Evelyn cheers as she spots her son coming up the step. Nicholas tugs the coat off the doorframe. Hey, mum, he says, pausing, Im not alone. He nudges a skinny lad in glasses, a backpack slung over his shoulders, forward.
Goodness, my dear, youve brought my grandchild, Evelyn exclaims. Is that Tom or Billy? I cant tell without his glasses.
Nicholas plops onto a chair. Put them on, love. Thats Vince, my illegitimate son. Remember when Mabel and I were apart for a year? I got together with Valerie then, and Vince was born. I foolishly put his name on the birth register, Nicholas sighs.
Evelyn jerks at him. Why are you babbling about him in front of the child? Hes too young to know about your chaotic life. Vince, go to the lounge and watch the telly while we sort things out with your father.
The boy slips out silently and heads to his room. Evelyn asks quietly, Does Mabel know about him? She never liked my wife, always quarrelsome and gossiping, Nicholas mutters.
Nicholas shivers. What, Mum? If she found out shed have fled the house barefoot ages ago. I feel sorry for himI built him from the ground up with my own hands.
Evelyn sighs. Youre such a rogue, not a man but a scoundrel, always under Mabels heel. How could you father a child on the side? Why bring him here? If Mabel finds out, well be in trouble.
Nicholas, nervous, tries to explain. Valerie was about to marry a snake. She ran off south with a new lover for a month, then called me, saying I could take the boy wherever I liked. I told her Id gone mad, that I have a wife who would throw us both out. She threatened me, so Ill give your Mabel his birth certificate and youll sort it out. Thats the end of it for me. She barely forgave Valerie, didnt talk to her for six months. So I thought, let him stay with you for a month, then Ill come back and fetch him. He avoids looking at her.
Evelyn shakes her head. Youve been that way since childhood, and you still are. If you mess anything up, Ill help, but where do you want to put him? He isnt even our bloodare you sure hes yours?
Nicholas waves his hand. Hes mine, no doubt. Valerie isnt sugar, but shes a loyal woman.
They sit in silence. Evelyn jumps up. What am I doing standing here? Lets at least get him something to eat.
Nicholas gets to his feet. Sorry, Mum, but Ive got to go. Mabels waiting at home. I told her I was off to the city for spare parts. Feed Vince and Ill be off.
Evelyn hugs her wayward son and whispers, God be with you, my dear boy.
Vince gobbles his food, eyes glued to the plate. Want more? Evelyn asks, seeing how fast he cleared it.
No, thank you, he says, standing up.
Go out for a walk, then Ill finish dinner. Whats in your backpack? she asks.
Stuff, he mutters.
Evelyn nods. Will you wash it yourself or do I have to?
He looks at her, frightened. I cant. My mum always washed my clothes.
Evelyn lifts his small pack. Take it out, Ill rinse the dirty bits.
He steps outside while she sifts through his modest belongings: two tshirts, a pair of shorts and a couple of underpants. Not much, she says, shaking her head. Not even a warm jumper. Typical mothers lot. She plunges the clothes into a basin and begins preparing a cherry tart.
A shout from the street makes Evelyn spring up, wiping flour from her hands. Whats happened?
Vince wails, clutching his leg. A goose pecked me. It hurts, tears stream down his face.
Why did you go near them? Theyre out grazing, and you were in the yard, she asks, inspecting the red bruise.
I just wanted to look at them, he sniffles.
Youve never seen geese before? she wonders.
I have, but I never got close, he whispers.
Alright, lets get you inside, Ill rub some ointment on that, she says, taking his hand.
After dinner she puts him on the sofa and lies awake, the nights oddities swirling in her mind. She never would have sent her own grandson to some strangers house. The little boys trousers seem pricey for such a tiny one. Then she hears a soft sobbing. She leans in, hearing the boys whimper. Whats wrong, love? Not happy with me? she coos. Wait a month, and Mum will bring you back.
He lifts his head and murmurs, She wont. I heard her and Uncle Victor say theyll send me to a boarding school when they return. Theyll only collect me for holidays. I dont want that; Im happy at home with Mum. Uncle Victor never calls me by my name. Grandmother, youre kind, but Im not needed.
Evelyns heart aches. She embraces his thin frame. Dont cry, Vince. I wont let anyone hurt you. Should I speak to your mother and keep you here? We have a good school and teachers. Well go berrypicking, milk our cow. Youre skinny now, but a pint of fresh milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul, a solid boy, as round as a bun. Want that?
He hugs her neck. I do. Will you keep your promise?
She kisses his forehead gently. Of course I will.
Years pass. Occasionally Valentina drops by with gifts, always rushed off by Victor. Nicholas appears now and then. Mabel learns about Vince and blames Evelyn, not her husband, saying she doesnt need real grandchildren, only little trinkets. Evelyn doesnt mind. The frail boy grows into a sturdy young man. Each morning she prepares his favourite dishes and peeks out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
A young soldier steps into the house, calling softly, Grandma, Im here, where are you?
She darts out, embracing his neck. Vince, my dear grandson!
Are you going back to Mum? she asks. He sets his fork down, puzzled, Which one? The one who left me and only brings me trinkets once a year? No, I wont go. Youre my Mum, and thats final, he says, calmly resuming his meal.
Evelyn wipes a tear away, grateful for the grandson who now supports her in her old age. Her blood, her kin, at last.
