**The Grudge**
After finishing school, Poppy completed her nursing diploma and returned to her home village in the Cotswolds. She had long dreamed of working as a nurse practitioner at the local clinic, especially since theyd just built a new one with proper equipment. And old Vera Thompson was finally retiringshed spent her whole life as the village medic and was overjoyed when Poppy came to take her place.
«Oh, Poppy dear, Ive been waiting for this,» Vera sighed. «Im long past retirement, but your father, John, asked me to hold on until you got your qualifications. Now I can step away with a clear conscience.»
«Dont worry, Auntie Vera,» Poppy said. «Ill manage, but Ill call if I need helpIm still green.»
«Of course, love. Anything you need.»
And so Poppys days as the village nurse began. At first, the locals came with minor complaintsor just to check if she knew her stuff. But after a year, they trusted her. She was gentle, thorough, and always willing to help.
Then Liam started showing up more oftena sore back one day, a bruised knee the next, a cut finger the day after. The clinics senior nurse, Annie Wilkins, sharp-eyed despite her years, noticed the way Liam looked at Poppyand the way Poppy glanced back when he wasnt watching.
Love bloomed between them. Soon, they walked hand in hand through the fields, miserable when apart. Before long, Liam proposed, and Poppy accepted with joy. What she didnt see was that Mick, the tall, handsome tractor driver, had been watching her too. Once, he even tried to walk her home, but she shut him down cold.
«Mick, havent you heard? Im marrying Liam. The weddings soon.»
«Oh, Ive heard,» he scoffed. «The village gossips wont shut up about it. But I fancy you tooand Im better-looking than Liam. Whats he got that I dont?»
«Drop it, Mick. I love Liam, and he loves me. Plenty of girls aroundfind one and be happy.»
She had no idea how deeply shed wounded Micks pridetoo wrapped up in thoughts of Liam to notice. The wedding came, a proper village affair, with both families pulling out all the stops.
A year later, Poppy gave birth to little Alfie. He was doted on by everyonehis parents, grandparents, the lot. Poppy stayed home with him while Annie managed the clinic, sending serious cases to the county hospital or calling an ambulance if needed. Sometimes shed ring Poppy for advice.
Lost in motherhood, Poppy didnt notice Liam pulling awayuntil it was too late. One evening, he came home grim-faced.
«You know Mick long?»
«Of course I know himhes local. Came to the clinic once with a cut.»
«Just to see you?»
«To the *clinic*, Liam. Annie dressed his wound. Whats this about? Are you jealous?» She laughed.
«The whole village is saying Alfie isnt minethat hes Micks.» Liams eyes flicked to the sleeping baby.
«Have you lost your mind? What nonsense is this?»
«Not nonsense. Your own dad went to Mickand *he* confirmed it.»
«When?» Poppy felt the room tilt.
Only then did she realise her parents hadnt visited in ages. Shed been too busy to notice they were avoiding her.
Mick had spread the lie himself, whispering it in every pub and shop until the village buzzed with it.
«That sly nurse of ours had a fling and passed off Micks kid as Liams,» the women cackled, the men nodding along.
«John, my sons about to leave your wayward daughter,» Liams mother told Poppys father. «Who does thatbearing another mans child?»
«Shut your mouth,» John snapped.
«Ask Mick yourself, then.»
Johns jaw tightened. He found Mick by the old mill and grabbed him by the collar.
«You telling people my grandson isnt Liams?»
«Why would I lie? Your girl threw herself at mewanted to leave Liam for me. But whod want a slag like that?»
John reeled. He nearly stormed to Poppys house but stopped himself. Meanwhile, Poppy remained obliviousuntil Liam packed his things and left.
«God, what did I *do*?» she whispered, watching him go.
Days passed. Poppy sat by the window, little Alfie snoring in his cot. The sky burned orange over the rooftops.
«Ah, Alfie looks like its just us,» she murmured, wiping tears.
She felt the weight of betrayal. How could she prove herself innocent? The gossip had already sunk its teeth in.
Only her friend Lucy still visited, bringing groceries and sympathy.
«Liams a fool for believing it,» Lucy said. «And Mick God, Mick. Ive fancied him for years, you know. He swore you chased *him*. I dont believe it, but wholl listen to me?»
«Why would he do this?»
«Reckon he fancied you rotten. You turned him down, so he got nasty. Thought if Liam left, hed swoop in.» Lucy sighed. «Wish hed look at *me* like that.»
«But I *love* Liam. Now even my parents wont speak to melet alone Liam. Mick and I never touched each other, I swear.»
«I believe you. But youve got to talk to him.»
How? If she went to him, the gossip would only worsen.
Then came the chance. Lucy burst in one evening, frantic.
«Come quicksomeones poorly. I called an ambulance, but the roads are floodedthey might not make it!»
«But Alfie»
«Mrs. Higgins next door will watch him. *Hurry*!»
Poppy grabbed her kit and followedonly to freeze outside Micks cottage.
«Im not going in there.»
Lucy grabbed her arm. «*Please*, Poppy. If he dies, Ill never forgive myself.»
«Only if he tells the truth.»
«He willIll make him!»
Inside, Mick was grey-facedbooze poisoning. Poppy worked fast: stomach pump, IV drip. The ambulance never came, stuck in the mud. By dawn, Mick was stable.
Two days later, Lucy cornered him.
«You *have* to confess.»
«Didnt mean for it to go this far,» he muttered. «Just couldnt stand her rejecting me.»
«You ruined her life. Fix it.»
He didnt answer.
Then, like lightning, word spreadMick was leaving. For good. He stood by the bus stop, rucksack on his shoulder, villagers gathering.
«Sorry, all,» he announced. «I lied. Poppy never looked at me twice. I made it all up cause I couldnt take the rejection. She saved my lifeand I repaid her with lies.»
Poppys father stepped forward, fists clenched.
«You *rotter*. Disgrace my girl, then run?»
«Cant face anyone now. Im leavingfor good. Forgive me.»
Only Lucy cried as he boarded the bus, not sparing her a glance.
The gossip died. Poppys parents came begging forgiveness, then Liams motherfalling over herself with apologies. Finally, Liam returned, shamefaced.
For a long time, Poppy carried the hurt of betrayal. She eyed Liam warily, slow to trust. But eventually, she went back to work, smiling again, healing her neighbourswho loved and respected her as they always had.
