Southend U3A

Coming Home - Maureen Rampersaud

September 2012

Peter walked up the garden path with its familiar scalloped pattern that he'd carved into the wet concrete before the war. He tucked the Bluebird Toffee tin safely under his arm. He was aware that it had been a long time since his wife and children had seen him. John was a newborn baby when he left. Peter had tried to get back to his native Ireland, but he was called to serve in the Eighth Army, and it was too late.

He walked into the kitchen through the back door, feeling like a stranger in his own house. His wife, Lily, was feeding John, who was sitting in the high chair, Eileen was at the table, drawing. They looked up in shock as he stood, taking in the scene. Lily ran to him and flung her arms around him. John howled with jealousy and Eileen scowled at him.

Peter took off his haversack and put the tin carefully on the table. He sat by the fire, with a sigh. "Where are Arthur and Peter?"

Lily handed him a mug of tea. "They're out trapping rabbits, they'll be back soon."

There was a clattering and the sound of raised voices, heralding the boys' return, as they burst through the door, each of them proudly holding up a dead rabbit.

Their smiles soon disappeared as they registered the presence of their father. Peter wanted to hug them, but he could read so many hostile emotions on their faces. They had been the men of the house and they resented his return. Peter had no idea how they were going to be a family again. He noticed his eldest boy, Arthur, looking at the toffee tin with interest. "Would you like to see what's in it?" said Peter gently.

They all gathered round as Peter opened the tin. There was something golden wrapped in paper.

"What are they?" Eileen asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Peaches, I brought them all the way from a very hot country where they grow, so you could all try them."

With relief, Peter felt the warmth of his family as they shared these precious fruits with joy and laughter.