Sweetheart, dont think the worst of me! Im not a tramp, says a man with a gentle voice. Call me Mike Sullivan. Ive come to see my daughter. Its a hard story to tell.
The night before NewYears Eve ticks away, only a few hours left. All the office folk have already gone home, but nobody is waiting for Ivy. To avoid having to work on the first of January, she decides to finish her tasks early.
She knows shell get home in time; a couple of salads, some fruit and a bottle of fizz sit waiting in the fridge, already prepared. She has no reason to dress up for anyone. She longs to slip out of her heels and into her soft nightgown.
It turns out she broke up with Andrew a few months ago. The split was so painful that Ivy isnt in any hurry to start a new relationship. Being alone now feels comfortable.
Andrew tries to win her back, calling repeatedly, but Ivy refuses to start over. Nothing good will come of it, she tells herself. Were not a pair, its too complicated. She doesnt even want to think about him; the past would only spoil her holiday.
Ivy steps off the bus. A few more strides and shes at her flat. Near the entrance, on a bench, she spots an elderly man beside a small Christmas tree.
Probably someones guest, she muses.
She greets him; he nods without meeting her eyes. For a moment she thinks she sees tears glinting in his gaze, or perhaps its just the reflection of the streetlights, but she brushes it off and hurries inside.
The evening grows chilly, and Ivy shivers. After a quick shower she pulls on her favourite fluffy pajama, pours a cup of coffee, and moves to the window.
Strangely, the old man remains seated on the bench outside. Its been over an hour since I got home, she thinks. Two hours until NewYears. If he came to visit, why is he still out there? And whats that sparkle in his eyes? She sets the table, switches on the fairy lights on her own tree, but her thoughts keep drifting back to the lonely stranger.
Half an hour later she peers out again; he still sits, unmoving. Maybe hes not feeling well. The cold could do that. She throws on her coat and walks outside.
She sits beside him on the bench. He looks at her then turns away.
Excuse me, are you alright? I noticed youve been sitting here alone for a long time. Its freezing out. Can I help you with anything? she asks.
The old man sighs. Nothing, dear! Im fine, Ill just sit a bit longer and then Ill be off.
Where to?
To the station. Ill go home.
No, that wont do. I dont want to see you out here in the morning. Please, get up! Come inside, warm yourself, and then you can go wherever you need to.
But
No buts! Come on!
Ivy knows that if her friend Susan were watching, shed make a big fuss, but Susan isnt here, and Ivy cant leave the man standing.
He gets up from the bench and picks up the small tree. May I take it?
Youre welcome to, she replies.
Back in her flat, the man places the tree modestly in the hallway and strips off his coat. Each step looks painful; hes clearly chilled.
He settles at the kitchen table, and Ivy pours him a mug of tea. He warms his hands around the cup, takes a few sips, and looks up.
Sweetheart, dont think the worst of me! Im not a tramp. My name is Mike Sullivan. Ive come to see my daughter. Its a hard story to tell The clothes for the homeless, he begins.
My parents and I split long ago. I was at fault; I met another woman, he continues. I fell in love, foolish as a youth, and saw nothing else. At first I hid, then my wife Lucy found out about us and the kids. Arguments broke out at home, and one day I slammed the door and left for the woman I loved.
He tells how his daughter was five then. At first I tried to help, but Lucy, my exwife, was very proud and refused anything from me, even child support. She wanted to raise the girl on her own. I tried to assist through my parents, through her, but she wouldnt accept anything. She turned our daughter against me.
He recalls an incident at the nursery: I went to give my daughter some toys, but she ran away, refused to speak to me, and said I was nobody.
Then I decided to step back, stop showing up. Lucy and I left town together. I tried sending money for the girl, but the money kept coming back. I stopped trying. Ten years later Lucy and I returned to this city. My parents were gone, so we moved into their flat. We sold it later and bought a small cottage in the countryside, near the town, and lived there. We never had children together. Two years ago Lucy died, and Im alone now.
He sighs, I dont know why Im here today, walking to my daughters door. I wasnt expecting forgiveness. I havent seen her for many years. She lives in the same flat we once shared. I bought a Christmas tree, came to her, but she wouldnt let me in. I understand why. Im a stranger to her now. What was I hoping for? I need nothingmy house is fine, my pension is good, I could support my daughter if she wanted, because shes the only person I truly love.
He looks at Ivy and says, Everything would be different if Lucy had let me be part of my daughters life.
He walks away from his daughters flat, wanders for a long time, not knowing where to go, ends up here, sits on a bench and seems frozen, unwilling to move. Maybe Id have stayed there, he thinks, but fate has other plans. Perhaps Im still needed somewhere.
Thank you, dear, he says to Ivy, Ive warmed up now. Ill wait for the bus and go home.
A passerby shouts, Where are you going at night? The bus wont run until morning, and NewYears is in half an hour. Stay, Ill put a spare blanket on the sofa, and you can catch the first bus tomorrow.
Mike Sullivan glances at Ivy. Im really uncomfortable, sweetheart. Nowadays hardly anyone would let a stranger like me stay. Honestly, I dont want to be alone tonight. If youll allow it, Ill stay until morning and then leave.
Deal, Ivy replies.
In the morning Mike gathers his things. Thank you, Ivy, for everything. Youre like an angel, saving me from a foolish decisionI really wanted to stay on that bench.
He adds, You know, youre welcome to visit me. Its not farplenty of room, a small apiary with five hives behind the house, beautiful in summer. Maggie loved gardeningapples, pears, everything you can think of. In winter its cosy too; the river is nearby. Come over, youll be welcome.
Will do, Mike Sullivan! Ill definitely come, Ivy says.
Mike smiles, Good. Ill be heading off now, thanks again.
Ivy watches the window until Mike disappears around the corner. Thats how life workssometimes people you dont know become like family.
Having lost her parents early, Ivy listens to the old mans sad tale and decides she will certainly visit him one day. She smiles, leaves a comment, and hopes for more kindness in the coming year.
