A sleek car pulled up beside a quaint little florists shop, one that had recently opened in town and quickly become a favourite among the locals. Even folks from neighbouring villages would come by for its exquisite bouquets.
«Could you pick out the finest and grandest bouquet you have? Ive just become a father!» beamed the young man to the cheerful florist.
On his way to the hospital, George pictured the moment hed cradle his newborn son for the first time, determined to be the father hed never had. His own childhood had been shadowed by his fathers abandonment, save for one faint memorybeing lifted high into the air by a tall, strong man, a mix of fear and exhilaration surging through him. But soon after, Edward Whitmore had walked out, leaving George and his mother not just broken-hearted but homeless.
It had all begun when his mothers friend, Veronica, started visiting often. A nurse by trade, shed sometimes bring a bottle of medicinal spirits, brushing off his mothers protests with a laugh.
«Oh, dont fuss! Whats the harm? Its just to stir the appetite,» shed say, nudging the bottle closer. «Youve got such a marvellous husbandyou ought to cherish him.»
Then came the night of Veronicas birthday. She lived clear across town with her two daughters, and the entire evening, shed hovered around Edward, topping up his glass and showering him with attention.
Not long after, George returned from football practice to overhear his parents arguing in the kitchen.
«Im leaving. And yes, I love Veronica. Theres been nothing between us for yearsno love, no respect. But with her, its different. She appreciates me,» his father declared.
«She doesnt appreciate you, you foolshe appreciates your money,» his mother shot back.
«Knew youd say that. Always the drama. By the way, well have to sell the house and split the proceeds.»
«What? Have you no shame? My parents gave us this home as a wedding gift!»
«Preciselyour wedding, not yours. Its joint property.»
«And what about your son? Wheres he to live, to sleep, to eat?!»
«Have you thought about how Im to live in a one-bed flat with the woman I love and her two schoolgirls? Besides, I only want whats fair…»
For two years, George and his mother lived with his grandparents. Later, they scraped together a mortgage for a modest home. His mother remarried, and once George finished university and wed, his stepfather transferred the flat into his name.
«Ill love my son and never betray himor Emily,» George thought as he drove home from the hospital. In the coming days, hed need to buy everything for the baby and set up the nursery. Theyd held off on purchases, respecting Emilys superstitions.
Approaching his house, George spotted a balding stranger lingering outside. Something about the mans demeanour tugged at his memory.
«George! Hello, son! Dont you recognise me?»
«Father?»
«The very same! I spotted you the moment you stepped out of that car. Fine motor, by the way.»
«Excuse me, but Im in a hurry,» George muttered, fists clenched as he tried to sidestep him.
«Excuse me? So formalwere family! How about inviting me in for a quick chat? Man to man?»
On any other day, George wouldve walked away. But today, his spirits were too high to let bitterness take hold. Without a word, he turned toward the building. Edward mistook his silence for consent and followed.
«Lovely flat youve got here! Plenty of space,» Edward remarked, eyeing the rooms. «Seems youve done well for yourself. More than capable of helping your own flesh and blood.»
«What are you on about?»
«Dont play dim. First off, youve spare roomsmore than one. Secondly, youre clearly in a position to sort out my troubles. And Ive got plenty.»
«I fail to see how my life concerns you. Or why youd think Id care. We havent spoken in twenty years. Were strangers. What do you want?»
«Im in a bind. Had a nasty rowalmost a brawlwith Veronicas son-in-law. Called me a freeloader! Me! When I was working at the factory, footing their bills, I was wonderful. But the moment I retired, everything changed. Long story short, they threw me out. Out of the house I paid for! And the loans Veronica took in my name? Still mine. Im in dire straits, son. I just want whats fair…»
«Fair? Whats that got to do with me?»
«How can you ask? Veronica and I werent even married. Legally, shes nothing to menor are her girls. But youre my son. And your mothers my only lawful wife. If she hadnt remarried, Id have gone to her. Were family, after all.»
«So you think youve any claim after taking half the money from Mums house and vanishing? You never even paid child support, Dad,» George spat, dropping the formalities.
«That money went toward Veronicas home and holidays. Nothing wrong with a bit of leisure. My mistake was co-signing loans for her daughters weddings and honeymoons. But youll understand, sonyoull help. After the raw deal Ive had…»
«Leisure? Mum and I had none. We scrimped for years. She worked doubles; I took odd jobs from thirteenhanding out flyers, then washing cars. You were nowhere.»
«Youve done well. A real man. Surely you wont abandon your father now.»
«I lost my father at ten.»
«Point is, Im here now. Better late than never. Well make up for lost time.»
«How?»
«I could stay in your spare room. Just for a bit. What dyou say? Bloods thicker than water.»
«That rooms for my son. Whoever gave you my address shouldve mentioned he was born today. I mean to be a proper father to him. Now, please leave. Ive furniture to fetch, and a mountain of chores.» He gestured firmly to the door.
Outside, Edward called after him.
«Georgethats a fine car. Fancy trading it for something simpler? The difference could cover my debts. Do the decent thinghelp your old man…»
«Youre no father. I needed you as a boy. Now, I dont. And if I see you again, I wont be responsible for what happens.»
George strode to his car without a backward glance. Not an ounce of pity stirred in him. He knew hed made the right choicefor his son, whod never know the pain hed endured.
