My dad used to leave the house twice a week for a few hours, and hed always come back full of energy and in the best mood. Soon enough, his little secret came out.
I was 10 at the time, and my older brother, James, was 12. He spent all day playing in the backyardwe didnt exactly get along. Meanwhile, I helped Mum with chores around the house. Dad worked at the factory and came home late in the evening. Mum would set the table, wed all sit down for dinner, and then Dad would slip into his polished leather shoes, spend ages checking himself in the mirror, and leave without a word. The moment he was gone, Mum would glare at the door, annoyed. I couldnt figure out where he was going or why it bothered her so much. Later, hed return in such a cheerful mood. Finally, I asked Mum why she got so cross when he left.
She said, Because your fathers got a girlfriend. I couldnt believe it. Id seen how much he loved Mumhed never do something like that. The next time he left, I followed him. He walked straight to the Royal Opera House and went inside. I hesitated, unsure whether to follow, when suddenly a hand touched my shoulder. I turned and saw a beautiful womana famous actress. She smiled and led me inside, where I saw a packed auditorium.
There he wasmy dad, standing on stage. I had no idea he was an opera singer, and a brilliant one at that. He sang an aria, completely engrossed, not noticing me sitting in the back row with tears in my eyes. When he finished, the applause went on forever. He bowed, flowers were handed to him, and after the show, we strolled through Hyde Park together, laughing the whole way home. I rushed up to Mum and whispered, Dad doesnt have a girlfriendhe goes to the theatre! And she just smiled and whispered back, I know. He just needed a place to shine, she said, brushing a tear from her cheek. From that night on, James and I started sneaking into the back row every time Dad performed, and Mum always saved his favorite cake for when he got homestill humming the final note.
