Ive had enough, Im done! How much more can I take? The kid, always whininghelp me, help me while I just want to live like I used to! I want passion! I work all day! I want to come home to my wife, my lover but now Ill grab a drink with a mate, then find some young thing damn it Gripping the steering wheel, Simon exhaled sharply, smoke curling from his lips as he stewed over the final straw in his marriage.
Their love story was as old as timeboy meets girl, they fall madly in love, recklessly ignore protection, and a few months later, two pink lines appear.
Of course well keep it, well manage, Simon had declared, all the aunts and uncles nodding approvingly. Just give us grandchildren.
Then came the wedding, the due date, the happy tearsa son! And just like that, their carefree life ended. His wife became a sleep-deprived mess, hair tangled, endlessly fretting over the baby, her pleas of help me constant, even in the dead of night.
Where had his girl gone? Their families vanished, leaving them alone with parenthood.
I cant do this! Simon snapped at his wife today before slamming the door in her face, the baby wailing in her arms.
Tires screecheda hunched figure loomed in the road.
You got a death wish?! Simon leapt out, storming toward the stranger.
The man straightened, his weary eyes meeting Simons, and whispered, Yes.
Stunned, Simon faltered. Dad, you alright? Need help?
I dont want to live anymore.
Come on, dont talk like that. Let me drive you home. Maybe I can help? Gently, Simon guided the old man to the car.
Tell me whats wrong, Simon said, inhaling smoke.
Its a long story.
Ive got time.
The old man studied him, then glanced at the photo on the dashboard.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl. Fell hard. Everything moved fastbefore we knew it, we were married, had a son, an heir shouldve been happy, right?
But I wanted the old dayspassion, excitement. My wife was exhausted, the baby cried, bills piled up. I dumped it all on her, never helped
Found someone at work, had a fling. Wife found out, divorced me. That fling fizzled, but I didnt carefreedom, right?
She remarried, got her life together. My son called another man Dad. I didnt care until today. The old mans voice cracked. Its his fiftieth birthday. Went to see him. He wouldnt even let me in. Said, Youre not my father. Go enjoy your freedom.
Simon lit another cigarette, fingers drumming the wheel. Where should I take you?
Just drop me here. Dont worry about me. The old man shuffled toward a block of flats.
Simon waited, watching him disappear inside. Then he swung the car around, stopped at a shop, and bought flowers.
Forgive me, he murmured, kneeling before his weeping wife. Rest, love. He took their son, carrying him to the nursery, singing softly, Hush now, little one
The baby dozed off, tiny hand resting on Simons pounding heart. He gazed down, overcome. *I want to watch him grow. I want to hear him say Dad.*
Rescuing another lost soul? An elderly woman smiled as her husband hung up his coat.
Someone had to teach the lad a lesson.
And howd you know he needed it?
Because I needed it once.
Come eat, hero. And dont forgettomorrows our sons party. No more rescues. She kissed his cheek.
Wouldnt miss it. Fifty years of love, our legacy. Arm in arm, they walked to the kitchen, laughing.
Believe it or notthats up to you. But some lessons are timeless.
