Family Stew.
Honestly, Mother, serving guests that dreadful beet soup? George sniffed the kitchen air with a grimace. The whole place reeked of fried tomatoes and last years cabbage the sort of leftovers you get after a night out at the greasy spoons and bistros in the capital. Could you have made something a bit more appealing? Not this soup again. Ugh!
Eleanor snapped, Well have meatballs, a mayodressed salad, crêpes, and a proper platter and you, you old fool, just stay out of my way. If you dont get out, Ill give you a ladle to the head. No, wait! Stay. Turn the pot off in five minutes, Im going, she said, ripping off her apron.
Where are you off to? George asked, tugging at his trousers, his eye darting nervously toward the stove.
To the neighbours flat theyre due in ten minutes. Ill grab some extra bread; someone always comes hungry. He stumbled toward the lift, muttering about Pet, but Eleanor didnt hear. She stared at herself in the mirror, smoothing her short, permed hair. It was the length most women her age kept, but she hated the way it fell. Gone were the days when shed been a blooming beauty; now she felt like a wilted flower that no one could revive.
Will the kids manage themselves? George asked, perplexed.
Theyll get up on their own, Eleanor replied, irritated. Come on, James, stop flitting about. Dont forget the pot and put something on before you go out in just your underpants.
Whats with you, all angry today? George began to protest.
I dont know! Youll never understand a womans mind, Eleanor snapped, and waddled toward the lift.
She was fed up with the endless parade of Jamess new girlfriends each one more pretentious than the last. One week they were vegans, the next they were on a lowcarb diet, then they complained about everything being too salty or too greasy, and they never seemed to have a proper dinner knife. Theyve never owned a decent fork in their lives, and somehow theyve survived, she muttered.
The girls would always turn their noses up at anything she cooked. So this time Eleanor decided to keep it simple: a hearty, everyday stew that would satisfy any appetite.
The street greeted her with a gentle May breeze. She inhaled the fresh air and, before she could even notice the silver Mini Cooper pulling up, she saw her son, James, wobbling out of the car. He was thirtyseven, still without a title or a steady job, fiddling with his laptop and various apps. If only I had a proper family and a child! he sighed. Id love a grandkid, Mum! All her friends already had nannies; Eleanor felt left behind, especially since none of Jamess girlfriends wanted to settle down.
Mum, why did you come out? Wed have fetched you, James said, hugging her. This is Emily.
Hello, the girl replied brightly.
Eleanor blurted, Ohhhello She thought, *Finally, someone normal, without any pretence. Good riddance to the nonsense.* She forced a smile at her sons new partner.
Ready to go? James asked.
Hold on, Mum, theres a bag of drinks and a gift box for you in the boot, Emily chimed, her eyes twinkling.
Really? Eleanor reached for the bag, while James wrestled the heavy box out of the car.
Emilys smile widened. I work in environmental cleanup, so the present is ecofriendly. Youll see.
Eleanors suspicion rose, but she snatched the bag like a robot and tucked the box into the hallway.
They all settled at the table after the customary wave of greetings. Emily didnt bat an eye at the stew; she scooped a spoonful and began to eat, though she seemed reluctant to talk about her job. Just a junior inspector at the Environmental Agency, she mumbled.
Is that a proper job? Eleanor asked.
Yes, Im officially employed.
See, James, youve had a dustcovered work record for ten years. What happens if you get sick? What about your pension? Youre already thirtyseven, you know. Eleanors voice rose, the question finally surfacing.
I wont live to see my pension, Mum, James replied.
Well see about that, Eleanor declared, eyes gleaming. Stop ruining my stomach, please. Dad, pass the crêpe and some cheese.
James tried to raise a toast, but his father kept cutting him off with his own wishes.
Emily, feeling a bit embarrassed, stood up. The stew is delicious, Mrs. Eleanor. May I help clear the table?
The women began to clear the dishes. Noticing the slightly messy stovetop, Emily clapped her hands.
Heres your gift! Almost forgot! She opened the box, revealing a set of biodegradable cleaning products. Theyre made from vegetables and fruits, dissolve completely in water, and are good for the planet. Want to try them right now?
Eleanor stepped back from the stove. No, love, please dont touch the hob. I havent cleaned it in three days; it would be mortifying.
Come on, I grew up in the countryside; Ive seen every kind of stove, Emily laughed. Just spray it yourself, and Ill finish with a sponge.
Emily worked quickly, polishing the dishes while Eleanor rolled crumbs across the table, peppering her conversation with questions about Emilys schooling, her parents, and how shed met James. The answers were respectable and satisfied Eleanor.
When Emily finally tackled the hob, the grime vanished under her sponge.
Thank you for the lovely gifts, Emily, Eleanor said, still wary of a hidden catch.
At that moment, James rang a glass and called everyone back to the sofa. He embraced Emily, placed a hand on her belly, and announced, Mum, Dad Emily and I have decided to get married.
Oh! Eleanor gasped.
And thats not all, James added, his eyes sparkling. He gave Emily a kiss, and she flushed. Were expecting a baby, so expect a grandchild by winter.
What a joy! What a blessing! Eleanor threw her arms wide, as if the heavens themselves had answered her prayers. The Holy Mother has heard my pleas; the angels must be smiling!
She flung her arms around Emily, Come here, my dear sunshine, my little angel, she cooed, shushing James when he made an unnecessary gesture. Be gentle, love. I know better than anyone how to handle a pregnant lady.
Emily whispered, tears in her eyes, Mrs. Eleanor, could you share some of your recipes? Im terrible at cooking, especially stew.
Eleanor, now practically ecstatic, snapped, Emily! This is my dreampassing on my culinary secrets and my boundless love to the next generation!
Now thats a modest wish turned into a reality, all thanks to you! she laughed.
And that, dear reader, was the simple, humble dream that finally came true.
