Going Home

Part 65

On the walk back to the house, as night fell on the farm, Josh considered what it meant that his father restored his ute and had kept it all this time. He needed to ask him about it but first he’d like to get his own thoughts on it sorted out. So setting it aside for now Josh looked over at his mother and opened up about another subject that had been on his mind “is Dad really okay, health wise?”

Margaret sighed. “I think so. The Doctor said he needed to work less and he is looking at hiring someone to do some of the work around here. But your visit will help more. The strain of the whole situation had been slowly wearing him down and if he can put that aside it will go along way to reducing his stress levels.” Then realising how that sounded Margaret laid a hand on Josh’s arm and added “not that that’s the only reason we contacted you.”

Josh looked down at her worried expression then at her hand on his arm and putting his hand over hers he looked back into her eyes and nodded “I know.”

Releasing her breath on a sigh Margaret smiled “I’m so glad you came.”

Looking away Josh said, talking more to himself than to her, “so am I”

Then after a minute he added “thanks for contacting me Mum.”

Taking a deep breath Margaret fought to control her emotions at hearing Josh refer to her as Mum. Then after a minute she said, “thank you for coming.”

Margaret was incredibly pleased that the visit had gone so well. She wasn’t sure how it was going to go, when Josh had first arrived, he was so distant and for a while she didn’t think they would ever reach him. But as the weekend had progressed, his attitude had gradually changed. He had become more communicative, less severe and Margaret wondered how much of that was thanks to Grace. Even though they seemed to be very different they, complement each other beautifully and she was thankful her son had found someone to share his life with who is obviously so good for him.