Page 111 of Closer than Ever

“We should,” Anna said, getting hungry now. She looked at the back of him. He was getting a slight stoop. His slippers were frayed at the seams. He’d had the same type of slippers for over twenty years, a shoe-like style that he never took off. He kept getting the same pair and that suited him fine. She would get him a new pair soon. “Do you need any help with breakfast?”

“Could you do the toast please?”

Anna fed the toaster bread by the window overlooking the garden. She loved this garden. It was big enough to have different areas, and they’d cultivated some gorgeous flowers over the years. A Virginia Creeper was turning into its luscious red over the wooden fence to the rear. They’d been in this house her whole life. She knew every inch of it, its history, and its eras. Being home with her parents like this could be so comforting sometimes. Only being with Hayley had ever made her feel similar to this, which, when she considered what she was comparing it to, was a startling thought.

“This is what I like to see.” Anna’s mum came inside and took off her gardening shoes by the back door. “You two working hard to cook me my breakfast.”

Her dad laughed. “Ready in two minutes.”

“I’ll go wash my hands.” Her mum left the room.

“I love how well you and Mum get on.”

Her dad nodded. “The key to a happy marriage is to have a strong friendship first and foremost.”

Over breakfast, Anna listened as her mum and dad chatted about their upcoming holiday to France.

“There’s something we’ve been meaning to tell you.” Her mum put her fork down. “About our plans for France.”

“I think I already know them in full-HD by now.”

“There’s more to it than a holiday.”

“What do you mean?” Anna’s senses shot to high alert.

Her mum’s expression turned serious. “Your dad and I have made some decisions about what we want to do in the future.” She reached over and held his hand. “We want to sell the house and move to the south of France.”

Anna’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”

“We enjoy it there very much, as you know.” Her mum’s voice was steady and practised, as if she had the whole speech prepared. “We’ve been talking about doing this for years, although we haven’t shared that with you. It’s the right time for us. We want to enjoy our last years.”

Anna’s ears rang in the silence. She could not believe they were going to up and leave her and sell her childhood home.

Her mum continued. “We also want to buy a small flat nearer the centre of Glasgow. We would rent it out and come back once a year for a few months.”

“It’s what we want, darling.” Her dad looked so apologetic.

She’d pictured having them nearby as active grandparents to her children. Her family. She’d pictured her children playing in the garden she’d played in as a child. This was her home, her safety net.

Anna took a sobering breath. “That sounds very exciting. Of course you should do whatever you think will make you happy. I’m really pleased for you.”

Her mum stood and gave her a hug. “We know this is hard. But we want you to come and visit as often as you can, and we will be back every year.”

“You’ve got to do what’s right for you.”

“Thanks for being so supportive, darling,” her dad said.

Anna knew she had to completely stand on her own two feet. She was in her thirties and it was long overdue. She just liked having them near, even if it was a three-hour drive. It was reassuring. But it wasn’t exactly next door, and it wasn’t like she was giving them grandchildren anytime soon.

“We’ve already got some viewings lined up,” her dad said. “We hope to sell this place and complete the move early next year. We’ll just need to see how it goes.”

“I’ll have my fingers crossed for you guys.”

“Think of all the wine,” her mum said, sitting back down.

Anna laughed. “Every cloud, Mum, every cloud. It is very exciting. The whole thing. I’ll get used to it. I might just need a moment.”

Her mum’s serious face returned. “Anna, if you do choose to start a family, we know this means we won’t be around as much. But you could visit, and the child could learn French. Being bilingual and knowing about other cultures are good skills.”

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