A sleek car pulls up outside a charming little florists shop in the heart of London. The boutique, newly opened, has quickly become a favourite among locals, drawing customers from neighbouring towns for its exquisite floral arrangements.
«Could you pick out the loveliest bouquet you have? The grandest one, please. Ive just had a son!» beams the young man, his face alight with joy as he addresses the pretty florist.
On the way to the hospital, James pictures the moment hell hold his newborn for the first timethe moment he becomes a father. Memories of his own father weigh heavily on him. The only bright recollection from his childhood is being lifted high into the air by a tall, sturdy man, a mix of fear and exhilaration surging through him. But soon after, Edward Thompson abandoned his family, leaving James and his mother not just heartbroken but homeless.
It all started when his mothers friend, Veronica, began visiting often. A nurse at the local hospital, shed sometimes bring a bottle of gin to dinner, brushing off Jamess mothers hesitant objections with a laugh.
«Oh, come off it! Whats the harm? Its just to whet the appetite,» Veronica would say, flashing a smile. «Youre lucky to have such a wonderful husband. He deserves to be cherished.»
One evening, Veronica invited James and his parents to her birthday party. She lived on the other side of town with her two daughters. The entire night, she fawned over Edward, topping up his drink and showering him with attention.
Then, one day, returning from football practice, James overheard his parents arguing in the kitchen.
«Im leaving. And yes, Im in love with Veronica. Theres nothing left between usno love, no respect. But with her? Its real. She appreciates me, unlike you.» His fathers voice was cold.
«She doesnt appreciate you, you fooljust your money,» his mother shot back.
«Knew youd say that. Cant have a civil conversation, can we? By the way, well have to sell the flat and split the proceeds.»
«What? Have you no shame? My parents gave us that flat as a wedding gift!»
«Exactlya gift to *us*, not just you. Its joint property.»
«And what about our son? Where will he live? Where will he sleep? What will he eat?!»
«And what about me? How am I supposed to live in a one-bedroom flat with the woman I love and her two schoolgirls? Besides, I just want whats fair…»
For two years, James and his mother lived with his grandparents before scraping together enough for a mortgage on a small house. Years later, after James graduated and married, his stepfather transferred the deed to him.
«Ill love my son and never betray himor Emily,» James thinks as he drives home from the hospital. Over the next few days, hell need to buy everything for the baby and set up the nursery. Theyd held off on purchases, respecting Emilys superstitions.
As he approaches his house, James spots a balding stranger lingering outside. Something about the mans demeanour feels unnervingly familiar.
«James! Hello, son! Dont you recognise me?»
«Father?…»
«The very same! Saw you the moment you stepped out of that car. Nice ride, by the way.»
«Sorry, Im in a hurry.» James clenches his fists, stepping around him.
«Sorry? In a hurry? No need to be so formalwere family. How about inviting me in for a chat? Man to man.»
Under different circumstances, James wouldve walked away. But today, hes in too good a mood. Without answering, he heads inside. Edward takes the silence as consent and follows.
«Lovely place youve got here! Plenty of space,» Edward remarks, glancing around. «Youve done well for yourself. More than capable of helping out your old man.»
«What are you on about?»
«Dont play dumb. First, youve got spare rooms. Second, youre clearly doing alright. And your fathers in a spot of trouble.»
«I fail to see how my success concerns you. Or why your problems should matter to me. We havent spoken in twenty years. Were strangers. What do you want?»
«Ive hit a rough patch. Had a rownearly a brawlwith Veronicas son-in-law. Called me a freeloader! Me! When I was working at the factory, supporting her and her girls, I was golden. But after retirement? Everything changed. Long story short, they kicked me out. Out of the house *I* paid for! And the loans Veronica took out in my name? Still mine. Im in dire straits, son. Just looking for a bit of fairness…»
«Fairness? Whats that got to do with me?»
«Come now! Veronica and I were never even married. Legally, shes nothing to menor are her daughters. But you? Youre my flesh and blood. And your mothers my only lawful wife. If she hadnt remarried, Id have gone to her. Were family, after allraised a son together.»
«So you think youve got rights after taking half the money from Mums flat and vanishing? You didnt even pay child support, *Dad*.»
«The money went towards Veronicas flat and holidays. Nothing wrong with thateveryone deserves a break. My mistake was co-signing loans for her daughters weddings and honeymoons. But youll understand, wont you? Help me out. Ive been treated unfairly, tossed aside»
«Deserve a break? Mum and I didnt get one. We scrimped for years. She worked double shifts. I took odd jobs from thirteenhanding out flyers, then washing cars.»
«Youre a proper man. Surely you wont abandon your father now.»
«I lost my father at ten.»
«Point is, Im here now. Better late than never, eh? Well make up for lost time.»
«How?»
«I could stay in your spare room. Temporary, of course. Family sticks together.»
«That rooms for the baby. Whoever gave you my address shouldve mentioned Ive just had a son. Today. And I intend to be a proper father to him. Now, please leave. Ive got furniture to buy, nappies to sortplenty to do.» He gestures firmly to the door.
Outside, Edward calls after him.
«Jamesthats a fine car. Maybe trade it for something simpler? Give me the difference. Ill clear my debts. Do the right thinghelp your father…»
«Youre a traitor. I needed a father as a boy. Now? I dont need you. And if I see you again, I cant promise Ill hold back.»
James strides to his car without a backward glance, leaving Edward stunned on the pavement. Theres no pity in his heartonly certainty. Hes making the right choice for his son, ensuring the boy never endures the pain he once did.
