The Changeover

Mrs Wilson was a 70 year old woman who lived alone with just a cat for company . Her husband had died 10 years back and since then she had isolated herself. They had no children of their own. Due to her crabby nature, relatives slowly and gradually stopped visiting. She spent her time tending her garden , resulting in a beautiful array of flowers. Neighbours often stopped to admire them and commented on their beauty.

Mrs. Wilson chose not to respond. The only thing that made her smile was her cat,Tabby.

Emily and her mother, Kim , lived next door to her. Emily would often call to her while playing in the garden. She felt bad for Mrs Wilson as she was alone all the time. Mrs Wilson would just ignore her. In fact, she would tell Emily off if her ball happened to fall in her flowerbeds.

One morning, Mrs Wilson was taking a plate out of the cupboard when she fell very badly. She was trying to think of a way to reach the telephone when she fell unconscious.

When she came to, Emily was sitting beside her holding her hand. On seeing Mrs Wilson open her eyes, Emily quickly called her mother .

Kim came and explained to Mrs Wilson that the doctor had come and given her the required medication and she was to take rest for at least a week.

Apparently, Emily had noticed her absence in the garden and told her mother. When no one had answered the bell, Kim had peered into the windows and discovered Mrs Wilson unconscious on the floor.

Another neighbour had forced the door open and they had called the doctor.

Mrs Wilson was quite downcast as she didn't have anyone to look after her. Kim quickly assured her that she was not to worry as all the neighbours were pitching in.

Kim was taking care of the food and the house .Meg, who lived two houses down, had taken the cat to her place. Mrs Jones and Mrs Davies would take turns to stay the night .Mr Jones would look after the garden. So she just had to concentrate on getting better.

Everyday , she would get visitors bringing her flowers and little tidbits to tempt her appetite. Mrs Wilson was overwhelmed by the love and care her little accident had evoked. She was filled with remorse when she realized how much she had missed on in the years gone by.

She soon recovered with everyone taking care of her.

She threw a small tea party with the help of Kim, Mrs Jones and Mrs Davies. Of course, Emily pitched in wherever she could.

All the residents of the locality were invited . Mrs Wilson thanked them from the bottom of her heart for all the love, care and support they had bestowed upon her. She promised them that she would be a completely new person now.

She further added that all were welcome to her house anytime they wanted to come.

The happiest person was Emily who became a regular visitor to Mrs Wilson.