Misfortune has a way of turning up unannounced. Though, really, whos waiting for it? It always lands on you like a sudden snowstorm.
Gregory longdistance lorry driver. For five years hes been steering the wheel on the LondonEdinburghLondon run. A photo of his beloved wife on the cab window, BBC Radio2 crackling from the speakers, a sturdy mug of tea in a thermos what more could a driver need? Actually, theres one more thing: the warm scent of the scarf his caring mum knitted, his dads firm handshake before every departure, and the comforting certainty that somewhere back home someone loves and expects him. Theyre waiting every day, every hour, every second.
One day he didnt come back from a shift. A few days later, Poppy (his wife) learned that Gregory was in a hospital in York. The driver of the oncoming semi lost control on a bend, skidded, and crashed headon. Gregory tried to swerve, but both rigs tipped onto their sides. The other driver walked away with only a fright, while Gregory suffered a serious head injury. Unfortunately, the damaged parts of his brain were the ones responsible for memory. It could have been worse loss of limbs, speech, or coordination but it was what it was. He remembered neither his name nor who he was, nor what had happened. When his family entered the ward, they looked like strangers; the only familiar faces were the doctors, and even they couldnt offer a cheerful prognosis. The human brain is a mysterious thing, and ultimately its up to fate. If he recovered, great; if not, hed have to make do.
He was discharged, but reality proved far trickier than anyone imagined. Gregory not only lost his past, his shortterm memory kept betraying him. He couldnt recall what had occurred three hours ago, and hed forgotten many everyday skills. Leaving him alone was out of the question he couldnt heat a pot on the gas or even take a simple walk. There was also the risk he might never find his way back home. His intellect, will, motor skills, and emotions remained intact (he certainly didnt turn into a simpleton); only his memory was gone, and that could, with time, improve. It happens.
Poppy was pregnant. She went on maternity leave and devoted every waking moment to her husband. At night she often wept, recalling how Gregory had dreamed of the baby, how hed brought toys home from each trip for their unborn daughter.
Why, Gregory? Poppy would sigh, Its not the right time. And they say you shouldnt buy things in advance bad luck, they say.
Ah, superstitions, my love, Gregory would laugh, twirling Poppy in his arms, I just want our little girl to burst into joy the moment she sees her room. A sea, a whole sea, of toys.
Hed arrange them on shelves, set them on the windowsill, hang them over the crib. When he was finally discharged, the ward sister handed Poppy a tiny plush bear.
Strange are you taking a talisman with you? she asked, amused at the sight of an adult man travelling with a toy.
Yes, a talisman, Poppy replied, chuckling. She placed the bear not in the daughters room but on Gregorys bedside table.
They often strolled together in the park, sharing ice cream and laughter. Onlookers surely assumed they were a happy couple expecting a baby which they almost were. The trouble was, after a nap following a walk, Gregory would forget the walk itself and even that his wife was pregnant. So Poppy had to start from scratch each time, reminding him that she was his wife and that a longawaited daughter was on the way. Gregorys parents pitched in, helping Poppy cope with the mounting challenges.
One afternoon, Gregorys father, Arthur, called Poppy into the kitchen, closed the door and said, Poppy, well understand if you ever think of leaving Gregory. Youre young, beautiful, with a long life ahead. But how long will you stay with him? In a year or two you might grow to hate him. Its a heavy burden, especially if his memory never returns. Progress looks thin right now. As for the granddaughter, dont worry well love her. Shell be our little bloodline. Well help if you need it. Well understand, dear, well understand everything.
Poppy felt a hot mix of fatigue, anxiety, and hurt flare inside her. She gathered herself, smiled, and gave a gentle nod to her fatherinlaw. Arthur, a sturdy man with a twinkle in his eye, ran his hand through her blonde hair and whispered, Dont give up, love. Well manage. Youre strong, even with a baby weighing half a kilogram on you.
Indeed, Poppy was petite and slender; beside her, Gregory seemed a giant. When they first visited her parents, they were startled but kept it together. Later theyd ask Gregory, Shes like crystal! Where did you find her? They quickly grew fond of Poppy a kind, slightly shy woman who immediately took to her future inlaws with warmth. From then on, Gregory often called her my crystal.
Their daughter, Maya, arrived. Gregory, together with his parents, greeted his wife at the maternity ward, beaming. The next morning he asked, Whats this little thing? and Poppy had to explain everything again, adding the new details about Maya. Gregorys eyes lit up every time he held his baby.
For a while Poppy moved Mayas cot from the nursery into her own bedroom so the baby would be close (Maya was a restless sleeper, waking often). She also kept watch over Gregory, just in case he suddenly needed a drink of water at night or anything else. Poppy stopped sleeping altogether. The sleepless nights and exhaustion took their toll her milk supply dwindled.
Darling, let us move in with you. Its hard for you alone, coaxed Gregorys mother, Mrs. Whitaker.
No, Ill manage, Poppy replied, sparing her parents further worry (they werent exactly spry anymore) and knowing shed have to stay strong for the rest of her life.
Maya was switched to formula. One night Poppy awoke not because Maya was crying, but because a soft lullaby drifted through the room:
Toys strewn about the floor,
Children dream sweetly,
A fox steals the crumbs,
An elephant roams the gate,
Days whirl in snow,
Outside the white flurries sparkle,
The moon sketches shadows,
Searching for its silver portrait.
She lifted her head and saw Gregory rocking Maya. One hand clutched a priceless bundle; the other held a bottle of formula, which Maya was sipping contentedly. Poppy slipped onto the bed, silent, afraid to startle Gregory after all, the baby was in his arms. The room glowed under a full moon that lit every corner.
Thats happiness, Poppy thought.
Gregory tucked Maya in, took the teddy bear from the bedside table and placed it beside her, saying, Here you go, love, my gift. Then, shivering a bit, he crawled under the blanket to keep warm next to his wife.
I love you, my crystal, he murmured.
