My husband walked out on me. He took the savings we had been tucking away for a home and vanished. I was left in a cramped rented flat in Manchester with my sixmonthold daughter, Emily. My motherinlaw, Eleanor, heard the news and turned up at my door.
Pack your things, youll stay with me and the little one, she said, eyes cold yet oddly tender.
I tried to refuse. Eleanor and I had been at odds for years, trading barbs with no kindness ever spoken. My own mother, Joan, told me there was no room for me in her house. My older sister, Helen, who lives with her own children at our mothers place, also turned away, saying my mother would dance on a graveyard if I showed up.
I managed a low murmur, Thank you Ill be grateful for your hospitality. It was the first time Id ever said thank you to Eleanor.
She scoffed, Dont be ridiculous! Youre not a stranger. She lifted Emily onto her hip. Come on, love. Let Mum get ready, and we wont bother her. Are you going to live with Grandma, dear? She smiled, Of course. Grandma will read you stories, take you for walks, braid your hair
Eleanors soft, almost soothing murmur left me bewildered. Shed always warned me never to get close to my big brother. I packed my bag and moved in with her. She set up a large bedroom for us while she tucked herself into a tiny one. I blinked in disbelief as she said, Right then, the little one needs space; shell be crawling soon. I dont need much room. Make yourselves at home. Lunch will be ready in an hour.
She offered steamed vegetables and boiled meat for dinner. Youre a nursing mum, so if you like, I can fry something, but the healthier option is better for the baby. Its up to you. The fridge was stocked with rows of baby jars.
Time to try new flavours, dont you think? If Emily isnt happy with this, well get something else. Speak up, dont be shy, Eleanor said, smiling.
Tears burst from my eyes. Her unexpected kindness hit me like a wave; Id never known anyone to care for me and my child as she now did. She pulled me close.
Shhh, love, shhh. Men are strange. I raised your husband on my own after his father left when he was eight months old. I wont let my granddaughter grow up like that. Thats enough, youve wept enough. Pull yourself together!
Through my sobs I whispered, I never expected this from you. Thank you, truly. I told her, If it werent for you, I dont know where Emily and I would be.
She replied, Im the one who failed to raise a proper son. Ill try to mend what I can. Come, wash your face and get some rest. Tomorrow will be brighter.
We celebrated Emilys first birthday togetherme, Emily and Eleanor, our beloved grandma and guardian angel. We laid Emily down for an afternoon nap, sipped tea, and ate cake when the doorbell rang. Eleanor answered.
Mum, meet Sophie. Sophie, this is my mother. Mum, can we stay with you a while? I cant afford rent; Im out of work.
Hearing my exhusbands voice, my skin went cold. Fear clenched my gutwhat if Eleanor let them in and threw Emily and me out? Tears welled again.
Get out! Take your girl and go. You robbed your wife and child and left us penniless. This is how life repays you. Leave now. And you, Sophie, watch outhe could do the same to you.
I had been terribly wrong about Eleanor. She became not just a second mother, but the first. We lived under the same roof for six years, until I married again. At my wedding, she stood where the brides mother usually does. Emily now goes to school, and a little brother is on the way. Eleanor beams at the thought of a new grandchild, her heart full as ever.
