Martha Whitaker, an eightyfouryearold grandmother, sat on the bus shelter near her cottage, bewildered about where to go next. Beside her on the bench lay a canvas tote and a paper bag that held almost everything she owned.
Got rid of Riley, wasnt scared of anyone, and told him straight Off you go, old woman, get out of here, youre not welcome in our lives with Ian.
Only three years earlier the household of five had been a happy, bustling home in a modest threebedroom flat: Martha, her daughter Eleanor, her soninlaw Ian with his wife Clara, and their son, Marthas greatgrandson Arthur.
The peace began to crumble when a new accounts clerk named Riley arrived at Ians workplace. She came from the city down to their village for reasons no one could explain. She was given a room in the work hostel and a job. It seemed she had everything she needed to settle down, but she could not stay content. She started eyeing the men and set her sights on Ian. Married? As the saying goes, the wife isnt a wall.
One April evening Ian came home from work, packed his suitcase, and was the only one seen leaving. Before he went, he declared,
Its only at fortyfive that I finally understand what real life and love are.
Clara said nothing. She waited until Arthur finished his school exams, then began making plans of her own.
Well move to the city; Arthur needs to go to university, and well live in my parents old house. Its been boarded up for three years, but well repair it. If we cant do it ourselves, my brother will help. Ill find a teaching post at the school quickly.
She spent two days packing. Her brother arrived, loaded the boxes into a van, and they set off. Arthur gave his greatgrandmother a tight hug before they left.
Dont miss me, Gran. Ill visit.
He kept that promise, coming twice while Eleanor was still alive. After Eleanor passed away, Ian and Riley moved into the flat, and Arthur never returned.
Life grew harsh for Martha. Riley began imposing her own rules. At first she was shy, inviting Martha to the kitchen and feeding her the dishes she prepared for herself and Ian. Then she ordered her not to leave her room.
You make so much mess in the kitchen, Martha, its easier for me to clean your room once a week than to mop the floor here three times a day.
From then on Riley boiled porridgeoat, barley, or milletfor Martha, and Martha ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, washing it down with weak tea.
A few days later Riley announced that her son would be arriving in a week. She and Ian debated what kind of job he could get after his time in a youth detention centre, knowing he wouldnt be offered just any position.
The next morning Ian went to work, and Riley told Martha to get ready.
Heres the address of the care home. Take yourself there and at least thank me for not throwing you out onto the street.
She thrust a slip of paper into Marthas hand and slammed the flats door shut.
Martha shuffled to the bus stop, her eyesight failing, the address a blur. A young man was standing nearby, and she called out,
Son, could you read the address and tell me which bus I should catch?
He looked at her and replied,
Where are you off to, Mrs. Martha? Arthur is back; hes looking for you. Ill give him a ring.
Within five minutes Arthur arrived, breathless. It turned out Claras former neighbour, who had worked as a caretaker in a local nursing home before retiring, had called the previous day and warned that Riley intended to send Martha to a residential facility. The neighbour had obtained the homes address for Riley, and Clara had used that information to act fast.
Arthur grabbed his coat and said,
Ill get you, Gran, in a taxi to the city. Mum has already prepared a room for you. The garden is in full bloom; the apple trees look splendid!
When Riley and Ian learned that Arthur was taking his greatgrandmother to town, they were briefly relieved. Their joy faded quickly when paperwork revealed that Martha had been the legal owner of the flat from the start, and Ians late husband had only a lifetime right to stay. Consequently, Riley and Ian were forced back into the hostel.
Martha sold the flat and handed the proceeds to Arthur so he could buy a home in the city. Property prices in the regional centre were steep, so Arthur could only afford a modest onebedroom flat, but it was newly built and spacious. He plans to marry soon, ensuring a roof over his and his future familys heads.
The whole ordeal taught everyone that true security comes not from clinging to possessions or trying to control others, but from the steadfast love and support of family, which endures even when the walls around us crumble.