Someone take him away, Emily said flatly.
Emily, are you out of your mind? Sarah clutched the tea towel so tightly her knuckles turned white. Oliver is your son! You cant just give him away like some unwanted pet.
Emily sat at the kitchen table, fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth.
Mum, dont be so dramatic, she sighed, leaning back with feigned indifference. Im not obligated to sacrifice my life for a child. Im only thirty-two, in case youve forgotten.
Sarah sank into the chair opposite her daughter, a sickening dread settling in her chest. Emily continued,
Ive finally met a good man, Mum. Davids proposed. We want to start freshbuild a life together. She looked up. But Oliver… Oliver would just complicate things. You understand, dont you? New relationships take adjustment.
Oliver is twelve, Emily! Sarahs voice trembled. He needs his mother. Do you really think he wont realise youve thrown him aside for David?
Emily flinched but quickly composed herself, waving a dismissive hand.
Dont overreact. I deserve a life too, dont I? She stood and paced the kitchen. I cant spend every minute fussing over him. Hes old enough to manage on his ownplenty of boys his age do.
Sarah barely recognised her daughter. When had her sweet girl become so selfish? She turned to the window, gripping the counter.
No, Emily. Absolutely not. You cant abandon your own child.
Here we go again! Emily snatched her bag from the chair. I thought youd understand, support me. But fineIll handle it myself.
The door slammed behind her. Sarah stood frozen in the middle of the kitchen, staring at the closed door, her heart heavy with foreboding.
Three months later, Sarah stood in a banquet hall, watching her daughters wedding. The guests laughed, music blared, but joy evaded her. She exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances, forcing smiles while anxiety coiled in her stomach.
Finally, she approached the newlyweds. David was animatedly chatting with his friends while Emily beamed beside him in her white dress.
Emily, Sarah touched her shoulder. Wheres Oliver? I dont see him here.
Emily stiffened, irritation flashing in her eyes. She grabbed Sarahs arm and pulled her aside.
Mum, are you mad? Why bring him up in front of everyone?
So where is he? Not at his own mothers wedding?
Emily pressed her lips together, avoiding Sarahs gaze.
David… doesnt really get along with Oliver, she muttered. He stayed home. No point ruining the moodits not like hed enjoy a room full of adults anyway.
Sarah stepped back, wide-eyed. Her chest tightened.
You left a twelve-year-old alone on your wedding day because your new husband dislikes him? Her voice shook with fury. Emily, whats happened to you? Hes your son!
Mum, dont make a scene! Emily hissed, glancing at the guests. This is my day. Dont ruin it.
Sarah turned and strode out. Emily called after her, but she didnt look back. Hailing a taxi, she gave the driver Olivers address.
The entire ride, her mind racedhow was he coping alone? Did he think shed abandoned him too?
She knocked on the door.
Oliver, its Gran! Open up, love.
Footsteps shuffled inside.
Gran, is that really you?
The lock clicked. The door opened to reveal Oliverdishevelled, eyes red from crying. Sarah pulled him into a tight hug.
His voice trembled.
Does Mum not love me anymore? She left me here alone. Told me not to answer the door.
Sarah held him tighter, her throat tight.
Pack your things, love. Youre coming home with me. She cupped his face. Everything will be alright.
While he gathered his belongings, Sarah texted Emily: *Oliver is staying with me.*
The reply came instantly: *See? I said this from the start. Shouldve listened.*
Sarah turned off her phone.
Her two-bedroom flat had just enough space. Oliver settled into Emilys old room. At first, he was quiet, withdrawn, but Sarah did everything to lift his spirits.
Fancy learning how to make the best pancakes in the world? she asked one morning.
He nodded, and they stood side by side at the stove. She showed him how to mix the batter just right.
Gran, he asked softly, shaping the batter, why doesnt Mum ever call?
Sarah paused, then gently ruffled his hair.
Adults make mistakes, Oliver. Big ones. But thats not your fault. Youre wonderful, and I love you very much.
Slowly, life found its rhythm. She enrolled Oliver in swimming and coding classeshed always wanted to design games. With time, he grew more confident, happier.
Years flew by. The shy boy became a tall, steady young man. Emily called only a handful of times, always for paperwork or some favour. She had a daughter with David now, and from the rare social media posts, she seemed content with her new family.
On Olivers eighteenth birthday, Sarah watched him with pride.
Cant believe youre all grown up, she said fondly.
After the guests left, they tidied up together. Sarah washed dishes while Oliver dried.
Theres something you should know, she said, turning off the tap. The flat your mother lives inits yours.
Oliver froze.
What?
Your father… he passed when you were five, but he left a will. The flat was always meant for you. Your mother was just the guardian until you turned eighteen.
Oliver set the towel down slowly.
So its legally mine?
Sarah nodded.
Entirely. Your father made sure of it.
For two weeks, Oliver was quieter than usual, lost in thought. Sarah didnt pryhe was old enough to figure things out himself.
Then, early one morning, her phone rang. Emily hadnt called in years.
Mum, what have you done? Her voice was shrill. Why did you tell Oliver about the will? Now hes threatening to evict us!
Sarah exhaled, sitting at the kitchen table.
I did the right thing. The flat is his. His father wanted him to have it. Her voice was steady. But you wouldnt understand. You never cared about himnot once in all these years. And now you want his home? No.
Mum, where will we live? I have a family!
Ask David. Let him provide for you instead of squatting in a boys flatthe same boy you threw out five years ago. She paused. I stayed silent until Oliver turned eighteen because I couldnt act sooner. But now? Ill help him get whats rightfully his.
She hung up. Turning, she saw Oliver in the doorway, a faint smile on his lips.
Thank you, Gran, he said softly.
She smiled back.
Well sort this, love. Its your home.
Oliver hugged her tightlyjust as she had hugged him on Emilys wedding day.
Youve been my mum and dad, he murmured. I love you. And Ill never leave you alone. Were familydont ever forget that.
