**Diary Entry March 15th**
Mum gave us up to the care home right after New Years The girls cried. Wed been home-raised children. Whenever she sorted out her personal lifeand she was always sorting it outmy sister and I, Emily and Lily, stayed with Gran. But Gran passed away just before Christmas, and Mum handed us over. No, she wasnt recklessshe didnt drink or even smoke. Still, how unfair is it that her ex could live as he pleased while she had to struggle alone with two burdens?
Mum unfastened Lilys coat, muttering, Stop crying. Its just how things aream I to blame? Youll be fine here, youll see! Lily, only three, was choking on her sobs, too little to understand. But seeing Mums cold eyes and Emilys tear-streaked face, she knew it was bad. Mum hissed, Dont shame meIm not abandoning you. Ill sort things out and fetch you. Ill come at Easter! The girls sniffled but quietedMum had promised.
Adjusting was hard, though the carers loved them for their quiet manners and sweet devotion to each other. Emily won everyone over with her solemn dark eyes, while Lily, rosy-cheeked and soft, clung to her like a shadow. Whens Easter, Em? shed ask. Will Mum come then? Patiently, Emily explained, Its a spring holidayremember how Gran painted eggs? Lily would nod, then tear up remembering Gran. Emily wished she knew when Easter would come too. She asked Miss Thompson, the carer, who was surprisedmost children waited for Father Christmas or birthdays. Still, she gave Emily a tiny calendar: See this circled date? Thats Easter. Cross off each day till then. And so Emily did, watching the chain of numbers shrink.
On Easter morning, Lily burst in, clutching a red egg. Em! Today Mums coming! Im readyare you? Emily couldnt wait either. At first, the waiting was joyful, but by naptime, she fought tears. Lilys constant whining didnt help. By evening, when it was clear Mum had lied, Emily soothed her: The bus mustve got stuck. The roads are awfuleveryone says so! Dont cry, Liltheyll dig it out, and Mumll come tomorrow. Lily nodded, swallowing tears. But Mum never came, though the girls invented excuses daily.
One morning, Emily couldnt find Lily. The carers explained Mum had taken her. Years later, Emily learned Mum had signed her away. But luck found herAunt Valerie, Dads sister, tracked her down. Kind and warm, Aunt Val became Mum without Emily even noticing. Their love slowly mended her heart, though she tried not to think of Mum or Lily. Still, Lily had been so littleshe wouldnt have understood
Years passed. Emily trained as a nurse, married, had a son. Life was modest but happy. Then, a letter arrivedfrom Lily.
*Dearest Em, you probably dont remember me? I only recall your plaits and your checked slippers. I long to see you! Weve moved backif you dont mind, may I visit?*
Emily shrugged. Odd, inviting herself over Still, she agreed.
Lily, in a blue jacket, limped toward her, waving eagerly. In the station crowd, she hugged Emily tight, weeping. Sister, I knew it was youjust knew! Emily muttered, Still a crybaby, though her own eyes stung.
Over supper, Lily explained: Dont blame Mum. Uncle Steven said hed take her with kids, but she feared two at once. Then they had a boy, then a girlsuch a doll! Uncles a fine carpenter, always busy. We even holiday down south sometimes. Thenin Year 7, a bull gored me. Thank God no one else was hurt. But Ive limped since Em, this pies lovelyrecipe please?
Emily asked, Do you work? Study? Got a beau? Youre pretty!
Lily flushed. After the accident, treatment cost loads. I help at home or Uncles workshop Mums an accountant. Friends? Never really the limp
Emily convinced Lily to stay overnight, promising to see her off. Once Lily slept, Emily noticed her clothesclean but threadbare, mended endlessly. No hospital worker would wear such things, let alone to visit!
At 3 AM, Emily woke her husband, demanding a drive to Willowbrook. Grumbling, he obliged.
Her heart hammered as she knocked. Mum answered, not recognising her. Emily said softly, Morning, Mum. Here we are. Mum greeted her like a bothersome neighbour. Wheres Lily? In the shed? Tell her to make breakfastthe place is a mess. Come in, since youre here.
Emily kept calm. Lilys staying with me. Pack her thingsand some money, if you can. Ill get her a hospital job, maybe training. That leg needs care too. Hear me, Mum?
Mum jutted her chin. Get lost, do-gooder! Well fetch Lily ourselves!
Emily shook her head. Her names Lily. Call your cow Lilyoull be milking it now, madam. Want me to gather the village? Let them hear how upstanding council-worker Mum dumped her kids? Think theyll forget?
Mum slammed inside. Half an hour later, a stooped man emerged with a rucksack. Steven. Lilys thingstell her well send money. She played Cinderella long enough Dont blame your mum too muchlifes not simple.
Walking back, Emily thought: No, lifes not simple. But is simple the same as hard? For men not to drink or stray, women not to ditch kids for romance, siblings not to forget each other
Just to be decent people.
