**Diary Entry**
Bloody hell, thats itIve had enough! How much more can I take? The kid, the constant exhaustion, the endless help me, help me I just want my old life back! I want closeness, passion! I work all day, and what do I come home to? A tired, unkempt woman whos lost herself in motherhood. Maybe Ill crash at my mates tonight, then find someone younger Christ.
Sitting behind the wheel, fuming, I lit another fag. Today was the last straw for me and Emily. Our storys as old as timemet, fell head over heels, passion took over, protection forgotten. A few months later, two lines on a test.
Of course well keep it, well manage, I said confidently, and all the aunties and uncles nodded approvingly. Grandkids at last!
Then came the wedding, the due date, happy tearsa son! And just like that, our carefree life ended. Emily turned into a proper henalways frazzled, hair a mess, the baby screaming day and night. Help me, help me. Wheres the girl I fell for? Our families vanished the moment we needed them most.
Im not ready for this! I snapped at Emily today before slamming the door in her face, the baby bawling in her arms.
Screech of brakesa hunched figure stepped right in front of the car.
You got a death wish or what? I jumped out, storming toward him.
The old man straightened in his trench coat, eyes weary, and whispered, Yes.
I wasnt expecting that. Alright, grandad, need help? Let me take you home. Talk to me, maybe I can do something. I led him gently to the car.
Go on, then, I said, taking a drag.
Long story.
Ive got time.
He studied me, then glanced at the photo on the dashboard. Fifty years ago, I met a girl. Fell hard. Before I knew it, we were married, had a boyan heir, a legacy. Shouldve been perfect.
But I wanted the old days backlove, excitement. She was exhausted, the kid was relentless. Work was draining. I left it all to her, never lifted a finger.
Found a woman at work, had my fun. Wife found out. Divorce. Nothing came of the affair, but I didnt carefreedom at last.
She remarried, got her glow back. My son called another man Dad. I didnt bat an eye.
And you? I lit another fag, nerves frayed.
Me? I kept chasing the high. No family, no wife, no kids. Todays my sons fiftieth. Went to wish him happy birthdayhe shut the door in my face. Said, Youre no father to me. Piss off. The old man wept. My own fault.
Right where to, grandad? My fingers drummed the wheel.
Just up here. Dont worry about me. He shuffled off toward a block of flats.
I waited till he was inside before turning the car around. Stopped at the shop, bought flowers.
Forgive me, I whispered, kneeling before Emily, who was sobbing on the floor. Rest, love.
I took our son from her arms, rocking him as I sang in a rough whisper, Hush little baby, dont say a word
The little lad dozed off quickly, his tiny hand resting over my pounding heart. I stared at him, choked up. I want to watch him grow. I want to hear him call me Dad.
Another rescue mission? The old woman smiled as her husband hung up his coat.
Had to knock some sense into the young ones.
And howd you pick who needed saving?
Needed saving myself at his age.
Come eat, hero. Ohremember, tomorrows the party. No more drowning men for one night. She touched his cheek.
Wouldnt miss it. Fifty years for our boy, our love. How could I forget? He kissed her, grinning as they walked to the kitchen.
Thats the story. Believe it or notup to you.
