Ive had enough, thats it, Im leaving! How much more can I take!
Ive had enough, thats it, Im leaving! How much more am I supposed to do? The child, her constant exhaustionhelp me, help me… But I want to go out, like before! I want intimacy! I work, you know! I just want to come home to my lovely wife, my woman… but now I think Ill stay with my mate tonight, and then maybe find a younger girl… oh well… Sitting behind the wheel and thinking this was the final straw in his marriage, Simon smoked nervously.
His story with his wife is as old as the hills. They met, fell head over heels, passion overtook them, forgot all precautions, and a few months later she stood there with two lines on the pregnancy test.
Of course, have the child, well manage, Simon replied confidently, and all the women and grandparents nodded in agreement, ready to helpjust have the baby… Then came the wedding, the birth, tears of happinessa son!… And that was it… Their carefree days ended, his wife became a dreary housewife, sleepy, hair unkempt, the child always screaming, even at night, and her endless calls for help… Where did his girl disappear? The family gradually faded away, leaving them alone to handle parenthood.
Im not ready! Simon said to his wife today, slamming the door on her tearful face with the crying baby in her arms.
A screech of brakes… Suddenly, a huddled figure appeared in front of his car.
Whats the matter with you? Are you out of your mind? Simon jumped out and rushed over.
The man in the raincoat straightened slightly, looked at Simon with sorrowful elderly eyes and whispered, Yes.
Taken aback by such an answer, Simon was confused.
Mate, do you need some help? Is everything alright?
I dont want to live anymore.
Why would you say that? Come on, let me drive you home. Maybe I can help, you never know. Simon took the old man gently by the hand and guided him to the car.
So, tell me your story, Simon lit up a cigarette.
Itll take ages to explain.
Im not in a hurry.
The old man studied Simon, then glanced at a photo hanging from the mirror.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl and fell in love instantly. Before we knew it, we were a family, had a childa son, an heir… Thought that was happiness, but I wanted everything to stay as before: love, passion, youth. My wife was exhausted, dealing with a small child and the daily grindplus work, I left it all to her, never helped. Then I met a woman at work, something sparked… My wife found out and that was the end. Divorce. Nothing ever worked out with the other woman, but I didnt mind, carried on partying. My ex found someone new, blossomed, my son called her husband dad, and I couldnt care less.
So what did you do? Simon nervously lit another cigarette.
Me? I partied myself out. No family, no wife, no children. Today my son turns fifty, I went to see him, and he wouldnt even let me inhe told me Im not his father, just go away, the old man began to cry, Its all my fault.
Right then, mate, where should I drop you off? Simon drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.
I live just here, really, its alright. Dont worry about me… The old man got out and shuffled towards the block of flats nearby. Simon waited until he was safely inside, then turned his car around. On the way home, he stopped at a supermarket and bought some flowers.
Forgive me, forgive me, he said, kneeling in front of his crying wife as he entered the house. Rest, my love.
He took their son from her arms and walked into the other room, gently rocking him as he sang in a husky voice: Sleep, little toys, its time for bed…
Surprised, the boy quickly drifted off, trusting his tiny hand to his fathers pounding heart. Simon watched with tenderness: I want to see my son grow up. I want to hear Daddy.
Saving lost souls again? the elderly woman smiled as her husband walked in the door, hanging up his coat.
Yeah, someones got to drum some sense into the young, he replied with a grin.
How do you know who needs help?
I needed it myself at that age.
Come on then, suppers ready. And remember, were off to our sons birthday tomorrowno lost souls in the evening, she said kindly, glancing at her husband.
Of coursehow could I forget? Our boy is fifty, our love turns fifty, too. How could I possibly forget? he said, hugging her as they headed to the kitchen, smiling.
