Id only ever known my parents through faded photographs tucked away in an old album. The truth is, my mother died the day I was born, and my father, shattered by her loss, couldnt even look at me. He signed everything away, leaving me alone in the world.
My grandfather stepped in, taking me from the hospital and raising me as his own.
He couldnt give up work, so he hired a nanny to watch over me until he returned home each evening. Later on, things became easier once I started nursery school. Time passed swiftly, and my relationship with Granddad turned into the sort most people only dream of. We never truly argued even in my wildest teenage years, we always found a way to compromise. I was endlessly grateful that he was by my side. The thought of what my life would have become without him frightened me more than anything.
I tried to show my gratitude, always helping around the house and putting my whole heart into my studies. He beamed with pride when I represented my school at every academic competition and on every sports team.
Granddad also helped me find my path in life. Id long been fascinated by biology but hadnt a clue which direction to take, so he introduced me to an old friend of his, a brilliant doctor at St. Thomas Hospital. After our talk, I finally knew what my soul craved.
I spent every year at university buried in study. I did my placement at one of Londons finest hospitals. It was far from easy there were nights I thought Id break but I made it, and eventually became a consultant neurosurgeon.
Right after graduation, the director of a leading private hospital reached out and offered me a position. I wouldve been a fool to turn it down. Work quickly became a whirlwind of twelve-hour days and intricate surgeries, but I take pride in saying I never lost a patient. Within a year, I was delivering lectures to my peers; even seasoned doctors wanted to hear what I had to say. Three years later, my name was being discussed in international circles. So, when a top hospital in the United States offered me a position, neither Granddad nor I were surprised. We decided together to take the leap.
We moved abroad. But America never felt quite right for Granddadhe missed England unbearably and eventually returned home. I wanted to follow him, but my life changed when I met Theo. We crossed paths at one of my lectureshe was a surgeon at another hospital. At first, we were friends, then dinner dates, and before long, we moved in together. We decided to marry back in England. I wanted Granddad to walk me down the aisle. Try as I might to convince him to join me again, he refused, saying plainly his days were numbered and he wished to rest in his homeland.
One afternoon, as Theo and I were laughing through a marathon of board games with Granddad, my mobile rang. It was my father. He started by congratulating me on the upcoming wedding, but Id no patience for half-truths. I asked straight out what he wanted.
He replied, I want money, love! Youre living like a queen now. Youve landed yourself a wealthy bloke abroad, rolling about in cash, so whats the harm in giving your old dad a share?
I didnt listen to another word. I hung up and blocked his number then and there.
Ill never understand where he found the nerve to call himself family after abandoning me.
To me, I have just two family members in this world. For them, I would give anything. But as for my fatherhe means nothing to me.
