James had gone off and, as if by accident, seemed to have forgotten us entirely.
Eleanor Whitaker shuffled back from the supermarket, pulling herself up the stairs to her fourthfloor flat. The bags were heavy, but she wouldnt skimp on groceries her pension was decent enough, and after a lifetime of buying good stuff, she wasnt about to change now.
The flat was quiet and a little cool. Eleanor set the bags on the kitchen table and began unpacking: a loaf of bread, a jug of milk, a block of cheese, a dozen eggs, fresh veg and fruit, and a tin of smoked salmon. Shed bought the salmon out of habit how could she resist treating her only son to his favourite delicacy? Only the problem was that James hadnt turned up for two years, not even for his mothers birthday.
Oh, James dear, Eleanor sighed, maybe youll pop over next weekend?
She dialled a familiar number. After a long series of beeps, a mechanical voice announced the line was temporarily unavailable. She put the phone on the sill and muttered, Busy, I guess. Ill try this evening.
Evening came, but James phone stayed silent. Eleanor switched on the telly to fill the lonely hour, the latest drama flickering across the screen, her thoughts drifting back to her boy.
James had always been Eleanors pride. Shed raised him alone after his father walked out when the lad was seven. Hed grown up sharp and determined, finished school with a gold medal, then earned a place at a prestigious university to study economics.
After graduating, James landed a job at a big firm. Eleanor beamed at his success. He used to visit often, chat about work and future plans.
Then things shifted. James met Olivia, a charming girl from a welloff family. Six months later they were married and moved to another city. At first he called weekly and visited once a month, but the calls grew rarer and the visits even rarer, the last one being last Christmas.
Eleanor turned off the television, brewed a pot of tea and fetched her favourite biscuits. A knot of unease tangled her thoughts. She knew James had his own life, work, family, but she still longed to hear his voice and see his face.
The next morning the phone rang. Eleanor lunged for the receiver, hoping it was James, but it was her neighbour, Mabel Jenkins.
Eleanor, love, how are you? Fancy a cuppa? Ive baked a cake.
Thanks, Mabel, but Im feeling a bit off today. Maybe another time?
Mabels kindness was appreciated, but Eleanor wasnt in the mood for small talk. She decided to send James a message. Carefully typing on the smartphone hed given her for her sixtieth birthday, she wrote: James, how are you? I called earlier but got no answer. Fancy dropping by? I miss you. She hit send and waited.
A few hours later James replied: Sorry, Mum, swamped with work. Ill try to visit next month.
The month slipped by without a visit. Eleanor thought, He has his own life probably really busy.
One day scrolling through her feed, Eleanor saw a picture of James standing in front of a gorgeous house with his wife and a Labrador. The caption read: Our new home! Dreams do come true!
Her heart sank. Hed bought a house and hadnt mentioned it to her! All the big news now arrived via the internet, as if she were a stranger.
She dialled James again. This time he answered almost instantly.
Hey Mum, how are you? his voice was upbeat.
James, I saw the pictures congratulations on the house! Why didnt you tell me?
Oh, Mum, I completely forgot. Work, the move sorry.
I understand. When will you show me the new place? Im missing you terribly.
I dont know, Mum. Im swamped. Maybe you could come over and see for yourself?
To your place? Its a long way for me Im not sure how to get there.
Fine, maybe later. Ive got to run. Well catch up soon!
The line went dead. Eleanor stared at the silent screen, then shuffled back to the kitchen. Ill bake a cake James will be home starving, Ill feed him, she mused, before realising, Dont be silly, love, he lives miles away now.
Days trailed on. Eleanor shopped, watched TV, dropped in for tea with Mabel now and then, but the loneliness lingered. She stopped calling James so as not to bother him.
The New Year was approaching, and Eleanor decided to treat herself. She bought a modest fir, a few new baubles, and all the trimmings for a festive dinner. Maybe James would pop in to wish her a happy New Year, or at least give her a ring.
On the morning of December31st she prepared her favourite dishes salad, roast chicken, apple crumble everything James loved. Dressed in her best dress, hair spruced up and a touch of makeup, she felt certain a call would come as the clock struck midnight. The chimes from Big Ben rang twelve, the Prime Ministers speech boomed, but her phone remained mute.
She sat by the handset until three in the morning, still hoping. Exhausted, she finally fell asleep. At dawn a single text appeared: Happy New Year, Mum. Wishing you health and happiness. No How are you? No chat about his celebration.
Eleanor stared at the cold leftovers and the untouched chicken. Had she become a stranger to her own son? How did it come to this?
A week after the holidays she visited her longtime friend Clara Hughes, a nurse at the local clinic. Eleanor, youve lost a lot of weight! Whats happened? Clara exclaimed, clasping her hands.
Nothing special, just age, Eleanor smiled weakly.
Hows James? Havent seen him for ages.
Fine, he bought a house in the suburbs, works a lot. He hardly visits.
Clara frowned. Living alone isnt good for you. Have you thought about moving in with him?
He never invites me, Eleanor whispered. Id just be a burden with my ailments.
Clara shook her head. Youre his mother, not a burden! Come over to my place, have a cup of tea, chat. My shift finishes in an hour.
That evening, over tea at Claras kitchen, Eleanor finally poured out how lonely she felt, how painful it was to be ignored.
I get it, he has his own life, Clara said, but cant he spare a few minutes a month for his own mum? At least a proper chat, not those curt texts?
Did you ever tell him that? Clara asked.
No. I didnt want to nag.
Dont you think he deserves to hear it? Hes your son, after all. If he doesnt understand, you need to remind him.
How?
Pick up the phone and say you need a serious talk. Tell him you miss him, youre lonely. Let him know how you feel.
Eleanor pondered Claras advice. Maybe she was right.
Back home, she dialled James. He didnt answer, so she left a voice note: Son, please call when you can. I need to talk.
James returned the call the next day.
Mum, whats up? Everything okay?
Just wanted to hear your voice, thats all.
Im at work. Maybe we can talk this evening?
Sure, call when youre free.
Evening came, but James didnt call. He skipped the next day too, and the one after. Eleanor decided not to pester him.
Early spring brought a sudden bout of ill health a racing heart, soaring blood pressure. An ambulance whisked her to the hospital, where doctors gave a quick injection and suggested a short stay. She refused; who would look after the flat? Who would water the plants? And what if James turned up while she was away?
Mabel, ever watchful, began dropping by daily with fresh bread, sometimes soup or meatballs.
Eleanor, maybe give James a call? Let him know youre unwell, Mabel suggested one afternoon.
No, love. Hes too busy already. I dont want to add to his worries.
But hes your son! He should know.
Ill tell him when Im better. I dont want him to rush over and find me in a worse state.
Mabel nodded, convinced Eleanor would stay put.
Weeks rolled by, Eleanors condition fluctuated. James called now and then, always brief, always polite. One evening a knock sounded at the door. She struggled to rise from the sofa, wondering who might be there Mabel usually phoned first.
Opening the door, a young woman with a large tote stood there.
Good afternoon, are you Eleanor Whitaker? she asked.
Yes, and you are?
Im Elena, a socialcare officer. Your neighbour mentioned you might need some help.
Eleanor was taken aback; she hadnt asked for assistance. Yet Elena stepped inside, spreading papers on the kitchen table.
Youll need to sign a care agreement. Ill visit three times a week, help with chores, shopping, check your blood pressure. Its all free, no worries.
But I didnt request this
Your neighbour is very concerned. She says you live alone, fall often, and struggle with daily tasks.
Eleanor tried to protest, but a wave of dizziness sent her to a chair. She thought of Mabels recent fall from a high shelf and sighed, Alright, thank you.
Elena proved efficient and kind, quickly mastering the household routine. Over time Eleanor grew to look forward to her visits.
One afternoon, sipping tea together, Elena asked, Do you have any children?
My son, James. He lives in another town.
Does he visit?
Rarely. Hes very busy with work and his family.
Does he know youre ill?
No. I didnt want to trouble him.
Elena, thoughtful, shared a story about her own grandmother who had lived alone while her daughter was far away, regretting not being there in the final days. Perhaps you ought to call your son, let him know how you truly feel?
Eleanor realised she had been masking her condition. Every time James rang, shed say she was fine, not wanting to be a burden.
Youre right, Elena. Ill call him tonight, she decided.
She stared at the phone, gathering her thoughts. When she finally dialled, James answered after a pause.
Mum? Its late to call, he said, a hint of concern in his voice.
I I wanted to talk, Eleanors voice trembled.
Whats wrong? James asked, worry sharpening his tone.
Im ill, love. My heart isnt great, she confessed.
Why didnt you tell me? he asked, a note of reproach.
I didnt want to add to your stress. You have your own life, she replied.
Im coming tomorrow, James declared. Ill be there.
Eleanor hung up, heart racing. Would he see her frailty and decide she was a burden? She didnt want that.
The next morning she rose early, tidied the flat as best she could, cooked a simple lunch, hoping to welcome him properly.
James arrived in the early afternoon, lugging two large bags. He embraced her, and tears welled in her eyes.
James, Im so glad youre here!
He looked at her pale, tired face and asked, Mum, why didnt you tell me you were unwell? Why keep it hidden?
I didnt want to add to your worries. You have work, a family
Mum, youre my family, he said, gripping her hands. I feel terrible. Ive been selfish, chasing my career while youve been alone, ill, and I didnt notice.
Eleanor smiled weakly, Its all right. The important thing is youre here now.
They talked long into the evening. James described his job, the new house, future plans. Eleanor listened, grateful simply to be in his presence.
Later Elena stopped by, surprised to see a man in the flat, but quickly understood.
Hello, you must be James. Im Elena, the care worker. Thank you for looking after your mother.
Thank you, James replied honestly. I didnt even know Mum was ill.
Elena gave Eleanor a knowing glance.
James then said, Mum, Im taking you to live with us.
What? I cant, she protested. You have your life, Olivia
Olivia will be delighted. Weve wanted you to move in for ages, but I kept postponing, thinking youd never want to leave your flat and friends.
Id just be a nuisance, Eleanor whispered.
No, youre not a nuisance. Youre my mother, and I want to care for you, just as you always cared for me.
If I refuse?
Then Ill move my job to be nearer. I wont leave you alone again.
Tears streamed down Eleanors cheeks. She had never imagined her son would give up everything for her.
Alright, she said softly. Ill go with you.
James hugged her tightly.
Thank you, Mum. I promise youll be well with us.
The following days were a whirlwind of packing, sorting out the lease, and saying goodbye to neighbours, especially Mabel.
Thank you, Mabel, Eleanor said, embracing her. If it werent for you, Id still be stuck here with my ailments.
Mam, dont mention it. Youll be with a good lad now, Mabel replied, smiling.
A week later James drove Eleanor to his new home. He opened the door to a bright, spacious bedroom.
This is yours, Mum, he announced. Olivia greeted her warmly, showing her around, explaining the daily routine. Eleanor felt genuinely welcome.
That evening, the three of them sat on the veranda. James turned to his mother, Im sorry, Mum. I was selfish, only thinking about my career. I forgot I have a mother whos always been there for me.
Its all right, love, Eleanor replied. What matters is were together now.
James promised never to repeat his neglect. Eleanor looked at her son, daughterinlaw, and the lovely house now also hers and for the first time in years felt truly happy. She knew things would be fine from now on. Her son had come back, just not in the way shed imagined, but it was enough.
