The mother sent them to the orphanage right after New Years… The girls cried. They had been home-raised children. While their mother sorted out her love lifewhich she did constantlythe sisters, Poppy and Lily, lived with their grandmother. But on Boxing Day, their grandmother passed, and their mother handed them over to the orphanage. No, she wasnt some wild womanshe didnt drink or even smoke. But wasnt it unfair that her ex-husband lived as he pleased while she had to suffer alone with two burdens?
The mother unbuttoned Lilys little coat and murmured, Stop crying, its just how things arehow am I to blame? Youll be fine here, youll thank me later! Lily was already choking on her sobs, only three years old and barely understanding what was happening. But staring into her mothers angry eyes and the fear in her older sister Poppys tear-streaked face, she knew it was bad. The mother hissed, Dont shame meIm not abandoning you! Ill get settled, then Ill come back. Easter, Ill come for you at Easter! The girls sniffled but quietedMum had promised, after all.
Adjusting to the childrens home was hard, though the carers loved them for their quiet cleverness and the way they clung to each other. Poppy won everyone over with her solemn dark eyes, while little Lily was like a plump, sweet dumpling. Lily tugged at Poppys sleeve: Whens Easter? Its coming, and then Mumll take us? Poppy answered patiently, Easters a holiday in spring, remember how Gran painted eggs? Lily nodded importantly, but then, remembering Gran, tiny tears pricked her lashes. Poppy wished she knew when Easter would come too. She asked one of the carers, Mrs. Wilkins, who frownedusually, children waited for Father Christmas or birthdays. Still, she gave Poppy a little calendar: See? Easters circled here. Each numbers a day. When I was in school, I used to cross them off till summer holidays. So Poppy did the same, the line of numbers shortening as the day Mum would return crept nearer.
On Easter morning, Lily ran to Poppy, clutching a red egg: Pops! Pops! Mums coming today, Im so happy! Are you happy? Poppy could hardly wait either. At first, the waiting was joyful, but after nap time, she wanted to cry. And Lily wouldnt stop whining. By evening, when it was clear Mum had lied, Poppy soothed her: Mum mustve taken the bus, and it got stuck. Honestly, the roads are awful now! All the carers say so. Dont cry, Liltheyll dig the bus out, and Mumll come tomorrow. Shes just sleeping in the village tonight! Lily nodded, swallowing tears. But Mum never came, though the girls waited every day, inventing new excuses.
One morning, Poppy couldnt find Lily. The carers explained their mother had taken her. Much later, Poppy learned Mum had signed her away. But luck found hertwo years on, her fathers sister tracked her down. Auntie Grace was kind, and Poppy didnt even notice when she started calling her Mum. That familys warmth stitched up the wounds in her heart. She tried not to think of Mum or Lilythough she knew Lily had been too young to understand, still… Poppy wouldve never left her.
Years passed. Poppy trained as a nurse, married, had a son. They lived modestly but happily. Thena letter. From Lily.
*Hello, my darling sister! You probably dont remember me? I only recall your braids and those checked slippers. Id love to see you! Weve just moved back to the areaif you dont mind, could I visit?*
Poppy shrugged. Odd, inviting herself over… But she agreed.
Lily, in a blue jacket, limped toward her, grinning and waving! And in the stations bustle, she knew her instantly, hugging her tight: Sister, I knew it was you straight away! Believe me? Poppy grumbledstill a crybabybut her own eyes stung.
Over supper, Lily chattered: Dont be cross at MumUncle Stephen said when they met hed take her with kids. She just didnt dare take both at once. Then they had a son, then a daughter! Vickys such a dollwhered we go? Oh, dont be upset! Uncle Stephens a fine carpenter, always busy. We even go south sometimes. Then in Year Seven, a bull gored methank God no one else was hurt. Now I limp… Poppy, this pies lovelyrecipe?
Poppy asked, Do you work? Study? Got a boyfriend? Youre pretty!
Lily flushed. After the accident, so much money went on treatment… I help at home, or Uncle Stephen with his work. Mums an accountant. And friends… well, the limp… But Im used to it.
Poppy convinced Lily to stay the night, promising to see her off in the morning. Lily fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow. Poppys gaze caught her folded clothesclean, but threadbare, mended over and over. Even hospital orderlies wouldnt wear that, let alone to visit!
At 3 a.m., Poppy woke her husband, demanding he drive her to Willowbrook. He cursed but went. On the way, she explained. He scowled, then nodded.
Poppy found Mums house easily. Her heart pounded as she knocked. Mum opened the doorand didnt recognize her. Poppy knew her at once, though shed aged, still elegant. Morning, Mum. Here we are. Mum greeted her like a nuisance, not a daughter unseen for years. Wheres Lily? she snapped. In the shed? Tell her to come inkids need breakfast, and yesterdays mess is still here. Well, come in.
Poppy kept her voice steady. Lilys staying with me. Pack her things. And money, if youve any. Ill get her work as a nurses aideshell train. And that leg needs seeing to. Hear me?
Mum jutted her lipher old stubborn look. Get out, do-gooder. Well fetch Lily ourselves!
Poppy shook her head. Firstits *Lily*, not her. Call your cow whatever you likeyoull milk her yourself now, madam. Want me to gather half the village? Let them hear how their upstanding council accountant dumped her kids? Gossip sticks, Mum. Try taking Lily backIll shout it country-wide.
Mums face twisted. She slammed the door. Half an hour later, a stooped man with a rucksack emerged. Stephen. Lilys things. Tell her… Ill send money. Its truehow long was she Cinderella in her own home? But dont blame your mum too hard. Lifes not simple.
Poppy carried the bag to the car, thinkingno, lifes not simple. But is simple the same as easy? For men not to drink and stray, women not to ditch children for new men, siblings not to forget each other?
Just to be human… thats the hardest thing.
