Chapter 41: Another Grandma
The day started like any other for Isabella Thomas. Nearing sixty, she had been retired for years. Throughout her life, she worked as a nanny or a childminder, always surrounded by children. Now, after retirement, her days were quiet... peaceful but undeniably boring.
A few weeks ago, her peaceful world was shaken when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis hit her hard, not just physically but emotionally. Though the NHS assured her that all diagnostic tests, treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and follow-ups would be covered, the waiting was excruciating. She had already waited almost a month just to receive her mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy results after her GP’s referral. Now, she faced another uncertain wait for surgery and chemotherapy.
Though the NHS promised treatment within forty days, other patients warned her that delays often stretched past two months, citing a shortage of specialists and the overwhelming number of cases. Her only son, who rushed from London upon hearing her diagnosis, pleaded with her to consider private treatment. But she refused. She already knew from online forums that private treatment would cost more than 100,000 pounds, money they simply didn’t have. Her son worked a mid-level government job, barely managing London expenses. Selling her modest house wouldn’t even cover the full cost.
So, she had sent her son back to London, telling him not to worry. She would wait for the NHS and whatever would come.
Her neighbors, somehow learning of her condition, occasionally dropped by to lift her spirits. Today, as she was preparing her lunch, she heard a knock on the door. Expecting a neighbor, she walked to the door, forgot the steel turner in hand.
But when she opened it, she froze.
A beautiful young woman stood at her doorstep, smiling brightly.
"Lady Langford... No... Are you... Eleanor?" she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief.
The young woman nodded and smiled warmly. "It’s been a long time, Aunt Bella."
Isabella’s heart leapt, and memories of a small girl she once raised came flooding back. The steel turner slipped from her hand, landing on the carpet with a dull thud as tears welled in her eyes.
Eleanor stepped forward and embraced her. In that moment, words were unnecessary. Though Eleanor was once only her duty, Isabella had loved her like her own. Despite being a paid nanny, the bond they shared had always been real. Eleanor’s eyes moistened too.