Ah, youve finally come, Evelyn Whitmore exclaimed, her voice trembling like a windchimed bell.
Nicholas shuffled his cap at the doorway. Hey, Mumma, he said, pausing. Im not alone. He nudged a skinny lad in spectacles, a backpack slung over his shoulders, forward.
Oh my, my dear, youve brought my grandchild! Evelyn gasped. Is that Tommy or Albert? I cant tell without his glasses.
Nicholas dropped onto a wooden chair. Put them on, love. This is Vinnie, my… wayward son. Remember when Zoe and I took a year apart? I fell in with Valda then, and Vinnie was born. I foolishly registered him in my name, he sighed.
Evelyn snapped at him. Why are you babbling about a child? Hes too young to know about your tangled life. Vinnie, go to the lounge and watch the telly while I sort things out with your father.
The boy slipped out silently and disappeared into the next room. Evelyn whispered, Does Zoe know about him? She recalled that Zoe never liked her sons wifeshe was quarrelsome and sharptongued.
Nicholas shivered. What are you saying, mother? If shed found out, shed have thrown us out long ago. Im sorry. I built him from the ground up with my own two hands.
Evelyn exhaled, Youre such a misfit, Nicholas. Not a man, but a wisp under Zoes heel all his life. How did you manage to bring a son on the side? Its bewildering. And why bring him here? Zoe will find out and Ill have trouble.
Nicholas, agitated, tried to explain, Valda, the snake, was about to marry. She fled south with a new lover for a monthcan you imagine? She called me, said, Take the boy wherever you like, even home. I told her Id lost my mind, that I have a wife, and shed throw us both out. She threatened me, said shed make it hard. Ill give your Zoe a birth certificate and youll have to manage. Thats the end for me. She barely forgave Valda, didnt speak to me for half a year. So I thought, let him stay with you a month, then Ill come back and fetch him. He never lifted his eyes to his mother.
Evelyn shook her head. Thats how you were as a child, and youve never changed. Whatever you do, Ill help. Alright, where shall we put him? Leave the boy here. Buthes not of our sort, she hesitated, Are you sure hes yours?
Nicholas waved his hand. My boy, doubt it not. Valda isnt sweet, but shes a faithful old lady.
Silence fell. Evelyn sprang up. Why am I just standing? Lets at least feed him before he goes.
Nicholas rose. Sorry, Mum, I must be off. Zoes waiting at home. I told a lie that I was heading to town for spare parts. Feed Vinnie, and Ill be gone.
Evelyn embraced her wayward son and whispered, God be with you, my blood.
Vinnie ate quickly, never taking his eyes off the plate.
More, love? Evelyn asked, pitying how fast he cleared the dish.
No, thank you, he replied, pushing his chair back.
Go outside for a walk, then Ill finish dinner. Whats in your backpack? she inquired.
Things, he muttered.
Evelyn asked, Will you wash them yourself, or should I?
For the first time, Vinnie looked at her with frightened eyes. I cant. Mum always did the washing.
She lifted his light knapsack. Off you go, Ill rinse whats dirty.
He slipped out while she sorted his simple belongings: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts, and a few underpants.
Not much, she mused, shaking her head, Not even a warm jumper. Typical motherly oversight. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to a cherrytopped cake.
A shriek rang from the street. Evelyn burst out, flour still on her hands.
Whats happened?
Vinnie wailed, clutching his leg. A goose pinched me! It hurtsmy eyes are streaming.
What were you doing near them? she asked, noticing a reddened spot on his shin.
I just wanted to look at them, he sobbed.
Never have you seen geese before? she asked, surprised.
I have, but never up close, he whispered.
Alright, lets get you into the house, Ill rub some ointment on that. She took his hand.
After dinner she placed him on the sofa, unable to sleep. What a strange life this was turning into! She would never have sent her own boy to some strangers house. Her motherinlaw must be a real terror. The childs trousers were worth more than gold. Then she heard a soft whimper. Listening, she realized it was the boys sigh. She knelt beside him.
Why, son? Not liking me? she asked. Wait a month, and Ill bring you back.
He sat up, whispering, They wont take me back. I heard Uncle Victor and Aunt Vera say when they arrive theyll send me to a boarding school, only picking me up for holidays. I like it here with Mum. Uncle Victor never calls me by name. Youre kind, Grandma, but Im not needed.
Evelyns heart tightened. She cradled his thin frame.
Dont cry, Vinnie dear. I wont let you suffer. Ill speak to your mother, and youll stay with me. Our school is good, teachers are kind. Well wander for mushrooms and berries, milk our little cow. Youre frail now, but twinmilk will make you strong. Dont believe? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul, a sturdy lad, as round as a bun from milk. Want that?
He hugged her neck. I want that. Will you keep your promise?
She kissed his crown gently. Of course.
Years drifted by. Occasionally, Valentina drove in, dropping off parcels before hurriedly leavingUncle Victor always pressed her out of the car. Nicholas appeared now and then. Zoe learned of Vinnie and blamed not her husband but Evelyn, insisting she didnt need grandchildren, only odd trinkets.
Evelyn cared little. The skinny boy had grown into a sturdy youth. Each morning she prepared his favourite meals, peering out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. One day a young soldier slipped in, whispering, Grandma, Im here, where are you?
She darted out, clinging to his neck. Vinnie, my beloved grandson!
Will you go to Motherinlaw? she asked. He set down his fork, puzzled. Which one? The one who abandoned me and brings me trinkets once a year? He shook his head. No, I wont go. My mother is you, and thats final. He tucked back into his meal.
Evelyn brushed away a tear, grateful for the grandson who had become her support and joy in her twilight years. Her blood, her kin, at last.
