An elderly woman sits on a bench opposite the house that is no longer hers.
Grandma Ann rests on the bench facing her old home, the very place where she had spent her entire life. Yet now, it belonged to others, and she only stayed there by their kindness. Ann couldnt understand how she had ended up like this. She had always lived honestly, never wished harm on anyone, and raised her only son with care.
But her son had not turned out as she had hoped. Ann reflected on her life as bitter tears rolled down her cheeks. Memories rushed backher wedding to her beloved James, the birth of their son Peter a year later. Then came twins, a boy and a girl, but they were too fragile and didnt survive the week. Soon after, James died of appendicitis. The doctors hadnt caught the pain in time, and by the time peritonitis set in, it was too late.
Ann wept long for her husband, but tears wouldnt change a thing. Life had to go on. She never remarried, though she had suitors. She feared Peter might struggle with a stepfather, so she poured all her love into raising him alone.
Peter grew up and chose his own path, moving away to the city. There, he built a career, married, and carried on with his life. Grandma Ann remained in the little cottage James had built when they wed, where she lived into old age.
Peter sometimes visited his aging mother, chopping firewood, fetching water, and helping where he could. But each year, it grew harder for Ann to manage alone. She kept only a goat and a few hens, but even they needed tending.
One day, Peter arrived with a stranger.
«Hello, Mum,» he greeted her.
«Hello, Petey.»
«This is my friend Edward,» Peter continued. «Hes interested in buying the house. Its time you stopped living here alone. Youll come and stay with me in the city.»
Grandma Ann sat down abruptly, stunned.
«Dont worry, Mum. My wife doesnt mind. Well look after youyoull be comfortable and can help with the grandchildren. They keep asking when Granny Annie will visit.»
So, they decided for Ann. What could she do, an old woman? She couldnt manage alone, but at least shed care for her grandchildren.
********
The house sold quickly and easily. Before leaving, Ann bid farewell to her home, lingering in every corner steeped in memories. Stepping into the garden behind the shed, silence gripped her heart. Not long ago, it had been alivethe lowing of cows, the grunting of pigs, the bleating of her goat, the clucking of hens. Now, it stood empty.
She scooped up a handful of earth where she had toiled for years. It pained her to leave the village where she was born and raised. Neighbours wept as she departed, promising to pray for her in her new life.
With one last glance at the house, she climbed into her sons car. What else could she do? Such was the bitter taste of old age.
At first, living with Peter was pleasant. No heavy choresno stove to tend, no livestock to mind. Everything was modern and easy. Ann played with her grandchildren and watched television.
Soon, with the money from the house, Peter bought a car. Ann tried to protest, saying it was unwise to spend so quickly, but he cut her off. She had no business worrying about money, he said. She had warmth, comfortwasnt that enough?
She never raised the subject again, though his harsh words left a wound. Worse, after the purchase, Peter and his wife grew distant. The grandchildren became disobedient, less affectionate.
They stopped caring whether Ann had eaten, slept, or needed anything. In time, they ignored her entirely, snapping if she spoke, scolding her for being in the way.
Ann was heartbroken. Had she known shed become a burden, shed never have sold her home. Better to die cold and hungry in her own cottage than suffer thisworse than a stranger in her own sons house.
She wept daily for her little home. If she could return, she would in an instant. But the house was sold, and others lived there now.
One day, she couldnt bear it anymore.
«I never thought, Petey, my old age would be so bitter under your roof,» she said. «Seems money mattered more than your own mother. Im leavingall of you.»
Her son looked down, silent. Only as Ann, clutching her meagre bag, crossed the threshold did he mutter:
«When you tire of wandering, Mum, you can come back.»
Ann shut the door without a word and let her tears fall in the stairwell. It hurt deeply that he hadnt stopped her, hadnt held heronly found cruel words to send her away.
********
It took Ann over a day to reach her village. She slept at the station, hitchhiked the rest. Tears never left her eyes until she saw her beloved house again. The new owners had repaired and painted it, making it almost as it was when she and her dear James had lived there.
Though the house wasnt hers, Ann didnt care. She crept into the pigsty loft, deciding to live there. All that mattered was being within familiar walls.
Her only fear was being discovered and thrown out, as her own son had done. Then, truly, shed have nowhere to gounless the earth swallowed her whole.
She wasnt hidden long. The next morning, the owner came to feed the pigs. He poured the feed, looked up, and said:
«Come down, Granny Ann. We need to talk.»
She hadnt expected to be found so soon. Trembling, she obeyed, ready for the worst.
What she heard next astonished her.
«Granny Annie,» said Edwardthe very man Peter had introducedgently. «My wife and I know your story. Your son called, warning you might return. We also know his home wasnt kind to you. After thinking it over, wed like you to live with us. A pigsty is no place for you. Besidestruthfullythis was always your home. You and your husband built it, cared for it all these years. Theres always room for its true mistress. Now, clean up, and well get you a hot meal. My wife makes a brilliant stew!»
Ann never expected such kindness. Tears of gratitude fellstrangers had shown more compassion than her own flesh and blood.
Stepping back into the house, her legs nearly gave way. Everything smelled of her past. She understood nowbecause of her son, she had become a beggar in her own home. Her heart ached, yet her lips whispered a prayer for Peter, asking God to forgive him.
