
Laughter and Lamingtons
Jason gave me a quick peck on the cheek and was gone, leaving me alone, jetlagged and wondering what on earth I’d done flying to the other side of the world. He’d been called to an emergency at the hospital where he worked as a doctor.
I met Jason when he holidayed in America and after a whirlwind romance, he proposed and we married before he flew back to work in Australia. As I waited for my visa, packing for my new home and life, some friends and family expressed doubts but I had no qualms. I longed to join my beloved husband.
But now, looking around the sparsely, furnished home, I burst into tears.
I heard a knock and quickly wiped my red eyes. A grey-haired woman leaning on her walker smiled at me.
“Don’t worry. I’d feel like crying, too,” she said, looking past me. “Jason asked me if he should buy furniture before you arrived or wait and let you choose. I thought you’d like to pick your own pieces. If his taste is anything like my Jim’s…” She shook her head and rolled her eyes.
I realised this was Stella who Jason often talked about. A kind neighbour who loved cooking and frequently brought him delicious treats. I led her inside and she handed me a pretty cake tin.
“What are they?” I asked, peering inside.
“Lamingtons,” said Stella. “An Australian favourite. Jason loves them. I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”
The chocolate covered cakes sprinkled with coconut looked delicious. I reached out and gave her a hug, spilling a few more tears onto her shoulder.
“I’m across the road anytime you need me,” she said when I’d finally recovered.
As Stella wheeled her walker out the door, we heard loud laughter in the tall gum trees beyond the row of houses.
“A kookaburra,” said Stella. “He’s welcoming you to your new Australian home.”
The laugh was infectious and I found myself laughing as I watched her cross the road.
I’d already made a friend and life in my new home would be fine.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI loved this homely story, one that makes you feel that there is happiness to be found where ever you make your home.
Thank you, Eric. I actually know a very dear Stella who is much like this one. Unfortunately, a bad fall meant a move to a nursing home last year and now covid reduces her ability to get out and spread some kindness but I’m sure she’s still doing what she can.
Sweet story Sandra. Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Mary. I loved writing it and even more, was very happy to eat the lamingtons I made for the photo 🙂 I hadn’t made them for a few years – yum!
I really enjoyed reading this Sandra. It’s hard enough moving home, but if it’s to a completely different continent where you only know one person is unimaginable; to me anyway. The emotions of your protagonist come across really well.
Thank you Carrie. I moved almost eleven years ago and didn’t know anyone in the immediate area but had lots of family and friends three or four hours away. A long drive but so much easier than for someone who moves to another country! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIt must be scary crossing the world like that, although most of us know someone who has done it. I fancy a lamington, but would have to give the hug a miss just now. Great that you baked for the story!
Thanks Susan! I know a lot of people here in Australia who migrated from the UK. One friend told me once that when she flew back to Scotland to see family she thought of it as ‘going home’ but after a few years she realised on a return trip that coming back to Australia was the new ‘going home’. Still very difficult when something happens in the ‘other country’. And, I loved… Read more »
Hi, Sandra. What a nice story about home. Moving to another place is hard, I know how it feels. But I am happy that the character found Stella, who welcomed her, and also the kookaburra is happy.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Lotchie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. I moved 300kms from my home town eleven years ago but that’s not far compared to people who have moved to different countries! Stella was inspired by a lovely lady who lived in the retirement village where my dad lives and my mum before she moved into care. Stella loved to cook for everyone even though she was a diabetic herself and couldn’t… Read more »
Hi Sandra, No. I never moved from another country yet. But I moved to Manila which is far away from my birthplace (Mindanao). It is traveled via plane (1 and a half hours) or ship (2days).