George Hardaker and Minnie Jessop arrived at THORNTREES on the same day.
‘We like our new residents to arrive at the same time,’ she smiled, rocking backwards and forwards in sturdy black shoes, her arms clasped behind her back.
‘She looks like she’s on parade,’ George mumbled.
‘Shush Dad, she’ll hear you,’ Maxine whispered, casting a simpering glance at the manager; Mrs Flint.
‘Because!’ Mrs Flint said, raising her voice; ‘we don’t like too much disruption to our day. Now if you will follow me I will show you to your rooms.’
‘Left right…left right …’
‘Dad!’
‘This place stinks of fish pie. I can’t stand fish pie.’
Minnie Jessop and her granddaughter Lucy followed.
‘Mum was sorry she couldn’t make it Gran, but the ‘Ladies Lunch Club’ had booked ages ago.’
‘It doesn’t matter dear, its lovely you’re here, and you’ll be the first to see my room,’ she said, tucking her arm through Lucy’s.
Mrs Flint led them along a network of corridors; passing doors that each had a plaque with a number on it.
‘Are these the cells?’ George called out as Mrs Flint raced ahead.
She ignored him.
‘Mr Hardaker! Here we are, number thirteen. I’ll leave you and your daughter to unpack.’
‘Ah well, that says it all…unlucky for some.’ George didn’t care who heard. He’d been badgered for the last year to give up his home, ever since Jean had died. Sometimes he wished he’d gone with her.
‘Dad, you are going to be very happy here. You know the house was getting too much, it’s time you had things easier.’
A few doors along and Mrs Flint stopped by number sixteen. ‘This is your room Mrs Jessop. You will be very comfortable here. There is a lovely view over the garden,’ she said, walking over to the window.
‘Gran, what’s the matter? Come and see the view.’ Lucy put her arm around the old lady who remained by the door.
Minnie was trying to fight back the tears. She took a tissue out of her bag and dabbed her eyes. ‘I’m just being silly,’ she said, sniffing. ‘Never thought it would come to this; an old folk’s home.’
‘It’s a retirement home Mrs Jessop,’ Mrs Flint said stiffly. ‘You will still be able to pursue your interests, just… in a quieter way.’
‘Gran’s brought her laptop, she likes to spend a few hours a day on that, don’t you Gran?’
Before Minnie could answer Mrs Flint was heading for the door. ‘Yes, you’re mother warned me that she would be bringing that!’
‘Is it going to be problem?’ Minnie’s voice rising in panic. ‘Because if it is, I can find somewhere else, I don’t have to stay here.’
‘No problem at all Mrs Jessop, no problem at all,’ Mrs Flint smirked, brushing invisible dirt off her jacket sleeve as she left the room.
That night, the new residents in rooms thirteen and sixteen wept into their pillows until they fell asleep.
(c) 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
“Fish Pie or Tapas?” is a delightfully charming tale about two elderly residents, George Hardaker and Minnie Jessop, who arrive at THORNTREES retirement home on the same day. Through a series of witty letters between the residents and their children, we witness their initial struggles with institutional living, from George’s complaints about the weekly fish pie to Minnie’s determination to keep her laptop. Their friendship blossoms over shared shortbreads and email lessons, eventually leading to an unexpected escape to the Costa del Sol, leaving behind a rather miffed Mrs Flint and her beloved fish pie dinners.
This story is part of Lillian Bradbury’s enchanting collection “Welcome to my World,” a compilation of short stories and poems inspired by life in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Pickering. Bradbury’s writing style captures the essence of British humor and heart, weaving together tales that celebrate life’s unexpected adventures and friendships. Her work reflects a deep understanding of human nature, particularly in her portrayal of characters finding joy and freedom in their twilight years. If you enjoy stories that warm your heart while making you chuckle, this collection is a perfect addition to your bookshelf.
