The man is enjoying his day off and is fast asleep, but suddenly the doorbell rings. He wonders who could be at his door so early. When he opens it, hes greeted by an elderly woman he doesn’t recognise. She looks frightened.
Who are you here to see, madam? he asks politely.
My son, do you not recognise your own mother? she says.
Mum? Is it really you? he manages to say, barely able to get the words out.
He remembers all too well the day he was taken from his mother. He waited for years, hoping shed show up at the childrens home and bring him back. Eventually, the pain dulled. He finished school, went on to university, and started his own successful business. Whenever anyone asked about his parents, he would simply say they had passed away. He learned to live independently, rely only on himself, and built up his confidence and wealthnothing about him revealed he had grown up in care.
The woman hardly recollects when she lost parental rights. In her younger days, she drank heavily, and during her long binges, her mind would shut down completely. She also did time in prison, and there, she would think about her sonbut no, she never truly loved him; she simply pitied him.
When her second son was born, she finally felt maternal instincts. She would do anything for her youngest boy, putting his happiness above all else, but never spared a thought for her eldest. Her younger son ended up just like herhe spent time in care homes and, by age fifteen, faced his first suspended sentence, with more trouble soon following, finally leading to prison. His mother now desperately tries to save him from life behind bars, knowing too well what its like. As soon as she heard her eldest had made a good life for himself, she immediately started searching for him.
Now, she sits in his home, shedding tears, reaching out to touch him. She tells him how she searched for him, prayed for his health, hoping each day to find him. He listens, believing her words, but something deep inside warns him to keep his distance. Nevertheless, he rents her a flat, gives her some pounds, and assures her she can count on his help. Secretly, he keeps an eye on her to see whether she returned out of genuine goodwill or for other reasons.
Just before Christmas, the man visits the childrens home where he grew up. He often brings toys and food for the kids still living there. An elderly carer approaches him.
Your mother was looking for your address, the carer tells him.
Yes. Thank you for helping her, he replies.
But you must be careful. Shes only trying to help her younger son. She wants your money, dont trust her! She doesnt love you, and she never did.
I have a brother? he asks.
Yes, ask her yourself, the carer says gently.
A lump rises in his throat; he struggles to breathe. He cannot believe his mum is about to betray him again. Fighting back his emotions, he decides to confront her and find out the truth. Shes not prepared for his direct questions and tries to hide the existence of her younger son, worried hell refuse to help.
A few days later, the man is attacked, brutally beaten. When the thugs are caught, they admit to the police that his mother hired them. She wanted her eldest son gone to claim his inheritance and secure a carefree life for her youngest.
In court, she shows remorse and pleads for forgiveness, but hes already made up his mind.
I lived without a mother before, and Ill do so again! he whispers through tears.
