Dont forget, youve lived in my flat your whole life.
Here we go again. Will you hold this over me forever?
Tanya and Oliver had been married for ten years.
Tanya had a mother and a stepfather, Thomas, who had raised her since she was three. Her younger brother, Arthur, wasnt Thomass by bloodonly his sister, Natalie, was. Yet he never treated them differently.
When Tanya married and moved in with Oliver, Natalie was just eight. Oliver got on well with Thomas from the starthardly surprising, as Thomas could talk openly with anyone, child or adult. He spoke as an equal, finding common ground with everyone.
Oliver had no complaints about his mother-in-law, either, but he bonded with Thomas instantly, soon calling him “Dad.” His own father was gone, and his mother had moved in with her elderly parents when she fell illnever returning. She left the house to him.
Tanya and Oliver renovated it to suit their tastes, with Thomass help. Tanyas mother grumbledshe couldnt fathom why her daughter would leave the city for a village.
Mum, its a proper town. There are even five-storey buildings in the centre.
Youre in a cottage. That makes it the countryside.
Ten years passed. Their son and daughter grew older. Arthur, after finishing school, chose to stay in the city, far from home. Natalie married but had no place of their own, so they rentedpaid for by her parents.
Let them live with us, Thomas said to his wife.
I dont mind, but we need to talk.
About what?
Why did you change jobs?
Weve discussed this. The children earn their own keep now. I cant work two jobs anymore, especially since Ive been unwell. Expenses are lighter now.
Natalie needs a flat.
She has a husband.
Dont forget, youve lived in my flat your whole life.
Here we go again. Will you hold this over me forever?
Choose! You must work for our daughters flat!
What choice? Work myself to death?
Or leave.
You know I cant keep up like this.
Then Ill file for divorce. Go. Youve still got that house.
The house? Have you seen it? What state its in after all these years?
Not my concern. You refused to sell.
Thomas packed his essentials in silence.
Take it all, or Ill throw the rest out.
Weve spent our lives together. You retire next year. Im sixty-three.
Shouldve married a younger woman. I only agreed back then because no one else would take me with two children in tow.
Is that how you speak of them? Fine. Ill go. Ill fetch the rest within the week. Bear with me
Mum, wheres Dad?
You know hes not your real father.
What difference does that make? Hes my father. Ive no other.
Weve separated. Natalie and her husband are moving in.
What? Wheres Dad?
At his cottage.
And Natalie agreed to send him there, weak as he is? How could you?
Why do you care so much?
Its inhuman. Does Arthur know?
Why should he? Hes far away. Why are you here, anyway?
Just visiting. Were on holiday tomorrow, then stopping by Arthursits close by.
What do you want from me? I need money for renovationsyour sisters expecting. I wont spare a penny. Brought the children? Ive no time to mind them.
We dont need anything. Weve money, the children are coming with us. But when were you planning to tell us about the divorce?
Why should you care? Hes only Natalies father by blood.
When he loved and provided, he was familynow hes a stranger? Thats not right, Mum
Dont you judge me! Ive done my best for you!
Oliver re-entered the flat. Hed stepped out when Tanya began arguing, realising her father was truly gone. Hed barely reached himThomas seldom carried his phone, but by luck, he answered.
Of course, not me. Hes the one who cared for us. Time will tell.
Come on, Tanya. Oliver tugged her hand. Ive got the full story. Kidsto the car. Were going to Grandads.
You found out? Lets go.
I did. He was reluctant to say.
Well done. I never knew the addressnever told, never visited.
Thomas met them by the old cottage.
Grandad, does a wicked granny live here? the grandchildren chimed.
No. She stayed in the city.
Tanya and Oliver laughed. The joke landed, though Thomass mood was bleak. He brightened at their arrival but couldnt hide his sorrow.
Why did you find me?
How could you live here? We came to sort everything. Why didnt you tell us?
No need to trouble you. Your mother made herself clear.
I understood her, too. But how will you manage here? Its summer, but winter? Did you bring everything?
All I could. The place is barejust some old crockery. But Ill manage.
Of course you will. Pack your things, Dad. Youre coming home with us.
Yes, Dad. Well fetch the rest later. Just take the essentials.
I cant leave. Im not alone.
We see that. And weve been meaning to get a dogthe children beg for one.
He was dumped here, just a pup
Bring him too. Hell guard our house.
Thomas didnt weepthe tears fell on their own.
Dad, were away for ten days tomorrow. Youre in charge. Heres your room. Theres food, shops nearby, weve left money. Well visit Arthur. Just stay in touch
Dad, were back! Tanya called as they crossed the threshold.
Oliver and the children followed. But no one answered.
Instead of Thomas, Tanyas mother appeared.
Mum, what are you doing here? Wheres Dad?
I came to check your houseyou were away, she said, unfazed. Then I find a stranger herewith a dog, no less!
Where is he? Oliver demanded.
Natalies moved into my flat. Ill live with you. Its closer to town, and comfortable.
Listenwhere is he?
Oliver and Tanya were lost.
How should I know? her mother sneered. Where you left him.
Darling mother-in-law. Youve overstayed. Were home now
Tanya! How dare he speak to me like that?
Mum, its time to go. Dont bother bringing your things here.
They found Thomas back at the cottage, lying on the sofa, the pup asleep on the rug.
You again? Why? Im fine here. Just resting after lunch. He sat up. Someone else has taken my place.
She wont live in my home. Even if you wont come, theres no room for her.
She thinks otherwise. Freed the flat for Natalie.
Come on. Get in the carthe children brought gifts. Dont forget the dog. Leave the rest for now.
Hes already waitingjumped right in, Oliver said. Tanya, Natalies callingyou left your phone in the car.
I wont answer yet.
Thomas stayed with Tanya and Oliver. His ex-wife never reappeared. Arthur visited them, not herher flat was too cramped for his family.
Weve decided to move, he said one day. Want to be closer.
Brilliant.
Buying a flat?
No. A house. Ill buy land.
Ive some, son. If youd like it.
Land?
Yes. The cottage is gone, but the plot remains. If it doesnt suit, sell it and buy elsewhere.
Your land, my houseso youll live with us, Arthur said.
No. Hes our father.
No. Youve had your turn.
They debated cheerfully. No one would divide him. All was wellsave for Natalie, who stayed away.
She came much later, sent by her mother. Arthurs house already stood on their fathers land.
Dad, Im your only daughter. Did you build
