**Diary Entry A Night That Changed Everything**
Another late return from work, and I was exhausted. My old Ford Focus had been acting up, stalling a few times on the way homeprobably sensing its days were numbered. Soon, Id finally have enough for that shiny new car Id been dreaming of for a decade. The thought made me smile as I climbed the dimly lit stairs to my flat. I could almost feel the steering wheel beneath my fingers, the hum of a fresh engine. That dream was why Id worked every overtime shift, skipped holidays, and lived on instant noodles. My boss appreciated the effort but rarely rewarded itwhy would he, when he knew I wasnt going anywhere?
I lived on the outskirts of Manchester, in a small flat left to me by my grandad. My parents were back in Liverpool, and we barely saw each other. Every visit was the samethem nagging me to settle down, start a family. But that had never been my priority.
Reaching the fifth floor (the lift was out again), I nearly tripped over what I assumed was some drunk slumped outside my door. Then I flicked on my phone torch and realisedit wasnt a drunk. It was a kid. A girl, maybe twelve, curled up asleep. The light startled her awake, and she scrambled to her feet, clutching a backpack. Something fell from her gripa photo. Of me. I recognised it instantlya night out with mates years ago. She snatched it back, pressing herself against the wall. Where had she gotten that? Did she know my old friends? Most of them were long gone from my life.
«Hello! Ive been waiting for you!» she blurted.
I fished out my keys, pretending not to hear. What was this? Some kind of setup? Stories flashed through my mindkids used in scams, accusations that could ruin a man. I glanced around. No cameras. No police lurking. Just an empty hallwaymost of the flats here were abandoned.
«Youve got the wrong flat. I dont know you,» I said, stepping inside.
«Wait! Ive got nowhere else to go! Youre Dennis Whitmore, right?» She looked terrified, but who knew what was really going on in that head of hers?
«Yeah. And?»
«Then its true! Youre my dad!»
I barked out a laugh. This was insane. I had no kidsnever wanted any.
«Get lost before I call the police,» I snapped, shutting the door.
Her voice cracked through the wood. «Its too late! Ive got no one else!»
I stood there, heart pounding. What the hell was happening?
In the kitchen, I dumped my keys and flicked the kettle on. A cup of instant soup, then bed. But my appetite was gone. Who was she? Why that photo? Against my better judgement, I crept back to the door. Silencethen a quiet sob. Still there.
I yanked the door open. She was huddled on the steps, crying like an adult whod seen too much.
«Get in. Talk. Then well see.»
She bolted inside like Id offered gold. I made tea while she sat at the table, ignoring the stale biscuits I dug out.
«My names Lily,» she said. «My mum you met her at a uni party. She came down from Edinburgh for it. Her diary said you two well, it was one night. She wrote that you were the one, but you kicked her out the next morning.» Her cheeks flushed. «She didnt tell me details! Just that she never saw you again. Then she found out she was pregnant. She raised me alone. But now» Her voice wobbled. «Shes sick. Needs heart surgery. We cant afford it. I thoughtif you helped, Id pay you back! Ill get a summer job, anything!»
My stomach dropped. Thirteen years ago, there *had* been a girlSophie. A whirlwind night. If shed gotten pregnant I studied Lily properly. No resemblanceuntil I spotted it. A tiny red birthmark under her ear, shaped like a star. *Just like mine.*
My chest tightened. Even if she *was* minedid I owe her anything? Sophie had kept her from me. Anger flared.
«I dont owe you a thing. Sleep here. Tomorrow, youre going home.»
«Mum doesnt even know I came! Please! If she dies, Ill go into care! Your own daughter!»
«Prove it first. And even if you areIve lived without a kid this long.»
«Youre *pathetic*!» she spat. «Mum was right about you!»
I shoved a £50 note at her in the morning, dropping her at the station. She cursed me the whole way. I was late to work, distracted. That night, I stared at the TV, numb.
Three months later, I found them on my doorstepSophie and Lily. The girl threw herself at me. «Thank you, Dad! You saved her!»
That night Lily had stayed, Id tucked the money into her bagevery penny Id saved for the car.
Sophie smiled, tearful. «Thank you.»
Shed aged beautifully. Something in me shifted. What had I missed, chasing a dream that didnt even matter anymore?
We talked. Shed been scared to tell me back thenId been reckless, impulsive. But now
I took a day off. We went to the parkrides, ice cream, laughter. As I waved them onto the train, I promised Id visit. Then I asked Sophie to tryfor us, for Lily. She cried. Said yes.
Two months later, I introduced them to my parents in Liverpool. They wept, hugging their granddaughter.
And the car? I got it eventuallyafter a better job, a real life. Because now, I had something *real* to drive toward.
