello, Alice Ive bought the house for my daughter, Lucy. But theres no rush, you can stay as long as you need. Standing tall, Alice replied, Three days. Ill be out by then. She shut the door, ignoring his, “Where will you go?” William ran up, cheeks flushed. Mum, wheres Dad? She hugged him, breathing in the familiar scent of his battered wool cap, tears stinging her eyes. Hes gone, love. Ill take care of him! No need, sweetheart. Well manage. Were strong.
Her daughter, Emily, was already sobbing. Alice sat the children at the kitchen table before going to find Gran Veronica, who was sitting by the window, shoulders shaking. Alice, send me to a care home, she said quietly. Dont be daft, Alice replied. Wherever we go, youre coming, too. And where would that be? I dont know yet. Alice rang her mother, who only huffed, Why not throw his money in his face and be done with him? No, Mum. Help wasnt coming from her, nor from Alices stepdad, whod thrown Alice out years ago. Gran Veronica, her mums sister, had nobody after their village was wiped away and her own children left her. Alice took her in six years back. Now, they were just one small family.
The phone buzzed again. Her mother: Where will you go with Granny Veronica? Not your place. Alice hung up, dug out the old address book, and dialed a number. Alice, Toms left me. Will you take Granny Veronica for a bit? I cant cope my blood pressure! The line went dead. Alice glanced across at the children and Granny. A battered estate car, a slim woman with tired eyes, a serious boy, a lively girl, and an old lady wiping away tears. She drove towards hope, wherever it might be.
Hello, Dad, Alice said, standing on her fathers threshold. Startled, he looked at her. Kids? Granny Veronica? Can I have the key to the flat Gran Mary left me in her will? He fidgeted. Come on in, Lucy, what a pleasure! Her step-mum smiled. Youre family, stay as long as you need. But on the third day, Alice overheard her whisper, When will these guests go? Dad, what about the flat? Lucy banged down her spoon. Theres no flat. Your mum and I sold it and split the money! Her father looked away. Alices hands curled into fists. You have three days.
Finding somewhere to rent was a nightmare. No children, please. Without a husband? Not likely. Three months rent, up front. Work was even trickier. No experience, sorry. Youve got young kids? We cant take the risk. Just as hope was fraying, Mr. Brown, the landlord, appeared. Young and keen to learn. Give her three days shell do fine letting flats. Alice exhaled with relief. She moved the family into a cramped bedsit with a tiny bathroom. Do we get our own rooms? the children beamed. Gran Veronica wept, Im a burden to you. Youre family. I need you, Alice answered.
Mr. Brown soon offered Alice a chance to learn the ropes of property law. Were growing, could do with someone like you. Alice whispered to Gran, Should I? Go for it, love. Time rolled on. William grew up; Emily finished school. They saved and bought a flat a real home, their own. Mum, is it really ours? All ours even a guest room. Then a call came from Aunt Alice. Its my birthday. You never told me she was gone. I called, but you never answered. Got any savings now? Does it matter? Alice hung up, smiling to herself. At Gran Veronicas grave, she murmured, Remember Simon? Gave me three days to decide. Today, I say yes.
Sunlight broke through the clouds and wrapped her in gold. Alice felt a warmth, as if Gran Veronica stood beside her. We did it, Mum. The children, her new life, and a loving man awaited her at home. Somewhere, out there, Tom was left with all the money but no family. Who truly lost more? Gazing toward the sky, Alice thought, Thank you for those three days. Maybe pain is the price we pay to find our way into the light again.
