We dont need Gran living with us, the grandkids decided during their little family meeting.
Are you out of your minds? Thirty grand for this old banger? Its held together with duct tape! John Parker slammed the bonnet of the rusty old Rover and shot the seller a glare.
Its not a banger, its a classic, the man replied calmly, patting the worn-out steering wheel. They dont make em like this anymore. 78 model, factory build. Got all the paperwork, full engine rebuild. Runs like a dream.
A dream youd wake up from screaming, John huffed, turning to his wife. Come on, Emma. Im not wasting money on this scrap.
Emma sighed and gave the seller an apologetic smile.
Sorry, but hes right. We need something reliable for the cottagehauling things, getting there ourselves. This ones just not it.
Take it, you wont regret it, the seller pressed. For you, Ill knock it down to twenty-eight grand.
No thanks, Emma said firmly, linking arms with John. Well keep looking.
They walked in silence through the garage lot. John was still fuming, while Emma worried about how long this car hunt was dragging on. Summer was coming, and without wheels, getting to their countryside place meant either two bus changes or hitching a ride from neighboursfor petrol money, of course.
Maybe we should just take out a loan for a new one? Emma suggested tentatively as they left.
On our pensions? John scoffed. No, well find something decent second-hand. Just gotta keep looking.
But summers right around the corner, and we havent even tilled the garden yet. Emma adjusted her scarf against the brisk spring wind. The kids promised to help, but you know how that goes. James has work, Lucys got the little ones
Exactlythe kids, John said, suddenly perking up. What about asking your mum?
Mum? You mean Gran? Emma blinked. Shes seventy-eight, John. Wheres she going to drive?
Whats age got to do with it? John waved a hand. Your mums fitter than I am. Does her morning walks, pops to the shops, meets her mates for tea. Plus, shes got savings, hasnt she? Said she was putting it aside for a rainy daywell, guess what? Its pouring.
John! Emma gasped. Thats her money. Shes saved all her life. She wanted it for the grandkidsuni fees, emergencies.
And wed be using it for them! John insisted. Buy a car, take them to the cottage. Fresh air, nature, berries straight off the bush. Good for their health, isnt it?
Emma shook her head but didnt argue. The idea of asking her mum for money sat wrong with her. They barely saw her these daysGran lived alone in her little flat on the outskirts, and the trip there was a hassle. Showing up now, cap in hand? No. Just no.
Back home, the family was gathered for Sunday roastJames with his wife, Sarah, and their fourteen-year-old, Jack; Lucy with husband Mark and their twins, Lily and Ben, whod just turned twelve.
Find a car yet? James asked, helping Emma set the table.
Nope, Emma sighed. Everythings either overpriced or falling apart.
Dads idea is to ask Gran for the cash, John announced, strolling into the kitchen. Shes got savings, hasnt she?
Gran? Lucy paused mid-bread-slice. Would she even agree?
Dunno, Emma admitted. Havent asked. Not sure we should.
Why not? John sat down. Who else is she leaving it to? Us and the grandkids, right?
She said she wanted it for their education, Emma reminded him.
And a cars for their education too, John said smoothly. Field trips, nature studiesbetter than textbooks, innit?
Everyone laughed, and the conversation moved on. But after dinner, when the kids had scattered and the grandkids were glued to their screens, John brought it up again.
Emma, Im serious, he said, stacking plates. We should talk to your mum. Family money should help the whole family.
Emma bit her lip. I dont know, John. Shes independent. Hates being told what to do with her things.
Whos telling her? Well just explain. Its not like were asking for a holidayits practical.
Later, as they all lounged in the living room, John dropped another bombshell.
What if we asked Gran to move in with us?
Silence. Then
With us? Emma stared. John, were cramped as it is. Where would she sleep?
We could convert the storage room, John suggested. Or put a sofa bed in here. She wouldnt be alone in that flat, and wed know shes safe. At her age
What about her flat? James asked carefully.
Wed rent it out, John said brightly. Two-bed, even if its out in the sticks. Could fetch a grand a month, easy. Thatd cover the car, the cottage, everything.
Emma frowned. John, were talking about my mum, not a cash cow. That flats her home. Her whole lifes there.
Oh, come off it, John brushed her off. At her age, whats she need memories for? She needs care, company. Wed give her that.
Emma opened her mouth to argue, but Jack spoke up from his spot on the floor.
Does Gran know about this plan?
Not yet, John admitted. Were working on how to ask her.
What if she says no? Lily piped up.
Well persuade her, John said confidently. Explain its best for everyone.
Best for everyoneor best for you? Ben said quietly, eyes fixed on his phone.
Ben! Lucy scolded.
Just saying, Ben shrugged. Do we actually care what Gran wants, or are we just after her flat?
Awkward silence. John cleared his throat.
Course we care. Its hard for her, living alone. With us, shed have family around.
Have you asked her if its hard? Ben pressed. We barely visit. Birthdays and Christmas, thats it.
Were all busy, Emma sighed. Work, schoolits not easy.
Exactly, John jumped in. If she lives here, well see her every day.
The grandkids exchanged glances. Emma noticed their lack of enthusiasm. Gran was well, Gran. Strict, old-school, always on at them about too much screen time and back in my day. Not exactly TikTok-friendly.
Maybe we should ask her first, Lucy said, eyeing the kids. She might not want to move. Shes got her routines, her friends
Of course well ask, Emma agreed. Ill pop round tomorrow.
Ill come, John said quickly. Two of usll convince her faster.
The next day, Emma and John drove to Grans. She welcomed them warmlytea, biscuits, Johns favourite apple cake.
Howve you been, Mum? Emma asked, helping in the kitchen.
Oh, ticking along, Gran said cheerfully. Morning walk, bit of shopping, tea with the girls. Same as ever.
Actually, we wanted to talk about that, John began over cake. About how youre getting on.
Grans eyes narrowed. Why? Something wrong?
No, no, Emma cut in. We just thought maybe youd like to move in with us? Wed make space, look after you
Move in? Gran set her fork down. Wheres this come from?
Well John started.
Let me guess, Gran said dryly. Youd rent out my flat. Pocket the cash for that car you need.
Emma flushed. Its not just that. We worry about you.
Funny time to start, Gran mused. Four months since your last visit.
Everyones busy, John muttered.
Mmm. Gran leaned back. What do the grandkids think?
Theyre thrilled, John said quickly.
Gran snorted. Pull the other one. Teens these days? Theyd rather chew glass than live with an old biddy like me.
Emma winced.
Tell you what, Gran said. Ill think about it. Give me a week.
Back home, the grandkids were waiting, dead serious.
Weve had a meeting, Jack announced.
A what? John frowned.
Grandkids council, Lily said. About Gran.
Emmas stomach knotted. And?
We dont need her living here, Ben said bluntly. Not like this.
John gaped. Whats that supposed to mean?
Its not fair, Jack explained. Her flats her home. Youre basically evicting her for rent money.
Thats not
It is, Lily said. Were not stupid. You want cash for the car and the cottage. Meanwhile, Gran gets shoved in a storage room.
Emmas cheeks burned.
And you didnt even ask us, Jack added. We live here too. What if we dont want our space invaded?
Emma looked at themreally looked. When had they got so wise?
John deflated. So what, we just leave her alone?
No, Ben said. We visit. Properly. Maybe take turnsone of us goes every week. Invite her for Sundays, but let her go home after.
That night, Emma lay awake, gut twisting. Shed been ready to uproot her mum for a car. And the kidstheyd seen right through it.
In the morning, she called Gran.
Mum, weve changed our minds. But well visit more. Have you over, too. If thats alright?
Gran chuckled. Wasnt moving anyway, love. But more of you lot? Thatd be grand.
Emma exhaled. Saturday, then. All of us, with cake.
Lovely. A pause. Emma about the car. Ive a bit put by. If you need
No, Mum, Emma said softly. Keep it. Rainy day fund.
Gran laughed. At my age, love, every days a sunny one. Especially with family dropping in.
Emma hung up, smiling. The kids were right. They didnt need Gran as a tenant or a bank. They needed her as Grancane, quirks, and all. Her place was where she was happiest: home.
And the car? Theyd figure it out. Money wasnt family. Family was family.
