Whos there? I called out, stepping onto the front porch with my neighbour, Michael, and watching the newcomer. Im looking for Mrs. Mary Foster! the young woman replied, smiling. Im her greatgranddaughter, actually. Im the granddaughter of Alexander Marys eldest son.
Mary sat on a bench bathed in sunshine, enjoying the first warm days of spring. At last the season had turned, and only God knew how shed survived the long, bitter winter.
Not another winter, thank heavens! she thought, sighing with relief. She wasnt afraid to get out of bed any more; shed been waiting for this moment. The peas were finally harvested, new dresses bought. Nothing could hold Mary down any longer.
***
Once shed had a bustling family: a husband, Frederick Johnson, a tall, sturdy man, and four children three boys and a girl. They lived harmoniously, helped each other, rarely quarreled. One by one the children grew up and scattered to different towns.
The two eldest sons went to university and then moved to cities for work. The middle child struggled at school, later built a successful business that eventually took him abroad, where he settled. The daughter left the little village for the capital and soon married.
At first the children visited often, wrote letters, and after mobile phones became common they called regularly. Grandchildren arrived one after another. Mary would occasionally pack an old, battered suitcase and stay with a childs family for a few days.
Gradually the grandchildren grew independent of their grandmothers care. Calls grew rarer, visits less frequent. The idea of coming back for a visit slipped from everyones mind work, families, their own children growing up.
The only reason the family returned to the old house was the news that Fredericks father had passed away. He seemed a robust man who ought to have lived to a hundred, but fate had other plans.
After the funeral, the children drifted apart again. At first they called their mother, but the calls dwindled to nothing.
Mary tried to call herself, but soon realised the younger generation no longer had the time. Thats how the last ten years went: once a year a child would remember her, give her a quick ring, and shed spend the next week smiling to herself.
One afternoon, as Mary was again perched on the bench, a young man appeared over the garden fence, beaming.
Good morning, Aunt Mary! he shouted. Dont you remember me?
She squinted, then recognized him.
Michael! What are you doing here?
Yes, Aunt Mary! he laughed, stepping into the yard.
Michael was the son of the neighbours who could never go a day without a proper feast. Mary remembered him well; hed always been the hungry kid who lingered for a bite. Out of pity shed fed him, given him the spare clothes from her own children, and let him spend nights at her cottage when his parents were out at a village dance.
His parents didnt last long. They passed away, and Michael was taken away to an orphanage and then to a school. He never returned to Marys doorstep, and she missed him terribly.
Where have you been all these years, Michael? she asked, eyes bright.
First an orphanage, then I did my National Service, then went to college. Now Im back in my tiny hometown, ready to rebuild my old village! he declared.
Whats there to rebuild? Mary waved a hand dismissively. Everyones gone.
Nothing! I wont disappear!
And so a new chapter began for Mary. Michael found work with Mr. Henry Bennett, the biggest farmer in the village.
In his spare time he repaired the little cottage left to him by his parents, and never forgot Mary, helping her with the garden chores. Marys laughter returned. She never called him son though, but the affection was clear. They spent three happy years together.
One more thing, Aunt Mary, Michael said one day, as if apologising, Mr. Bennett is being unreasonable. He wants us to work for him but wont pay a penny. Im off to find work elsewhere. Dont take it personally.
Go on, Michael, no hard feelings. Godspeed! she replied.
Mary was alone again. At times the loneliness made her want to weep, and the days stretched while she waited for the inevitable end. Yet something always kept her rooted to this world.
****
Good morning, Aunt Mary! a familiar voice called. Mary turned toward the fence and saw a face she recognised.
Michael? Is that really you?
Yes, Aunt Mary! a tall, welldressed young man entered the yard. Im back! Just in time!
Oh! What joy! Mary fluttered about. Come in, Michael! Ill set the kettle right away! Im on it!
A kettle sounds perfect, Michael grinned. Im just heading home now. I didnt expect to find you, so I didnt bring any treats.
Half an hour later Mary and Michael were sitting at the table, sipping tea from antique cups, hardly managing to speak.
Im already thinking of my final journey, Michael, Mary said, wiping a tear.
Dont even think about that! Michael waved his finger lightheartedly. Ive come back, and now well live together, Aunt Mary, and everyone will be jealous. Ive earned some money and will develop my own farm. Youll have nothing to worry about!
A bright, teenage voice interrupted their reverie. Is anyone home? it chirped. Mary peered out the window and saw a girl in a short coat and highheeled boots.
Who are you? Mary asked, stepping onto the porch with Michael.
Im looking for Mrs. Mary Foster. Im her greatgranddaughter, actually. Im the granddaughter of Alexander, her eldest son, the girl said.
The girl and Michael exchanged a glance.
I called earlier, but the line was dead, so I thought Id just come by.
Come in, love, Mary said, a little flustered, while Michael hurried to help with her suitcase.
Mary and Michael watched as Emilyher new greatgranddaughterunpacked a basket of treats and began to chat about herself.
I dont like the city. I want to live in the countryside, but my parents dont understand. Grandfather Alexander suggested I stay here for a few months. He says if I live in the village, Ill never want to leave! Hes called you, and my dad called too, and I tried calling you. Im not looking for a free rideI have my own money, and my dad and granddad sent a welcome gift! Ill stay until my exams, then Ill go back to university, Emily explained.
Stay as long as you like, Mary finally said. Itll be a pleasure.
A month passed. Mary sat on the bench watching Emily deftly work the garden. She could hardly call her a city girl now.
With Michaels help, Emily turned the longneglected plot into tidy beds, built a small greenhouse, bought seedlings from neighbours, and began planting with gusto.
Michael didnt sit idle either. With the money he earned, he started constructing a modern farm. He hired workers to mend Marys roof and installed central heating in place of the old coal stove.
Marys smile never left her face. She was no longer alone.
Only occasionally did a shadow of sadness cross her features when she thought of Emilys impending departure. She had grown attached to her greatgranddaughter. But time marched on, and Emily was preparing to leave for the city.
How will I manage the garden on my own, Emily? Mary sighed, packing a parcel of scones for her journey.
Just dont forget to keep the water barrel full, Emily laughed. Michael will water the rows! Ill be back before you know it! she promised.
Youll really come back? Mary asked, hopeful.
Of course! I cant leave you completely. I love you, Grandma, with all my heart. Michael even proposedan autumn wedding! What would I do without a husband? Hes a proper country lad!
A year later Mary basked in the sunshine, rocking a pram with her sleeping greatgreatgrandson. Emily and Michael ran the thriving farm together, their joint effort lifting the whole village.
Mary looked at the peacefully sleeping child and thought, Im not ready for the other side yet. I still have plenty to do for my family.
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