Their mother sent them to the care home right after New Years
The girls cried. Theyd been raised at home. Whenever their mother was busy sorting out her love lifewhich was oftenthe sisters, Tina and Milly, stayed with their grandmother. But when Gran passed away on St. Nicholas Day, their mother handed them over to the care home. No, she wasnt some wild drunk or a chain-smoker. Still, wasnt it unfair that her ex-husband got to live as he pleased while she was left to raise two kids alone?
Mum unfastened Millys coat and muttered, Stop crying, its just how things worked outits not my fault! Youll be fine here, youll see. Milly was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe. She was only three and didnt really understand what was happening. But the anger in Mums eyes and the fear on her older sisters tear-streaked face told her something was wrong. Tina, just seven, clutched Millys hand as their mother hissed, Dont embarrass meIm not abandoning you. Once Ive sorted myself out, Ill come back. Ill fetch you at Easter! The girls sniffled but quieted down. Mum had promisedshed come for them!
Adjusting to the care home was hard, though the staff loved them for their quiet manners, sharp minds, and the way they stuck together. Tina won everyone over with her solemn dark eyes, while Milly was a soft, round-cheeked little thing, always clinging to her sister. Whens Easter coming? Milly would ask, tugging Tinas sleeve. Is it soon? Will Mum take us home then? Tina would explain patiently, again and again: Easters a holiday in springremember how Gran used to dye eggs? Milly would nod seriously, but then her eyes would well up at the memory.
Tina wished she knew when Easter was too. She asked one of the carers, Mrs. Irene, who looked surprisedmost kids counted down to Christmas or birthdays. Still, she gave Tina a tiny calendar. See this circled date? Thats Easter. Every number is a day. When I was at school, Id cross them off like this, waiting for summer holidays. So Tina did the same, watching the chain of numbers shrink as Easter neared.
On Easter morning, Milly came running, clutching a red-painted egg. Tina! Tina! Mums coming today, Im so happy! Arent you happy? Tina wasat first. But by afternoon, her excitement turned to dread. When bedtime came and Mum still hadnt arrived, she made excuses: The bus mustve got stuck. The roads are awful nowreally, I heard the carers say so! Dont cry, Milly. Theyll dig it out, and Mum will come tomorrow. Shell have to stay in the village overnight! Milly sniffled and nodded.
But Mum never came. The girls waited every day, inventing new reasons for her absenceuntil one morning, Tina found Milly gone. The staff explained their mother had taken her. Years later, Tina learned Mum had signed away her rightsonly to Milly. But Tina got lucky. Two years on, her fathers sister tracked her down. Aunt Valerie was kind, and before long, Tina was calling her Mum. With time, the wounds in her heart healed. She tried not to think of her mother or sisterthough she knew Milly had been too young to understand.
Years passed. Tina trained as a nurse, married, had a son. Life wasnt lavish, but it was warmuntil a letter arrived. From Milly.
*Dear sister, you probably dont remember me? I only recall your plaits and your checkered slippers. Id love to see you! Weve moved back to the areaIm in Mapleford now. If its alright, may I visit?*
Tina frowned. Oddinviting herself over. Still, she agreed.
Milly limped toward her at the bus station, waving eagerly in her blue jacket. She recognized Tina instantly, hugging her tight. The second I saw you, I knewits you, my Tina! Tina grumbled (Still a crybaby, arent you?), though her own eyes stung.
Over dinner, Milly chattered: Dont blame MumUncle Simon said hed take her with kids when they met. She just worried about taking two at once. Then they had a son, then a daughter! Little Vickysuch a doll, no room for us! Oh, dont be cross! Uncle Simons a brilliant carpenter, always swamped with work. We even go to the seaside sometimes. Then in Year Seven, a bull gored methank God no one else was hurt. Thats why I limp Tina, this pies lovelycan I have the recipe?
Tina asked, Do you work? Study? Got a boyfriend? Youre so pretty!
Milly flushed. After the accident, there were so many hospital bills I help at home or with Uncle Simons accounts. Mums a council accountant. As for friends well, the limp doesnt help. But Im used to it.
Tina convinced Milly to stay the night, promising to see her off in the morning. Once Milly was asleep, Tina glanced at her neatly folded clothesclean, but threadbare and patched. Hospital orderlies earn pennies, but no one wears rags like that, especially not visiting family!
At 3 a.m., Tina woke her husband. Drive me to Mapleford. Now. He cursed but went. On the way, she explained. He scowled at first, then nodded.
Finding her mothers house was easy. Tinas heart pounded as she knocked.
Mum opened the doorolder but still polishedand didnt recognize her. Tina said softly, Morning, Mum. Here we are.
Mum greeted her like a bothersome neighbor, not a daughter unseen for years. Wheres Milly? In the barn? Tell her to come inthe kids need breakfast, and yesterdays mess is still here. Well, come in, since youre here.
Tina kept her voice steady. Millys staying with me. Pack her thingsand give her some money. Ill get her a job as a hospital orderly, then proper training. That leg needs fixingshes too pretty to limp! Hear me, Mum?
Mum jutted her chin. Get out, do-gooder! Well fetch Milly ourselves. And dont let me catch you near her again!
Tina shook her head. Firsther names *Milly*. Call your cow Milly if you want, but youll be milking it yourself now, madam. Fancy me gathering the whole village? Let them hear how their upstanding council worker dumped her kids in care? Your village gossips wont forget that. Try moving away with MillyIll make sure the whole country knows!
Mum slammed the door. Half an hour later, a thin, stooped man emerged with a backpack. Im Simon. Heres Millys things. Tell her I hope shes alright. Well send money. Shes been Cinderella here long enough. And dont hate your mum too much. Lifes complicated.
Walking back, Tina thought: *Yes, lifes complicated. But is simple so hard? Men who dont drink or stray. Women who dont abandon kids for a new man. Siblings who dont forget each other.*
Just being decent people. Thats all.
