Neighbours Short Story

Living in a suburban area, there were always many people I could trust and talk to. At present, about five families were gathered at my house. The adults were sitting next to the bar, where I was making lunch. My two children and the rest of the neighbours kids, eleven in total.

I was busy in the kitchen, keeping all the women company who wished to talk about the latest fashion. The men were outside talking over beers about the latest footy match. I wasn’t paying attention to what the ladies were saying, until I heard about my kids being the elite two attending private schools.
“I just want my kids to have the best education possible,” I told the other mums, “it isn’t turning them into stuck up or spoilt, they want to study and I am happy to pay for their schooling.”

“I know that you are a great mum, but I know and everybody knows, that you are pushed for money,” said my neighbour, Mrs Sheppard. The other mothers nodded in agreement.

“You’re going to end up in the hospital with a heart attack if you keep stressing yourself out. We all know you will do what is right for your children, but you need to do what is best for your health.”
I dismissed these interests for my health. Little did I know, within the next week I would be in hospital. I didn't, but my neighbours did and so did my kids. I ended up in hospital for a couple of weeks, and was visited by all five families from my neighbourhood.

When I was finally out of hospital, I was ready to get back to work, to feed my kids and be ready to pay for the new school’s year. When I went to pay, the accountant didn't what to say. There was no money owed!

I went home; having not dropped by first, and my neighbours were all there holding a paid check for my children to go to school, to be transported to and from school, money left over for me to go shopping and not have to worry about working for a few months.

Living in a suburban area has its advantages. People are close enough to lend each other a hand when times get tough.