The eldest daughter, 8-year-old Emma, ran into the yard after returning from school. She greeted her aunt Margaret with a warm smile and then rushed off to change clothes so she could help her mother around the house. The younger daughter was still at daycare – her grandmother was supposed to pick her up, as she always helped out. It was tough for Anna to manage everything on her own: two children, household chores, and taking care of the garden consumed a lot of her time and energy. All of this was because her husband, Michael, had left to work in England.
Michael always said that it was impossible to find a good job in their hometown and often complained about the constant lack of money. He decided that working abroad would help the family escape poverty and fulfill their dream of building a new house. Their neighbor had already built a large, beautiful house thanks to working abroad, and Michael wanted the same stability and comfort for his children.
After making arrangements with a friend who had been living in London for a long time, Michael set off for England in search of a better life. However, upon arrival, he discovered that the job his friend had promised him was already taken. For the first few weeks, he unsuccessfully searched for any kind of work. Eventually, on the advice of acquaintances, he found a job in a factory as a packer. The pay was modest and did not meet his expectations.
Two months passed. Michael called Anna and told her that he planned to return home. During this time, he had only managed to earn 800 pounds. He complained of back pain, exhaustion, and harsh working conditions. Michael realized that such work was not worth being separated from his family and sacrificing his health. Working abroad and being away from his children was unbearable for him.
Anna was overjoyed to hear the news of his return. She was not bothered by the unfulfilled dream of a new house or the small amount of money he had earned. The most important thing was that her husband was coming home because life without him had been incredibly difficult for her. The children had also missed their father dearly.
By the time Michael arrived, the grandmother had already returned home with the younger daughter and was busy preparing dinner. Everyone was hungry and eagerly waiting for her delicious donuts. It was already dark when Michael stepped into the house. He was carrying a small bag and just a few modest gifts for the daughters. Michael sat down on the couch and looked sadly at his family. He began to tell them how hard it had been to be alone in a foreign country and how he had realized that no amount of money could replace being close to his loved ones.
The grandmother wiped away a tear as she listened to his confession and refused to accept the money he offered. She told him to save it for the children instead. Michael sat surrounded by his family and felt truly happy. He had a place in the world where he was loved and always awaited.
