The lonely caretaker found a phone in the park. Turning it on, she was left stunned for a long time.
Margaret Wilson left for work earlier than usual. On weekends, the young crowd always left a mess, so she arrived at 4 a.m. to get everything done. She had been a caretaker for many years. Once, her life had looked very different.
As she picked up her broom, Margaret remembered her beloved son, whom she had raised alone after having him at 35. Luck had never favored her with men, so she devoted herself entirely to her child. She adored her Tommy. The boy was clever and kind, though it troubled her that he hated living in their neighbourhood.
“Mum, when I grow up, Ill be someone important!” hed say.
“Of course you will, lovehow could you not?” shed reassure him.
At 16, Tommy left for a student dormitory closer to his college. Margaret worried, but he promised to visit often.
At first, he did. But then he met a girl, and thoughts of home faded. Then, one day, he returned for goodsaying he was dying. Margaret couldnt fathom why life had dealt them such a cruel hand.
She fought with everything she had. Doctors suggested treatment abroad, but the costs were staggering. Without hesitation, she sold her flat. Then, one night, the call came.
“Your son hes gone.”
Margaret didnt want to live. Without Tommy, nothing mattered.
One morning, as usual, she went to clean the courtyard.
“Morning!” called out Samuel Bennett, walking his dog.
“Morning! Youre out early,” she replied.
“Ah, bored at home. Thought Id take Max for a walk and say hello.”
Samuel was a bachelor, and Margaret was shy around his attentions.
“Right, well leave you to it,” he said, strolling off.
Margaret resumed sweepingthen spotted something on the bench. A phone. She glanced aroundno one in sight. She turned it on. Photos flashed upsomeones memories left behind. She peered closerthen gasped.
“Tommy my boy!” she sobbed.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Startled, she answered.
“Hello? Thats my phonecan I get it back?” a womans voice asked.
“Yes, of course. I found it in the park. Come to this address,” Margaret said, reciting hers.
The young woman arrived. Behind her stood a boy.
“Where did you get these photos of my son?” Margaret asked.
“Of Jake?” the woman frowned.
The boy stepped forward.
“Tommy!” Margaret criedthen fainted.
The boy rushed to her. “Whats wrong?”
“She must have mistaken you,” the woman said. “We should call an ambulance.”
Fifteen minutes later, the medics revived Margaret. After they left, she finally learned the truth.
Still shaky, she turned to the woman. “Do I know you? How do you have pictures of my Tommy?”
“Im Emily,” she said softly. “I dated your son. He left when I told him I was pregnant.”
“Left? He never mentioned you.”
“We were together a few months. Then he vanished. I thought he was scared.”
“No, love. Now I understand. My son was illhe didnt want to burden anyone. Hes been gone for years.”
Emily paled. “Gone?”
Margaret nodded, tears falling. “I sold everything to save him. It wasnt enough.”
Emily exhaled shakily. “He was protecting me.”
She turned to the boy. “Jake, come here.”
He stepped closer.
“Remember how I said your dad left us? I was wrong. He was illhe died before you were born. And this is your grandmother.”
Margarets heart swelled as she looked at her grandson.
“Grandma,” Jake murmured.
“Come here, love,” she whispered, hugging him.
Emily smiled. “Move in with us. Weve plenty of room.”
Margaret shook her head. “This is my home. But Ill visit often.”
A knock interrupted them. Samuel stood at the door, flowers in hand.
“For you, Margaret. Fancy a walk?”
She smiled. “Id love to.”
Emily and Jake peeked out. “Can we come?”
“If you behave,” Samuel teased.
Two months later, Margaret became Mrs. Bennett. Max, the dog, adored his new familyespecially Jake, whom he followed everywhere while Grandma baked pies for them all.
Sometimes, lifes greatest sorrows lead to its sweetest surprises.
