Why does Mum need a twobed flat? Shes already 65. Shes not going to be entertaining guests much, and she can have a cuppa with her sisters in the kitchen. Honestly, a onebed flat would be more than enough for her.
Linda OConnor knew exactly why her son and daughter had turned up. The subject had already come up in Mikes words a week earlier, when the whole family got together for little Emmas birthday the youngest grandchild of Linda.
Mike and Emma had just walked in, barely exchanged a greeting, when there was a knock at the door. Their neighbour, MrsNancy, peeked in.
Oh, Linda dear, Im sorry, Im a bit early. Youve got company, havent you? she said, a little embarrassed.
Its our lot, Nancy, Linda replied. Whats up?
My sewing machine has jammed again. The bobbins stuck and I cant get it out. Ill pop round later, sorry she said, hurrying off.
No worries, Ill have a look in a sec Linda called after her.
She turned back to the kitchen and said to Mike and Emma:
Ive only got five minutes before Nancys back, so you two head to the kitchen Ive already put the kettle on. Love, can you sort yourselves out?
Linda sorted the sewing machine problem quick and dashed to the hallway, where she stopped dead in her tracks at what she heard.
Emma, Ive done the maths, Mike said, we could sell this flat for at least £300,000, and the twobedroom somewhere Mums thinking of moving into is only about £100,000.
And you want Mum to hand us the difference? A hundred grand each? Emma asked.
Absolutely, why not? And not just a hundred, but £120,000 each Mike replied.
Where is she supposed to get that? Emma wondered.
I told you Id looked into it! Why does Mum need a twobed? Shes 65. She wont be hosting many visitors, and with her sisters she can just have tea in the kitchen.
Honestly, a onebed flat would suit her fine, even a decent one with a bit of work could be bought for about £60,000.
I was actually eyeing something nearer the centre, in a relatively new block, so shops and the clinic are close by Mike explained.
Im not sure Mum will agree? Emma tried to raise a doubt.
Why not? Im actually against her moving, but if shes being nudged into a retirement home, let her at least get something decent.
Linda had been thinking about moving back to her hometown for a while. Shed first come to the north of England when she was fortyfive. At that age you dont really make new friends; she had a few acquaintances, but thats not the same as lifelong mates.
She hadnt wanted to move back then quitting her job, pulling the kids out of school and heading to an unfamiliar place. But her husband was offered a good position at a factory, and she went along.
That was twenty years of family, work, and occasional trips back home. Two years ago her husband passed away unexpectedly.
Her son and daughter had their own families now, and Linda felt like she was drifting in a vacuum. When she retired, the loneliness hit harder, especially with her sisters calling her.
Instead of waiting for Emmas answer, Linda slammed the kitchen door open like shed just walked in.
Mike and Emma were at the table. Emma had already poured tea and sliced the apple cake Mum had baked for them.
Mum, are you really set on moving? Emma asked.
Yes. Now that your dads gone, theres nothing keeping me here. After twenty years this place never felt like home.
Nothing keeping you? What about us? The grandkids? Emma was startled.
Emma, youve got your own lives and responsibilities. I dont want to be a burden. Your kids are grown, they dont need a nanny. Whats left for me? Sitting on a bench with other retirees, strolling the park with a walking stick?
Some folks like that, I dont. What else is there? Books and the telly? Ive got sisters, plenty of acquaintances. Not far from the town, theres a village with my parents old house that the whole family uses for holidays.
I keep dreaming Im back in my hometown, walking down the high street and everyone I meet feels familiar.
Right, Mum, what about the flat? Mike steered the chat back to practicalities.
What? Ill sell it and buy a new one she answered.
Want a hand with the sale? Mike offered.
Im going through an agency. The adverts already up, so Ill start clearing out bit by bit.
Mum, Im not just offering for fun. There are scams everywhere these days. You could end up with no money and no flat.
Dont worry. Lisa Collins will help me with the sale she said, referring to her brotherinlaws wife, the deputy of her late husbands company. Lisa runs her own estate agency. And Natasha, the other agent, is solid too they helped Paul buy a place not long ago.
How much are you hoping to get? Mike asked.
Lisa says £300,000 is a fair price. I could list it a bit higher at first. Ive been scoping the market myself, it all checks out.
The flats nearby are cheaper, Emma noted.
Yeah, the one similar to ours is going for around £200,000.
Mum, Emma and I have a favour to ask: after you sell, could you give us at least £100,000 each? Mike said.
£100,000 each? Id barely have enough for a new place.
Why not? You could buy a smaller place, a onebed, for example.
A onebed would be cramped for me, Linda replied. I need two rooms: a bedroom and a living room.
Some families of three live in onebeds, Mike argued.
Those are people who cant afford bigger homes. I can, and I dont see why I should give that up. I want to live comfortably.
Mum, it would just be fair to Emma and me. Its still the family flat.
Mike, I never expected wed be talking about this, but remember Dads will gave you both everything you were entitled to.
He didnt shortchange anyone. All I got was the flat. And now you want me to split it with you?
Mike didnt phrase that quite right, Emma stepped in. He meant, could you help us if you have any left over.
Hes got a mortgage, and Illya and I want a cottage. Even £500,000 would help us a lot.
Even if you buy a £200,000 flat, youll still have a million left, right? Thats what were counting on.
Yes, therell be a surplus. Ill need it for the move, for renovations, and for setting up the new place Ill still have to buy some furniture and appliances.
Whatevers left is my safety net, just in case I need it Im not getting any younger. I dont want to become a problem for you all if I fall ill.
So you wont give us anything? Mike asked.
Mike, Im surprised you both started this chat. Youre thirtyseven, Emma thirtyfour, both welleducated and working.
You still have a few years of mortgage to pay, but youre not in need. If I hadnt decided to move and sell, would you have managed otherwise? Did you have a plan to relocate me into a simpler flat?
No, we didnt. Sorry we brought this up, Emma said. We just thought
You thought Mum, whos always helped you, would say yes again, Linda replied.
I wouldnt refuse if you truly needed it. But I think youll manage: Mike will finish the mortgage, you and Illya will save for the cottage, and everything will be fine.
Linda did exactly what shed planned: she sold the flat, moved back to her hometown of York, and bought a new place close to the old family house where shed lived with her husband and kids. Relatives pitched in, helped with the move and the refurbishments. Now, when she wakes up each morning, Linda OConnor feels truly at home.
