Ah, my boy, youre home! Ethel cried, her voice wobbling like a lantern in a breeze.
Nicholas shuffled his battered flat cap at the doorstep. Hey, mum, he said, pausing as if the words floated on a mist. Im not alone. He nudged a lanky lad in spectacles, a knapsack hanging from his shoulders, forward.
Oh dear, my grandchild finally arrived. Is that Tom or Jack? I cant tell without my glasses.
Nicholas perched on a rickety chair.
Put them on, Ethel said, handing him a pair. Thats Billy, my wayward grandson. Remember how Gwen and I took a year apart? I fell for Violet then, and Billy was born. I foolishly signed his name on the birth register myself. She sighed, a sound that seemed to echo through the walls of the dream.
Youre talking about a child in front of him, Ethel snapped, her hands trembling. Hes too young to know about your tangled past. Billy, run to the lounge and have a look at the telly while your father and I sort this out.
The boy slipped silently away, his footsteps fading into a hallway that stretched like a ribbon of fog. Ethel whispered, Does Mabel know about him?
She never liked my sons wifealways quarrelsome and sharptongued.
Nicholas shivered, What now, Mum? If she had found out, shed have fled the house barefoot long ago. But I feel sorry for him; I built him from the ground up with my own hands.
Ethel exhaled, Youre such a rogue, not a man at all. Youve been under Gwens heel all your life. How did you manage to bring a child from the side into our world? What for? If Gwen learns, Ill have no peace.
Nicholas, his voice trembling, tried to explain. Violet, that serpent, decided to marry a new rascal and rolled down south for a month, can you imagine? She called me, saying, Take the boy wherever you like, even home. I told her Id lost my mind, that I already have a wife who would throw us both out. She warned me shed ruin things if I didnt comply. Ill hand you the birth certificate for Gwen, and youll have to sort it out however you can. Thatll be the end of me. She barely forgave Violet, didnt speak to me for half a year. So I thought, let him stay with you a month, then Ill come back and take him. He didnt even raise his eyes to his mother.
Ethel shook her head, Thats how you were as a child, and youve never changed. Whatever youve done, Ill help. Where shall we put him? Leave the lad here. But hes not of our blood, she hesitated, Are you sure hes yours?
Nicholas waved his hand, My son, no doubt. Violet isnt a saint, but shes loyal.
Silence fell like a thick blanket. Ethel sprang up, Why am I just sitting? Lets at least feed him something from the road.
Nicholas stood, Sorry, Mum, I must go. Gwen is waiting at home. I fibbed that I was heading to the city for spare parts. Feed Billy, and Ill be off.
Ethel wrapped her arms around her errant son and whispered, Go with God, my dear blood.
Billy ate quickly, eyes glued to the plate.
Anything more? Ethel asked, pity lacing her tone as she watched him polish off everything.
No, thank you, he replied, pushing back from the table.
Take a walk outside, then Ill finish dinner. Whats in your knapsack? she asked.
Things, he muttered.
Will you wash them yourself, or shall I?
For the first time, his eyes widened with fear. I dont know how. Mum always did the washing.
Ethel lifted his small backpack, Off you go, Ill rinse and wring whats dirty.
He stepped out, and she began sorting through the modest contents: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts, and a couple of boxers.
Not much, she muttered, shaking her head, not even a warm jumper. Typical mothers neglect. She soaked the clothes in a basin, then turned to a cherry pie she was baking.
A sudden cry shattered the quiet from the street. Ethel darted out, flour dusting her sleeves, unshaken.
Whats happened?
Billy wailed, clutching his leg, A goose pinched me! It hurtstears flood my eyes.
What were you doing there? she asked, eyeing a bright red welt on his shin. The geese were grazing over there, and you were in the yard.
I just wanted to watch them, Billy sobbed.
Never saw geese before? she asked, surprised.
Ive seen them, but never got close, he whispered.
Alright, lets get you inside, Ill rub some ointment on you. She took his hand and led him back.
After dinner, she laid him on the sofa, the night stretching long and heavy. She stared at the ceiling, wondering how life had twisted itself into such a strange tapestry. She would never have sent her own child to anothers doorstep. The childs trousers seemed worth more than gold.
A soft whimper drifted from the corner. She leaned closer, hearing a boys quiet sobs. Whats wrong, dear? Dont you like me? she murmured. Wait a month, and Mum will take you back.
He lifted his head, voice trembling, She wont take me. I heard her talking with Uncle Victor about sending me to a boarding school when they come. Theyll only collect me during holidays. I dont want that; I was happy with Mum. Uncle Colin never calls me by my name. Youre kind, Nana, but Im not needed.
Ethels heart clenched. She cradled his thin frame, Dont cry, Billy boy. I wont let anyone hurt you. Should I speak to your mother? You could stay with me. Our school is good, the teachers are kind. Well wander the fields for mushrooms, pick berries, milk our cow. Youre frail now, but a sip of fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul. Hes a good lad, as round as a bun from the oven. Want that?
He hugged her neck, I do. Will you keep your promise?
Ethel kissed his forehead gently, Of course I will.
Years slipped by like clouds. Valerie sometimes visited, bringing parcels, but always hurried away, chased by Victors impatient shout. Nicholas appeared now and then, a ghost in the doorway. Gwen learned of Billy and blamed not her husband but Ethel, claiming she didnt need grandchildren, only odd trinkets.
Ethel didnt mind. The scrawny boy had grown into a sturdy youth. Each morning she prepared his favourite dishes, peeking through the window, waiting for him to appear. One day she missed him. A young soldier stepped into the house, his voice low, Nana, Im here, where are you?
She rushed out, clinging to his neck, Billy, my dear grandson!
Will you be going back to mother? she asked. He set down his fork, eyes wide, To which mother? The one who abandoned me and only brought me scraps once a year? No, I wont go. You are my mother, and thats final. He ate calmly, as if the world had settled.
Ethel wiped a tear from her cheek, gratitude swelling in her chest. Her bloodline, her legacy, lived on.
