Snapshot 24

Daddy now calls everyday and demands to speak to Mummy. Grand Pa is still away overseas and Grand Ma is weakening. One day, Grand Ma actually hands the phone to Mummy and tells her to speak to her husband and sort this mess out: either end the marriage properly or reconcile – fix it before Grand Pa returns from overseas and starts interfering again.

From Mummy’s side of the phone, the conversation is awkward and muffled. But she is smiling broadly by the end. After she hangs up, Mummy and Grand Ma talk behind a closed door. I am too young to know what is going on. I feel anxious when I think about it, but I guess I will find out what I need to know when it’s time.

After that Mummy speaks to Daddy on the phone quite often. Not every day when he calls, but every other day or so. And she seems happy, bright, buoyant. Like a young girl in love. She whispers behind closed doors with Grand Ma. Mummy and Grand Ma have found friendship and strength in each-other. Grand Ma tells Mummy that she did not fully appreciate Mummy’s value till now. This makes Mummy proud.

Then Grand Pa returns from his overseas trip. He is first enraged and then disappointed to hear that Mummy has been speaking with Daddy on the phone. He blames Grand Ma for being weak and losing control of the situation while he has been away. He forbids Mummy from speaking to Daddy again. Grand Ma takes little nonsense from him and tells him to stop being an old fool.

Then Grand Pa learns that Mummy has taught Grand Ma how to do some banking, including writing cheques. He is livid. How dare the women mess with men’s business. He blames Mummy for teaching Grand Ma things she does not need to know. Both Grand Ma and Mummy yell at him, although they are not really angry. More joyous that they have found strength and courage in each-other. Grand Pa says that contraception has been the downfall of the respectability of women. There is nothing to control women anymore. I don’t understand what this means. Grand Ma and Mummy ignore him so it can’t matter too much.

I am happy that Grand Pa is home. I feel sorry that he is so upset. He is my ally and has brought me a ‘Costumes of the World’ colouring book and 12 coloured markers. He has also brought back some beautiful English denim dresses and woolly stockings for me. He has brought some beautiful Cadbury chocolates. I have not been spoilt like this before. He tells me stories about his trip to London. I am in awe of this magical place called London. It sounds like fairy land.