After New Years Day, their mother sent them to an orphanage…
The girls wept. They had been raised at home. While their mother busied herself with her love lifesomething she did constantlythe sisters, Poppy and Daisy, lived with their grandmother. But when Granny passed away on Boxing Day, their mother handed them over to the orphanage. No, she wasnt recklessshe didnt drink or even smoke. Still, wasnt it unfair that her ex-husband lived as he pleased while she was left to raise two children alone?
Mum unbuttoned Daisys coat and murmured, Stop crying. Its just how things areits not my fault. Youll be fine here, youll see! Daisy, just three years old, was too young to understand, but the anger in Mums eyes and the fear on her older sister Poppys tear-streaked face told her everything was wrong. Seven-year-old Poppy clutched Daisys hand as their mother hissed, Dont disgrace me. Im not abandoning youIll come back once Ive sorted things. Ill fetch you at Easter! The girls sniffled but quieted. Mum had promised to return.
Adjusting to the orphanage was hard, though the staff adored them for their quiet manners, sharp minds, and touching devotion to each other. Poppy won everyone over with her serious dark eyes, while Daisy, round and rosy-cheeked, charmed them with her sweetness. Daisy tugged Poppys sleeve. Whens Easter comin? Will it bring Mummy back? Patiently, Poppy explained, Easters a holiday in spring. Remember how Granny dyed eggs? Daisy nodded, but at the mention of Granny, her eyes welled up.
Poppy asked their carer, Miss Evelyn, about the date. Miss Evelyn was surprisedchildren usually asked about Christmas or birthdaysbut she gave Poppy a tiny calendar. See this circled number? Thats Easter. Every day, cross off a number till then. Poppy did, watching the days shrink until Easter morning.
Daisy rushed in, clutching a red egg. Pops! Mummys comin today, aint she? Poppy nodded, but as the day dragged on, her hope faded. By evening, she soothed Daisy: Mums bus mustve got stuck. Roads are awful nowMiss Evelyn says so. Shell come tomorrow. Daisy swallowed her tears, but Mum never came. They waited daily, inventing excuses, until one morning, Poppy found Daisy gone. The staff explained their mother had taken her.
Years later, Poppy learned Mum had signed her away. But luck found herAunt Lily, her fathers sister, took her in. Kindness slowly mended Poppys heart, though she tried not to think of Mum or Daisy.
Time passed. Poppy trained as a nurse, married, and had a son. Life wasnt lavish, but it was warm. Then, a letter arrivedfrom Daisy.
Dear Poppy, you probably dont remember me? I recall your braids and checkered slippers. Can I visit? Poppy agreed, though it felt oddwhy invite herself?
At the bus station, Daisy limped toward her, waving eagerly. Poppy! I knew it was you! Poppy grumbled, Still a crybaby, but her eyes stung.
Over supper, Daisy explained: Dont blame Mum. Stepdad said hed take us, but she feared two at once. Then they had a boy, then a girlsuch a doll! Stepdads a carpenter, does well. We even holiday in Devon. But when I was twelve, a bull gored meluckily, no one else was hurt. I limp now.
Poppy asked, Do you work? Study? Have friends? Youre so pretty! Daisy flushed. I spent ages in hospital. I help at home or with Stepdads accounts. Mums a council clerk. Friends? Never had time. And I limp
Poppy insisted Daisy stay the night. As she slept, Poppy noticed her clothesclean but worn thin, mended countless times. No hospital worker would wear such things, let alone to visit.
At dawn, Poppy woke her husband. Take me to Willowbrook. Now. Grumbling, he drove.
At Mums door, Poppys heart raced. Mum didnt recognise her. Morning, Mum. We meet again. Mum frowned as if Poppy were a nuisance. Wheres Daisy? Shes neededbreakfast wont make itself.
Calmly, Poppy said, Daisys staying with me. Pack her things. And money, if youve any. Ill get her a job, fix her leg. Hear me?
Mum sneered. Get out. Well fetch her.
Poppy stood firm. Her names Daisy. Call your cow Daisy if you like. Shall I tell the village how their proper council clerk dumped her kids?
Mum slammed the door. Soon, a thin man emerged with a rucksack. Im Simon. Daisys things. Tell her Ill send money. Shes been Cinderella long enough.
Walking back, Poppy mused: Life isnt simple. But is simple so hard? For men to stay faithful, women not to abandon children, siblings not to forget each other?
Just to be human. Thats all.
