The stroll with her brother pulled Emily away from the heavy, lingering clouds in her mindher thoughts drifted like mist about an empty moor. She helped little Jack mould a snowman, their mittened hands shaping strange limbs and heads that weren’t quite where they should be, and seeing Jacks joy, Emily found her face tugged into an unexpected smile, as if it was painted there by the winter wind.
As they wandered back to their cottage, Emily spotted her stepfather, Alan, fumbling with car keys beside his muddy Triumph. He noticed the siblings and drifted over, his boots leaving curious tracks as if he were walking through a patchwork of past and future.
I stopped by home and gathered some things for Olivia, Alan told Emily, speaking in a voice that echoed oddly, as if coming from a distant hill. Ill drop them off at the hospital, and talk to the doctor about your mumabout the surgery.
Ring me when youre done, Uncle Alan, Emily asked, but her words felt soft and out of place, like petals in December.
Of course, Em. Thank you for taking Jack out in the snow.
Oh, its nothing. Hes my brother. Emily hesitated, watching the clouds move sideways, and leaned closer as if the air could keep secrets. Uncle Alan, may I speak to you? While Mrs. Margaret isnt nearby?
Is something amiss? Alan asked, his brow puckering like an old garden fence. Has my mother been saying things?
Yes, but thats not it I think you ought to let the doctors look at Grandma Margaret. Its as though her mind is unraveling maybe dementia
What makes you think that, love?
Shes changed. Earlier today, she yelled at Jack. Shes never raised her voice before. Even her shadow seemed startled.
She shouted at Jack? Alans concern was thick, like clotted cream. But she adores him.
Thats why it unsettled me. And shes not as Emily searched for the right syllables, but they slipped away.
Sloppier, less careful Alan finished for her.
Yes
Its hard to miss. She always fretted over how she looked. Her friend gave her those fancy creams for her birthday, and she left them unopened, like a memory locked in a cupboard. And what happened, why did she scold Jack?
He wouldnt eat his porridge. Grandma mixed it upused salt instead of sugar by mistake. Jack tried it and refused to eat the salty mush.
I cant blame him. Who would want to eat something so odd? said Alan, and there was a strange echo in the sky, like voices from another time. Thank you for telling me, Emily. Ill have a word with Mum. I know somethings wrong She used to like Olivia, but lately, its as if shes grown cold as the stones.
Please see a doctor. If its dementia, theres help, you know
Youd make a wonderful nurse, Emily, or even a doctor if you keep studying, Alan told her, his words spinning in odd loops. Youre kind and attentive By the way, what did you decide? Will you move in with your friend or stay here?
Ill stay. Jack needs me
Yes, Emily, after what youve shared, I dont want to leave Jack with Mum. Today it was salt instead of sugarwhat if next time its something worse? I cant be with him all the time, I need to work Im grateful youre looking after him while your mums in hospital. Emily, Ill clear the spare room, sleep in Jacks room for now.
No need, Uncle Alan. Let me sleep in Jacks room.
But it wont be comfortable, the camp-bed and all
Thats fine, I dont mind.
Alright, Emily. As you wish. And forgive me I know Ive let you down, and Olivia too
* * *
That evening, her mum called.
The doctor says I can use my phone, Olivias voice came through like a church bell heard on a foggy morning. And I wanted to call you at once, my dear
Mum, its wonderful to hear your voice! How are you feeling?
Much better, Emily. Sorry I frightened you
Mumdid you not know about your heart?
Recently I felt off and meant to go to the GP, but kept putting it off And here we are.
Mum, you have to look after yourself
How, with so much happening And you saw how Mrs. Margaret behaves
Thats why we must live apart
Yes, I see that now Hows Jack?
Hes fine. Dont worry, Mum, Im here for him We made a snowman today. Ill send you a photo.
Thank you, darling. Id love to see your snowman. Ill soon move to the regular ward, and we can see each other I miss you and Jack terribly, youre all I have.
We miss you too, Mum Has the doctor told you about the operation?
Yes, Emily, and honestly Im scared
Mum, you need it. Theres no other way.
I know, my love
You dont need to be afraidIll be right by you
But you must study, Emily
Your health is most important now Ive actually thought about leaving college and returning to sixth form I spoke to Mrs. Collins, our old form teacher. She said its possible.
But you want to be a medic Dont leave college just for me
I can train to be a doctor after sixth form Mum, I cant live far from you now I want you to get the operation, recover, and well come back home. Ill help with everything, Jack can go to nursery Ill find a little work so we have enough money.
When did you grow up? It seems only yesterday I braided your hair and walked you to school Now youre making your own choices, supporting me I dont know how Id manage without you.
* * *
Days passed in a blur of odd sightsrainbows on polished floors, voices curving through the corridors. Olivia was discharged, but needed to travel to the county hospital for surgery. Alan took leave from work to tend to Jack, unable now to leave him with Margaret, whose behaviour grew more curious and unpredictable. She refused the help of doctors, and Alan couldnt persuade her otherwise.
Emily accompanied her mother to the county, where she withdrew her papers from college and decided to return to school. She was anxious for her mum, wanting to stay close.
Just before Emily and Olivia departed, Mrs. Elizabeth calledher voice carried the scent of biscuits and old books. She rang to check on Emily and share happy news: shed been staying with her son and daughter-in-law, and the old wall shed once foolishly built between herself and her family had finally crumbled.
Emily, David admitted you called and told him how much Id been worrying Thank you, my dear Im so happy nowyou know, Kate and I have become friends, shes wonderful and cooks marvels. I took her recipes and will cook for you sometime, invite you over. Even the grandchildrenoh, the time I lost I cant forgive myself
Im so glad for you, Aunt Liz
And how are you? Home or back at school?
Emily explained about Olivias surgery.
Oh, Emily, why didnt you call sooner? You ought to have! I chatter about myself, while you have serious things happening
I didnt want to upset you, Aunt Liz
Emily, listenmy neighbour, Mrs. Brown, has keys to my flat so its yours and Olivias while Im with the children No trouble at all, my dear.
Thank you, Aunt Liz
No need. From mine, its only three bus stops to the cardiology centre for Olivias operation. Itll be tricky for you getting to college
Thats not important, Ive decided to return to school I dont want to leave Mum alone.
* * *
Olivia came through surgery, and soon Emily and her mum returned home, as if the whole ordeal was a peculiar dance in a theatre. Emily didnt regret leaving collegethe peace and health of her mother were above all. Only parting with her friend, Chloe, made her sad.
Promise youll visit in summer, Emily told her, tugging her close.
Definitely And well phone each othertrue friends dont have distances, right?
Of course
Emilys old friends and teachers welcomed her backshadows moved in gentle shapes, voices familiar and warm.
Olivia and Alan spoke quietly, coming to the decision to divorce. Olivia said she wouldnt seek anything from the house, so Alan didnt have to sell.
Youve poured yourself into this house, she said softly. I know how much it means to you Margaret loves it here as well.
Thank you, Olivia. Will you allow me to take Jack for weekends?
Certainly, hes your son, Id never stop you seeing him.
Soon Alan remarried a woman named Charlotte, their relationship rekindled like a fire from last autumn. But Charlotte refused to live with Margaret, so Alan moved his mother to her own flat and hired a carer. By now, Margaret was fading, each day less herself.
Half a year later, Margaret fell, broke her hip, and passed away soon after.
Time drifted onwardsEmily finished school with distinction and prepared to move to the county centre. She hadnt abandoned the dream of becoming a doctorindeed, the desire had grown stronger. Yet she hated the thought of leaving her mum and Jack behind.
Olivia was well; after surgery, she regained her footing, the old routines returning like gentle tides. Nevertheless, Emily worried, the two now so close she couldnt imagine separation.
Emily wished they could all move to the county centre together, but sensed the impossibilityliving with Aunt Liz would be awkward long-term, renting a place too dear. If they sold their cottage, the money would barely buy a pokey flat on the citys edge.
But dreams sometimes bloom in odd soil. Help arrived from somewhere unexpected. One day, Olivia chatted with her ex-husband while Alan was picking up Jack for the weekend. Alan asked if Emily was still set on medical school.
Definitely, Alan. Im determined to be a doctor.
Goodfor what its worth, I think youll be brilliant. But why the long face?
Emily wants us to move with her and Jack to the county centre
Then why not move together? Alan said suddenly, the words floating like paper boats.
Alan its not realistic. Prices are absurd there. Selling this place wouldnt buy much at all
Ill help you buy a new flat
Alan are you serious? Olivia blinked, unsure if the words were from the waking world.
I am. Ill sell Mums flat and help you get a proper home, so you dont have to be parted from Emily Jack will thrive in the city too, and soon enough need university.
But Alan you dont have to do this
Think of it as for me. I owe you, and Emily and you gave me the house, didnt split it. Fairs fair. I meant to leave Mums flat for Jack, but if youre moving, Ill do different. Olivia, were not strangers, even if were divorced. We share a son If you move, Ill see Jack lessnever mind, Ill visit and take him in summer Hell soon have a little brother too.
What? Charlottes expecting? Olivia exclaimed.
Yes, and its a boy
Well! Im honestly delighted for you.
Thank you, Olivia. Im glad we parted peacefullyno grudges, and now were friends.
I am too, Alan Thank you.
Alans help allowed Olivia to get a nice flat in the same neighbourhood as Aunt Liz. Now she lived there with her children.
Recently, Jack started his first year in school, and Emily is studying medicine, dreaming of cardiology. Shes happy and seldom remembers the time she felt like an extra, a misplaced piece. Olivia, too, is content, proud of her strong, empathetic daughter, and glad shes kept warm ties with Jacks father.
