THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Her grandson was bringing a ver y special visitor with him this time…
Margaret raised the kitchen blind and gazed out into her garden. A startled blackbird darted into the hedge and a flurry of sparrows dispersed from the bird table. Margaret chuckled. The garden birds always looked surprised to see her. She enjoyed watching them return to feed while she put the kettle on for her cup of tea. Her favourite robin hopped cheekily back onto the windowsill just as she took her first sip.
Margaret glanced at the calendar to check the date, reassured to see it was Saturday. Weekdays and weekends had a tendency to merge. This morning however, Margaret could not help feeling a flutter of excitement. It reminded her of those first pregnancy butterflies, when she and Richard were awaiting Lucy’s arrival. Their eldest daughter came into the world in spring, with a cry louder than any bird. What novices they had been as parents then, Margaret reflected ruefully. Lucy brought chaos and joy in equal measure. It took a lot of adjusting for both of them. However, their daughter, and the two boys that followed, ranked as Margaret and Richard’s proudest achievements. How swiftly those years had passed as the children grew up.
It seemed no time at all since Lucy had presented Margaret with her very first grandchild. She could still remember the delicious scent of him as a new-born baby. It lingered on her clothes long after she had cradled Edward in her arms. Lucy’s eyes had shone with pride.
“Isn’t he beautiful, mum?” Lucy voiced their awe as they gazed in wonder at the bundle. The bond between Margaret and Lucy grew stronger from that moment. There were memories to share and a wealth of knowledge to pass on as they watched Edward flourish.
Today Margaret was expecting him back as a visitor. Lucy’s son and his girlfriend had been together for several years. A lively couple in their thirties, Ed and Phoebe were creative and energetic, compassionate and fun. They had reams of ambition and dazzling plans ahead. Although based miles away, in the heart of the city, they still made time to drop in on Margaret, and check she was alright. Their visits were a tonic, and Margaret had weeks of pleasure regaling friends with the news they brought her.
Margaret showered and dressed with extra care, wearing the pretty brooch that Phoebe had given her for her ninetieth birthday. The clock on the mantelpiece ticked slowly onwards. It was midmorning before she received a text from Ed, to say they were nearly there.
When the doorbell rang, Margaret made it to the porch with a speed that belied her years. Her exercise bike at the window helped her stay fit, and she could keep an eye on the comings and goings in the neighbourhood at the same time.
Ed was waiting on the doorstep and gave Margaret a bear hug in greeting. He had to bend low and brushed her cheek with his new beard as he did so. Margaret still found it hard to believe that this tall young man was the baby she had been thinking about only that morning. Phoebe unfolded her long, slim legs from the car and sprang out to kiss Margaret’s cheek. Then she and Ed turned to attend to the most important visitor in the back seat. It was the moment
Margaret had been waiting for.
The tiny figure in the baby carrier was swathed in so many layers that she could barely make out the wrinkled face beneath the hat. Close up it was different. Even with eyes tight shut, baby Olivia took Margaret’s breath away. Phoebe whisked the car-seat straight through to the living room so she could admire her great-granddaughter more easily.
Ed fussed over Margaret to settle her comfortably in her favourite chair, ignoring her offers to make cups of tea.
“I’ve baked a cake,” Margaret protested but Ed was determined.
“Let’s do this first, Nan,” he whispered, while Phoebe unstrapped Olivia and passed her gently across. The baby did not stir as Ed placed her in the crook of Margaret’s arm. She reached for the tiny hand and beamed as Olivia’s fingers curled firmly around her own.
In the garden, bright tulips swayed, leaves just starting to bud. The blackbird returned to the bird-table with its partner. Margaret glanced down at the sleeping baby. The circle of life, she reflected. It brought with it more hope for the future than she had ever imagined.
Was this tall young man once the baby she’d been thinking about?
LOVE READING? Turn over to see Karen Byrom’s favourite books plus an interview with author Melanie Blake.