**Diary Entry 12th October**
I never imagined my first day as a cleaner would lead to this.
Id just been hired through an agency in London, assigned to a posh townhouse in Kensington. The place was immaculate, but as I dusted the study, my breath caught. There, on the mantelpiece, was a framed photo of my mother. Before I could process it, the homeowner walked in.
Ill do a proper job, Id told myself earlier, gripping the duster tighter. My best mate, Emily, and I had moved to London days before, chasing our West End dreams. But first, we needed money. Emily landed a job at a boutique, while I took cleaning gigsdecent pay, flexible hours, and honestly, I found scrubbing floors weirdly calming.
But standing there, staring at Mums faceyounger, happierI felt sick.
Mum, *Margaret*, had hated the idea of me leaving Manchester. No father in the picture, just her, smothering me my whole life. Shed never even mentioned London, as if the city itself was cursed. The night Emily and I left, I scribbled a note and tiptoed out while she slept. A week later, still no call. I figured she was fuming.
Now, this.
The homeowner*Thomas Whitmore*smiled politely. Nearly done?
I pointed to the photo. Whos this?
His expression softened. Ah. Catherine. Love of my life.
My pulse spiked. What happened?
Car crash. She was pregnant. Her mother barred me from the funeralhated my guts. Never moved on. He rubbed his temple. Still miss her.
I swallowed. Sir that woman looks *exactly* like my mum.
His face paled. Your *mother*?
Margaret. Grew up in Manchester.
Thomas staggered back. Thats impossible. He begged for her number, dialled with shaky hands.
Mum answered, wary. Whos this?
Catherine, its Thomas.
Silence. Thenicy: Thomas *who*?
The truth tumbled out. Hed thought her dead for twenty years. *Her* mother had lied, told her *he* had left.
Mums voice cracked. I I cant believe Gran would do that.
Mum, I cut in, explaining everything.
She exhaled sharply. Im coming to London.
Thomas and I stared at each other after she hung up.
So. I grinned. Youre my dad?
He laugheda proper, relieved laugh.
**Lessons learned:**
Let your kids chase their dreams. I ran because Mum suffocated me. Guide them, but dont cage them.
Not all parents act in your best interest. Grans lie wrecked lives. Well never know why.
