SWNOVELS Chapter A shopping trip 16th July 1945
Margaret had rushed out to get some shopping. She had left John alone in the house, and it worried her. She would sometimes ask her neighbour, Betty, to look in whilst she was out, but Betty had had to go out to visit a sick friend. John would be all right for an hour, she told herself, but she worried in case ... well, she just worried. That’s what mothers do.
An acquaintance, June, was walking down the street towards her, with a young woman pushing a very small baby in a pram. Margaret didn’t like June very much. There was something about her manner. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she always made Margaret feel uncomfortable.
“Hello Marge,” June called out, as they drew near. “I was just saying to Helen here that if she wants some baby-sitting done, then I would be happy to do it.”
Helen looked uncomfortably at Margaret. Margaret didn’t know Helen, but she had the feeling that June was setting up this conversation to make some sort of point.
It occurred to Margaret that Helen was maybe thinking the same thing.
“I don’t mind baby-sitting at all,” continued June, smiling sweetly at Helen, but looking slightly askance at Margaret.
“It is a pleasure to give up some of your own time, caring for someone who will grow and blossom ... someone who will grow up healthy and strong ... someone who will contribute to the society we live in. Don’t you think so, Marge?”
Helen looked horrified, not knowing quite where to look.
Margaret turned away, unable to say anything, her eyes brimming with tears.