My father left the house twice a week for a few hours, returning full of energy and in a splendid mood. Soon, his little secret came to light.
I was ten at the time, and my older brother, Oliver, was twelve. He spent all day mucking about in the garden, and we didnt exactly get on. I helped Mum with the chores while Dad worked long shifts at the factory, coming home late in the evening. Mum would set the table, wed sit down for supper, and thenwithout failDad would slip into his polished leather shoes, admire himself in the mirror, and vanish out the door without a word. Mum would glare at the door as it shut behind him, and Id wonder where on earth he was off toand why it put her in such a foul temper. Later, hed stroll back in, whistling cheerfully. One evening, curiosity got the better of me. «Why do you get cross when Dad goes out?» I asked.
Mum sniffed and said, «Because hes got a girlfriend.» I refused to believe it. Dad adored Mumhed never do such a thing! So the next time he disappeared into the night, I followed him. He marched straight to the Royal Opera House and slipped inside. I hovered outside, debating whether to go in, when a hand tapped my shoulder. I turned to see a stunning womannone other than a famous West End actress. She ushered me inside, where I found a packed auditorium.
And there, on stage, was my father. I had no idea he was an opera singerand a brilliant one at that. He belted out an aria, completely unaware I was watching from the back row, tears of pride in my eyes. When he finished, the applause went on forever. They handed him flowers, and he beamed under the spotlight. Afterward, we strolled through Covent Garden, giddy with excitement, before heading home. I rushed to Mum and whispered, «Dad doesnt have a girlfriendhes at the theatre!» She just winked and whispered back, «I know. Hes my secret too. And from that night on, whenever Dad slipped on his polished leather shoes, Oliver and I would exchange a knowing smile, and the house felt a little less heavy, filled instead with the quiet thrill of shared magic.
