A LUCKY GIFT
“Oh, blast it all!”Laura glanced at her watch and quickened her pace, though she was already nearly running. “If I’m late again, he’ll”
The damp, frigid November day was hardly inviting for a stroll. Slush underfoot, a dull grey sky overhead, and a miserable drizzle that couldnt decide if it was rain or sleet. To make matters worse, an overnight frost had left the pavement treacherous, and Laura, with her nose buried in a thick scarf, kept hissing as she slipped on the icy puddles. Near the bus stop, she finally lost her footing and crashed down, unable to hold back a frustrated curse.
“Blimey! Mum always said swearing in public wasnt ladylike!”
A boy, about ten years old, smirked down at her.
“Need a hand?”
Laura shook her head. What was the point? Her cream-coloured coatbought for style, not practicalitywas now a soggy, muddy mess. The puddle hadnt been deep, but it was enough to ruin her plans for the day. James would be furious.
“So, not in a rush anymore, then?”
The boy didnt seem in any hurry to leave her be. She clambered up, trying in vain to brush off her coat, feeling the cold seep through her soaked trousers, and shot him a glare.
“Dont get cross! Didnt mean to offend. Heretake this, yeah? Ive got school, and hell freeze out here. Cant keep himweve got dogs. Already missed first period. Mums sharp as a tack, but if I skip the rest, she wont let it slide.”
A tiny kitten shivered as the boy pulled it from inside his jacket.
“A money cat,” Laura murmured absently, reaching out to stroke the little thing.
“A what?” The boys eyebrows shot up.
“A money cat. See his colours? A proper mix. They say cats like this bring luck, fortune, and happiness to a home.”
“Perfect! Hes just what you need, then! For lucktake him, please!”
Laura shook her head.
“I cant! I wont have time to look after him.”
But the boy wasnt listening. He thrust the kitten into her hands, gave a quick wave, and bolted for the approaching bus.
“Hell bring you happiness! I promise!” His words were swallowed by the noise of the street, and Laura suddenly found herself standing there, drenched, filthy, and holding a kitten. She was already late everywhereno point rushing now.
“Well” Laura let out a wry laugh, remembering the boys scolding about swearing in public. “Not such a dull day after all. What am I supposed to do with you, eh, my little fortune?”
She cuddled the kitten close, feeling its tiny body tremble.
“Never had a cat before. How do you even look after one? What do you eat?”
The kitten let out a plaintive mewl, and Laura sighed. Fine. Couldnt just abandon the poor thing, could she? For some reason, she pitied both the cat and herself. They were alikeadrift, unneeded, ever since Mum had passed.
Her phone chirped in her pocket, and Laura tucked the kitten inside her coat.
“Warmer now? Thats better.”
She glanced at the screen and winced. Speak of the devil. James was calling.
“Where are you?” His tone was icy, and Laura instinctively braced for excuses.
“Near home, at the stop. I fell.”
“You did what?”
“Slipped and fell.”
“Right. Cant even stay on your feet? How much longer do I have to wait?”
Laura exhaled, calculating how long itd take to clean up.
“I asked you a question! How long? Mum wont be pleased if were late.”
“I” Laura started, but then a tiny pink nose poked out from under her coat, and the kitten sneezed. She jolted, nearly dropping the phone. “James, I dont think were going to make it today. Im soaked through, filthy, and”
“Do you even hear yourself? Is this a joke to you?” James exploded, and Laura held the phone away from her ear. “Weve been planning this for ages! Mums gone to the trouble of cooking a proper mealIm bringing my fiancée! And this is how you act?!”
“But weve already met her. She knows were engaged.”
“And you think that makes it fine?” Jamess voice was razor-sharp with fury.
Laura stayed silent, staring into the kittens oddly intent eyes.
“Are you even listening? Why arent you saying anything?” Jamess tirade petered out, and Laura knew he was calming downsame as always. First the eruption, then the quiet. At first, she hadnt known how to handle it. James was the first man shed had a real, lasting relationship with. Shed grown up in a quiet homeMum, Gran, Grandad, never a raised voice. Her dad had died when she was little. Mum had devoted herself to her, to caring for her parents, to her work. Laura, like her mum, had been a late-in-life child.
“Why so late, Mum?”
“Because I was daft. Chose my career. Loved being a surgeonbut its relentless. Always on call. If you want to stay sharp, you cant stop. So I didnt. Shouldve had you sooner, love. Maybe more than just you. When Im gone, wholl you have?”
Laura would press a hand to her mothers mouth, refusing to let her speak. She couldnt bear the thought. Mum had always feared not seeing her grow up, as if shed known something. Every milestoneprimary to secondary school, GCSEs, A-levels, universityMum had exhaled in relief each time.
“Good!”
Laura hadnt known about her mothers health until the end. Mum had hidden it, not wanting to worry her. Only when it was too late did she sit Laura down and say:
“Darling, Ive done all I can for you. The rest is up to you.” Shed sighed, hugging Laura as she sobbed. “Dont cry. Well cry together later. For now, listen carefully. In this folderdeeds to the flat, the car. Youre quite the catch now. So choose your husband carefully. Dont rush. Keep your cards close. The less he knows early on, the better. Watch him. If you see he puts you before himselfthen marry him and be happy.”
“How will I know?”
“Let me tell you how I knew your dad was the one, and you think it over, alright?”
Laura had nodded.
“You know we were at uni together. Didnt know each other welljust in passing. Both in halls. Typical studentsbroke by week two, scraping by. My parents helped a lotliving in the countryside, see? Dad brought monthly care packagesveg, preserves, meat. Your dad had no one. Parents gone, aunt too far. Managed on his own. Then my mum fell ill. Really illhospitalised. Two months, Dad nursed her while I sat exams. Forbade me from visiting. First time I was without their help. First month, I got by. Secondworse. Then I caught a chill. Badly. Pneumonia.” Mum had chuckled. “Typical doctorstreat others, ignore themselves. My flatmate went home for break; I stayed. Didnt want to risk Mum catching it. First two days, fine. Thenfever, couldnt move. Halls were empty. The lads left were cooking some stew, ran out of salt. Sent your dad to find some. Instead, he found me. Delirious, barely conscious. Three days without food. Woke upwhere was I? Not my room. Tea, broth, meds by the bed. Arms sore” Shed grinned. “Guess he never did learn to give injections properly. But he tried. Later, I found out hed pawned Mums wedding ringonly keepsake he had of herto buy chicken and medicine for me.”
“This one?” Laura had touched the ring on her mothers finger.
“Yes. He bought it back, slipped it on my finger when we married. And we barely knew each other, love. If a man can do thathold onto him.” Mum had laughed. “Dont need to fall illbut watch. Hell show you, sooner or later. Just dont dive in headfirst, even if youre smitten. Promise me.”
“Mum”
“Promise!” The steel in her voice made Laura nod hurriedly.
“Alright.”
“And neverneverlet anyone shout at you, speak to you roughly, or raise a hand. If it happensboot them out. Nothing good comes of it.” Mum had stroked her cheek. “I know this all sounds like noise now. But I hope you
