Why do you need such a granny?
Blimey, youre an interesting one! First you booked Sam for the whole summer, we had everything sorted, and now youre telling us dont bring him? What are we supposed to do?
The phones speaker was crackling with my daughterinlaws fury. Gillian kept the handset a short arms length from her ear still loud enough to hear everything without the speaker on.
Ethel, your plans are your problem. You never even asked me, and now
You were the one who begged us to bring Sam over! Ethel cut in. Honestly, I dont get you. What kind of granny are you? You cant look after your own grandson, cant even drive him to the cottage. Youve never taken him any fresh berries, just haul crates of yours around! Why would Sam need a granny like you when theres a proper one elsewhere?
Gillian grimaced, let out a ragged sigh and pressed a free hand to her chest. She knew exactly what Ethel was getting at either wed have to fetch Sam now, or shed never see him again. Lowlevel, nasty blackmail.
Ethel had a point if you look at the cold facts, but she was twisting the whole thing upside down.
Lets start with the cottage Gillian wanted Sam to spend time at. It was a proper oldfashioned one no indoor loo, the shower was a tin bucket in the garden, and the berries you grew werent even worth a bite. There was a rusty grill theyd used with Gillians first husband, a few plastic chairs and a tiny table. It was modest, but to Gillian it felt cosy in a simple, homey way.
When Andrew, her son, mentioned he wanted to bring his girlfriend over for a weekend at the cottage, Gillian started to worry.
Shed met Ethel before at best a surface acquaintance. A pretty, wellkept woman with a hint of spoiled entitlement. She always looked down on everyone, as if she were constantly grading them. When they first met, the future daughterinlaw started wandering around Gillians house without asking, like an inspector. Gillian didnt like it, but she put on a smile and gave her a tour, showing off the little figurines and family photo albums.
Andy, its a nice idea but are you sure Ethel will like it? You grew up at that cottage, you know it. Ethel, I think, isnt used to that sort of place, Gillian said cautiously when Andrew, buzzing with excitement, laid out his weekend plans.
Ill explain everything to her. Shes been saying she wants a bit of nature. And this place is just perfect.
Gillian sighed but didnt argue. She knew people would think she didnt want to host them. It would have been easier to just say no outright.
She spent two whole days prepping tidying up, baking pies, pulling out the pantrys special treats that were saved for rare occasions. Her heart thumped with anxiety, but the thought of seeing her grandson brightened everything.
From the moment Ethel stepped out of the car, things went sideways. She arrived in a white dress and skyhigh heels, looked around, squinted disdainfully, and her face soured instantly.
This is a toilet? she asked, poking a finger at the outside loo.
Well yes. Its outside, but its clean, just like any proper one, Gillian replied with a strained smile.
Right, a real communion with nature, then Ethel said sarcastically.
It only got worse.
This is absurd feels like weve landed in the Stone Age, she complained to Andrew. Did you wash yourself in a bucket as a kid? There are more mosquitos than people, and the smell is dreadful.
Its just the neighbours chickens, nothing to worry about, Andrew shrugged.
Ethels rant was so loud Gillian could hear every word. She felt mortified after all, she hadnt even invited Ethel. Shed prepared, shed waited, and this was the response she got.
Maybe shell get used to it, Gillian thought. The couple lived a decent drive away, so theyd stay the whole weekend.
But Ethel didnt last a day. When a mosquito bit her again, she swatted wildly and marched back to the car.
Thats it! Either you drive me home or Im calling a cab, she snapped at Andrew. Living here is impossible!
Andrew didnt argue. He said a quick goodbye to his mum and clumsily squeezed past Ethel.
I didnt think itd be this hard for her he muttered, embarrassed.
Gillian tried to chalk it up to different habits. Shed found it hard to adjust to the new way of life herself, but she didnt throw a fit or slam doors. It was Andrews choice to stay with Ethel.
Six years later, Ethel and Andrew were married with a little boy, Sam. Gillians relationship with her daughterinlaw never really clicked, but she still hoped to build something with her grandson, even though they lived in different towns. She figured if theres a will, therell be a way.
Ethel, could you bring Sam over sometime? Gillian asked one afternoon. Ive got a garden, a river nearby, fresh air he could get a years worth of vitamins.
Where would I bring him? To that filthy mess? Hed be better off staying at home, Ethel sneered. You could just send the vitamins over. You bragged about having more cherries than you could handle. A few weeks this summer would have been enough.
It hurt like a punch to the gut, but Gillian didnt argue. Its hard to explain to a pampered city girl that hauling cherries in the summer heat isnt a brilliant idea, that the neighbours kids get used to the conditions quickly, and that she just wants a bit of time with her grandson. That was last year. Since then, everythings changed.
Now Gillians life is half hospital visits, drip lines, and waiting rooms. The other half is strict doctor orders. Shed just had heart surgery, and the surgeon told her to stay out of the sun and avoid any heavy lifting.
Take this seriously, he warned. Your heart needs protection. No big exertions, just gentle walks.
The worst part? Andrew never came to visit, not even while she was in hospital. Theyd phone each other, but that was it. She saw her friend Violet more often than her own son. In fact, it was Violet who gave her a lifeline financially. When Violet learned the cottage was now offlimits for health reasons, she suggested:
Listen, Ill have a word with them. They wanted a summer break but the budgets tight, and the seasides pricey. Ill sort something out, no strings attached. Youll get a nice break, and theyll have somewhere to go.
Gillian jumped at the offer every penny counted in her condition.
Soon after she started getting back on her feet, Ethel finally warmed up. As soon as the young couple made new plans, the shabby cottage suddenly didnt matter.
Ethel, I mentioned this to you a year ago, Andrew said. Plans are great, I had my own for this summer, but life threw a curveball. I cant go to the cottage now I just had surgery two months ago.
Two months? People are already training for marathons! You cant just sit at home and retire, can you? Ethel retorted. If you cant take Sam to the cottage, just bring him to your flat.
In a flat? From one city block to another? Whats the point?
The point is we could have a proper break! Weve never had a day alone with Sam since he was born, and youve been shouting how much you want to see your grandson. Heres your chance.
Ethel, are you even listening? A child needs constant attention, and I can barely get around the house.
Its just laziness, admit it, Ethel jabbed.
Gillian hung up, feeling the argument draining the last of her strength. She was alone, and if she got worse, would anyone actually come to look after her?
That evening Andrew called, apologising for Ethels behaviour and gently asking if there was any way he could still have Sam stay with her for a bit. Gillian felt tears well up, like a child hurt by an unfair blow.
Andrew did you tell Ethel Id had surgery? she asked, voice shaking. How did we end up putting the grandchild on me without even asking?
Andrew swallowed. I said you were a bit under the weather, but I didnt know it was that serious.
Under the weather, she repeated, the words ringing hollow. He seemed indifferent to how hard it was for her to even climb a flight of stairs.
Alright, she managed.
The next three days were a heavy silence, oppressive and lonely. It felt as if, by refusing the couples request, shed become invisible and forgotten. Even Andrew stopped texting in the evenings.
On the fourth day, Violet rang just in time.
How about we pop over to your cottage? My folks wont be there until the weekend. Itll be a cool day, we can have tea and chat.
Lets do it, Gillian replied, feeling a cats claw in her chest, grateful for any company.
They brewed tea, opened a box of cupcakes Violet had brought, and talked. Gillian poured out everything.
Honestly, you know the drill. They have their own lives now. Dont tear yourself apart, live as you can. Youve still got me. Maybe youll meet someone new, share evenings together, or finally focus on yourself. Healths one thing keep it safe, and dont waste energy on people who only bring stress.
Gillian sighed, pulling the cake box closer. It still hurt, still ached, but she finally knew she was doing the right thing. She wasnt bending over backwards for anyones expectations, wasnt sacrificing her health for someone elses whims. It was tough, her daughterinlaw had turned her back, her son had been cold, but life, with all its ups and downs, kept moving on. Even without them.
