The rain was falling hard as Nancy Simmons drove through the streets of Longmeadows in Kent. There was a flash of lightning followed by a clap of thunder.
"Damn!" grumbled the forty-eight year old widow. It was bad enough driving in these streets in the daytime but now with darkness descending and the rain it made things much more difficult.
Nancy, who worked in the bank was normally on her way home at this time but instead had decided to pay her daughter-in-law, Karen, a visit. Karen had been married to her son Mark for just over a year now and he was away in Scotland working on the oil rigs. Nancy had promised Mark that she would occasionally look in on the twenty-five year old. She and her daughter-in-law had always had a good relationship but recently Nancy had begun to suspect there was something wrong. Karen had become increasingly reclusive. Nancy understood well enough. After all, the poor girl had lost her mother just weeks after the wedding and with Mark away it must be lonely for her. At least Karen had her job at another bank in the town it would fill in some of the day for her. Nancy did not appreciate just how lonely until she arrived at the flat.
The rain was still heavy, and the thunder rolled across the sky as Nancy, with umbrella in hand, got out of her car and hurried to the door.
"Oh, Nance, come in," said Karen as the young woman answered the doorbell swiftly.
"How are you, dear?" asked Nancy, putting her umbrella in the stand before taking off her coat and hanging it up.
"Not too bad, Nance, you're just in time. I was about to make tea," answered Karen.
Nancy became concerned when she noticed Karen behaving in a fussy and erratic way as she set the table and filled the kettle. As the young woman spoke, she jumped from one subject to another without finishing what she was saying. More than that though was the fact that Karen was nervous. This was not the Karen that Nancy knew.
"Karen is everything alright?" asked the older woman, knowing full well it wasn't.
For a split second there was a silence in which you could hear a pin drop.
"No!" responded Karen as she exploded into uncontrollable tears.
"Oh, my dear girl," said Nancy as she embraced the young woman tightly. She hated to see Karen so upset. It even brought tears to her own eyes.
"I hate it, Nance. I hate this place. I hate Mark being away. I hate it all. I can't stand it, Nance. I can't stand it anymore. Then there's that dreadful Landlord."
"What about him?" asked Nancy.
"Oh, Nancy, he gives me the creeps. He leers at me and pretends to be familiar with me."
There was another clap of thunder.
"Oh, God!" cried as she held onto Nancy for dear life.
"Oh, my poor girl, I had no idea. Pack a bag now, this instant. You're coming home with me."
Karen shook her head and was heading for the bedroom when the doorbell rang again. "Oh no, it's him again," she declared in a nervous panic.
"You go ahead and pack I'll deal with him," said Nancy and the older woman made her way to the door with determination on her face. Upon opening the door Nancy took an instant dislike to the image before her. He was a small unkempt individual with a weasel like face. The sort that took full advantage of vulnerable young women like Karen and Nancy hated them with venom.
"Hi, sweet chee... Oh, I'm Ben Rooney, Mrs Simmons' Landlord. I was wondering if she was ok. I know she gets nervous..."
Nancy, who was six feet tall and well built, looked down at this ugly excuse for a man and spoke firmly.
"She's fine and I'm sure you have better things to do with your time. Goodnight!" interrupted Karen and she closed the door on the man.
Karen reappeared with suitcase.
"How did you and Mark end up with that guy?" asked her mother-in-law.
"It's a long story,"
"Let's get out of here," responded Karen and both women dashed for Nancy's car. Although the thunder had stopped the heavy rain persisted.
It was now 9.30 and quite dark. Eventually they arrived safely at Karen's house. There was a similar dash for the door and both women were grateful for the warmth of the house.
"You don't mind me staying here. Do you, Nance?" asked Karen nervously.
"Of course not, dear. I told Mark I'd keep an eye on you. What better way to do it?" replied Nancy with a smile.
"God, I look dreadful," said Karen as she spied her reflection in a mirror.
Nancy smiled. "Why don't you have nice soothing bath? I'll put some soup on,"
Karen just nodded and followed her mother-in-law upstairs to the bathroom. Nancy opened a cupboard, took down several towels, and left them in the bathroom as Karen started filling the bath.
"These salts are very soothing," said the older woman as she poured the contents of a plastic bottle into the warm water. Finally, Nancy took out a white cotton robe and handed it to Karen.
"Thank you so much Nance," said Karen, trying not to cry again.
"Not at all dear," answered Nancy kindly. "See you in a bit," she finished before leaving the room.
"Poor girl, she's been through a lot. I had no idea,' thought Karen as she stirred the soup. By the time it was ready Karen appeared in the robe with her hair wrapped in towel.
"Good timing," said Nancy as she put the bowl on the table.
"Mmm, it smells delicious," declared Karen as she sat down.
"It's only mushroom soup, sweetheart," laughed Nancy as she sat down also and began to eat.
Karen seemed to be enjoying the soup until she stopped and looked at her mother-in-law. "Nance, I'm so sorry. I've been behaving like a schoolgirl,"
"Nonsense, dear. Karen, you've been through a great deal. It's natural you are emotional. Now stop apologising. You're my friend and I am here to help you in every way I can. How did you end up with that weirdo Landlord?"
Karen sighed deeply. "Well, you know we are in the process of building our house. Mark and I decided to rent the apartment and that would help us financially."
"Well, you can stay here for as long as you like."
"Oh no, Nance. I..."
"My dear girl, look at the size of this house. It's too big for me alone and we will be company for one another."
No more was said. Nancy and Karen dressed for bed and both women watched TV for a while with Karen resting her head on Nancy's breast.
"I think I'll turn in," said Karen.
"Me too," responded the older woman.
"Can I borrow your hairdryer?" asked Karen.
"Of course, dear, I'll get it and bring it to your bedroom,"
"You've got very beautiful hair," declared Nancy as she dried the younger woman's long black hair. It contrasted to Nancy's auburn that she kept short.
"Good night, dear. Sleep tight and don't worry about anything," instructed Nancy as she kissed Karen's forehead before leaving the room.
"Good night, Nance...and thank you," responded Karen, sounding exhausted.
After switching off the light Nancy gently closed the door before returning to her own bedroom.
