**Diary Entry**
A sleek car pulled up outside a charming little florists shop, one that had quickly become the talk of the town since opening. People came from neighbouring counties just to buy their exquisite arrangements.
Could you put together the most beautiful bouquet you have? The biggest one, too. Ive just had a son! said the young man, beaming at the florist.
On his way to the hospital, James pictured the moment hed hold his baby for the first timethe moment hed become the father he never had. His own dad had left nothing but a bitter weight in his memories. The only bright spot was the faint recollection of being lifted high into the air, a mix of fear and joy surging through him. But soon after, Edward Whitmore walked out on his family, leaving his wife and ten-year-old son without a home.
It had all started when his mothers friend, Victoria, began visiting more often. She worked at the hospital and sometimes brought a bottle of medicinal spirits for dinner. When Jamess mum protested, Victoria would just laugh.
Oh, dont be such a prude! Its just to whet the appetite, shed say, brushing off any concern. Youve got such a wonderful husband! You should cherish him, spoil him, appreciate him.
One night, Victoria invited James and his parents to her birthday party. She lived on the other side of town with her two daughters. All evening, she hovered around Edward, topping up his drink, laughing too loudly at his jokes.
Then, one evening, James came home from football practice to hear his parents arguing in the kitchen.
Im leaving. And yes, I love Victoria. Whatever we hadlove, respectits long gone. But with her, its real. She *values* me, unlike you.
She doesnt value *you*, you fool. She values your wallet, his mother shot back.
Knew youd say that. Always the drama. By the way, well have to sell the flat and split the money.
What? Have you no shame? My parents *gifted* us that flat for our wedding!
*Our* wedding, not *yours*. Its joint property.
And what about your son? Wheres he supposed to live, sleep, eat?
Have *you* thought about how *Im* supposed to live in a one-bed with the woman I love and two schoolgirls? Besides I just want whats *fair*
For two years, James and his mother lived with his grandparents. Later, they took out a mortgage and bought their own place. Years after that, his mum remarried. When James finished university and married his wife, his stepfather transferred the flat into his name.
*Ill love my son. Ill never betray himor Emily*, James thought as he drove home from the hospital. Over the next few days, hed need to buy everything for the baby and set up the nursery. Theyd held off on purchases because of Emilys superstitions.
As he neared his house, James spotted a balding stranger lingering outside. Something about him felt unsettlingly familiar.
James! Hello, son! Dont recognise me?
Dad?
The very same! Saw you getting out of your car. Nice motor, by the way.
Sorry, Im in a hurry. Jaw clenched, James tried to step past him.
Sorry? In a hurry? No need to be so formalwere family. Fancy a quick chat? Man to man?
Normally, James wouldnt have wasted a second on this man. But today, he was in too good a mood. Without answering, he headed inside. Edward took the silence as an invitation and followed.
Lovely place youve got here. Big, too, Edward said, eyeing the rooms. Youve done well for yourself. More than capable of helping your own flesh and blood.
What are you on about?
Dont play daft. First, youve got spare rooms. Second, you can clearly afford to sort out my problems. And your old mans in a bit of a pickle.
I dont see how my life has *anything* to do with you. Or why I should care about your problems. We havent spoken in twenty years. Were strangers. What do you *want*?
Had a row with my stepdaughters husband. The bloke called me a freeloader. *Me!* After all I did for Victoria and her girlsworked my fingers to the bone at the factory, kept a roof over their heads. But the second I retired? Everything changed. They kicked me out, son. *Out of the house I paid for!* And the loans Victoria took in my name? Still mine to pay. Im in a tight spot. Just want whats *fair*
Fair? Whats that got to do with *me*?
Victoria and I were never even married. Legally, shes nothing to me. But *youre* my son. And your mumshes still my only *proper* wife. If she hadnt remarried, Id have gone to her. We raised you together, didnt we?
You think youve got any rights after taking half the money from Mums flat and vanishing? You didnt even pay child support, *Dad*.
That money went on Victorias flat and holidays. Nothing wrong with a bit of sun! Only mistake was taking loans for her daughters weddings and honeymoons. But youll understand, son. Youll help. After the way they treated methrowing me out like rubbish
Holidays? Mum and I were too busy scraping together a deposit. She worked seven days a week. I was handing out flyers at thirteen, then washing cars after school.
Good lad. Proper man. Knew you wouldnt abandon your old dad now.
I lost my father when I was ten.
Well, Im here now. Better late than never, eh? Well make up for lost time.
How?
I could stay in your spare room. Just temporary. Bloods thicker than water, right?
That rooms for my son. Dont know who gave you my address, but they shouldve told youIve just had a baby. A *son*. And Ill be a better father to him than you ever were. Now get out. Ive got furniture to buy, nappies to sort He pointed to the door.
Outside, Edward called after him.
Jamesthats a fancy car. Why not trade it for something cheaper? Give me the difference, clear my debts. Do the right thing. Help your dad
Youre nothing to me but a traitor. I needed a father when I was a boy. I dont need you now. And if I see you again, I wont be responsible for what happens.
James strode to his car without looking back, leaving Edward standing there, bewildered. Not an ounce of pity stirred in him. He knew hed made the right choicefor his son, so hed never know the pain James had carried all these years.
*Lesson learned: Some wounds never heal, but they teach you how to protect the ones you love. He clicked the unlock button on his key fob, the cars lights flashing in the dusk. The hospital bag sat in the back seat, stuffed with tiny clothes and blankets. Inside the house, Emily would be waiting, their newborn son nestled in her arms. James paused, hand on the door handle, and took a slow breath. He wouldnt let the past shadow this joy. Not today. Not ever. With a final glance at the empty street, he got in, started the engine, and drove toward home.
