Laugh Don't Cry

Charlotte leaned her head against the cool tiles of the kitchen. She knew she shouldn’t take it personally, knew it was nobody’s fault. But it was so hard.

While she waited for the kettle to boil, she watched the bluetits outside, carrying bits of moss into the birdbox and wondered was their life easier than hers? Clouds of finches clamoured round the feeder hanging from the apple tree, jostling for the best position. She’d put both the box and the feeder up last year, hoping that they would bring her aunt some joy. At first it had worked, but these days she barely noticed them and Charlotte had to admit to herself that she kept the feeder filled more for her own benefit than for Elsie’s.

Carefully, she carried the tray into the lounge, bumping the door closed with her hip.

“Is that you Charlotte? I’ve been on a lovely bike ride with Millie this morning. We went down by the river and stopped to feed the ducks. It was a long way though – I’m exhausted. Shut the door behind you, love. There’s a terrible draft.”

“The door is shut, Auntie Else.”

“No wonder it’s hot. Open the door, would you? Let’s get some air in the place.”

“You said you were cold.”

“Am I? Can you get me a blanket for my knees?”

Charlotte set the tray down on the table near the window. She picked up a blanket from the bottom of the bed, placed it on her aunt’s lap, and wheeled her over to the table.

“Am I warm now?”

“Yeah Else – you’re toasty.”

“It looks lovely and sunny outside. We could have a picnic on the grass. Have I been out today?”

“Not today, Auntie Else. Would you like to go out now?”

“No! I don’t want to. I never go out. I don’t like it. Please don’t make me.” Elsie pulled her blanket higher, terrified eyes peeping over the top.

“It’s OK Else. We don’t have to go anywhere. I made us some tea, and I’ve got those biscuits you like.”

Elsie looked at the plate suspiciously. “I don’t like biscuits.” A smile brightened her face. “I like cake! Have you got any cake?”

“No, I’m sorry. I always bring biscuits – but you like these.”

“Do I? Ok. But I wish you had cake. Charlotte always brings me cake.”

Charlotte brushed a hand over her eyes to wipe away the tears and plastered a smile back on her face.

“Let’s drink our tea and then I need to go. I’ll see you again tomorrow.”

“Do you have to go? You’ve only just got here.”

“I’ve been here for 2 hours, Auntie Else. I painted your nails for you, and then we looked at all your photos, remember?”

Elsie’s eyes filled with tears. “I get so lonely. I haven’t seen anybody all day.”

“I’m sorry, Else, but I really have to go. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Thank you for coming love. If you see Charlotte, tell her to come and see me. She always promises to visit but she never does.”