I swallowed my tears: From being a father-king to becoming an old, forgotten man.
I spent my entire life alone. I grew up an orphan.
I can’t remember my parents—they were gone when I was just a few years old.
My grandmother raised me. She seemed strict but was fair. She taught me to work hard, not to complain, and to never expect help from others.
I matured early.
I didn’t really finish school—left after the eighth grade to work.
Then I got married.
I was just 18, but I thought I was already grown up, that I understood how the world worked, and that I could make my family happy.
A year later, my daughter was born.
I didn’t realize at the time how much that little baby wrapped in a blanket would change my life.
Looking at her, I vowed to myself: “You won’t grow up the way I did. You’ll have everything.”
From that moment on, my path was clear—work.
My wife left, and I was left alone with our child. Our family happiness didn’t last long.
She couldn’t take it.
She wanted to go out and have fun while I… I worked from morning until night so that our daughter would lack nothing.
She started staying out late.
Then I found out she had met someone else.
And then she was gone from our lives.
She left without even saying goodbye to our daughter.
I didn’t cry.
I couldn’t allow myself weakness.
I just kept working.
I would jump from one shift to another, didn’t know what weekends were, and couldn’t remember the last time I slept more than four hours straight.
But none of that mattered.
Because I had her—my girl, my princess.
I promised myself that she would be happy.
And I kept my word.
I bought her everything she wished for.
Toys. Dolls. A bicycle.
Even when money was tight—I found a way.
I worked, I worked, I worked…
And she would hug me around the neck and say:
— Dad, you’re the best! You’re my king!
And for those words, I was ready to do anything.
I went abroad for her sake. When my daughter grew up, expenses increased.
A computer, a phone, fashionable clothes, trips…
Then—prom night.
— Dad, I found the perfect dress! It’s flawless! It’s only a thousand pounds!
I didn’t show that the amount made me feel uneasy.
I smiled and said:
— Of course, princess. We’ll buy it.
But that evening, I packed my bags and went to earn money.
I went where the pay was good, where I could earn in a month what I couldn’t back home in a year.
I worked as a porter, a builder, a watchman—whatever it took to send her money.
I lived on bread and water, slept in a cramped room with ten others like me.
But it didn’t matter.
Because I was doing it for her.
Because she was my princess.
And for her, I was ready to work myself into the ground.
I paid for everything—her education, her wedding, her child’s expenses…
She got into university.
— Dad, I need to pay for the semester…
— Of course, sweetheart.
— Dad, I need money for the apartment, food, education…
— Of course, sweetheart.
I never complained.
I never told her how hard it was for me.
I just worked.
And then she fell in love.
— Dad, I’m getting married!
I felt my heart tighten.
She was still so young…
— Are you sure, sweetheart?
— Yes, Dad. I love him.
I said nothing again.
I just reached into my pocket and pulled out the last bit I’d managed to earn.
The wedding.
Then the birth of her child.
Expenses kept coming.
But I didn’t mind.
I was happy.
And then I became no one important…
Years passed.
I grew older.
Work became tougher.
I could no longer rush around a building site, carry heavy loads, or stand on my feet for 14 hours.
One day I thought:
“Why not buy a car? It might make life a bit easier…”
And I called my daughter.
— Sweetheart, I’ve decided to buy a car. After all, I’m not as young as I used to be, and it’s hard walking everywhere…
I waited for her to say:
“That’s right, Dad! You did so much for us, you’ve earned it!”
But instead, I heard laughter.
— Dad, a car for you?! Have you lost your mind? Where would you even drive it? You’re old now!
Then she added:
— Give the money to us. We want to make a nursery for our son.
I fell silent.
Then simply said:
— Of course, sweetheart.
And I handed over the money.
I am no longer a king. I’m just an old man…
I realized it that day.
I’m no longer important.
I’m no longer needed.
I was needed as long as I could give.
But when it came time to think of myself—it turned out I was just extra.
I swallowed my tears.
I didn’t argue.
I just understood.
Now I’m just an old man, in the way.
And you know what I think now?
She will become a mother herself.
She will see how children grow up.
And then, one day, perhaps on a rainy day, she’ll suddenly remember me.
Recall how I worked for her, didn’t sleep, barely ate, didn’t live for myself.
And then she’ll understand.
And then she’ll realize the mistake she made.
I’m not angry.
I’m just waiting for that day…
