Shall I expect you on Sunday? I asked my daughter. Of course, she replied.
I was looking forward to having the children over and was busily getting everything ready for them. I wanted to treat them to something special. The house was spotless, and Id tidied myself up too. I set the table, and all that was left was to wait for my guests to arrive. But as the arranged hour passed, no one showed up. My worry began to growperhaps something had happened. I had even planned to give my children a rather generous sum of money. I knew how much they longed for a new car. So, I decided to ring my daughter. She finally answered, sounding half-asleep:
Mum, I completely forgot we were supposed to come over. So, Ive spent two days preparing for you, all for nothing? Today is my birthday, for goodness sake. Mum, well definitely come tomorrow. Ive just been so busy, it just slipped my mind. Im sorry.
I ended the call feeling thoroughly miserable. All the food Id prepared went in the bin. I packed a small bag, took the money I was going to give the children, and treated myself to a holiday at a seaside town on the south coast. That week away turned out to be wonderful. One afternoon, while strolling in the park, a man approached me and invited me out for coffee. Philip was a retired judge. Our conversation was effortless and livelyhe knew so many fascinating stories, and I shared parts of my life too.
We fell for each other rather quickly. Before my return home, Philip asked if I would move in with him. I have a nice flat and a pension. We could spend time together, go to the pictures, and just enjoy ourselves. I hesitatedmy children, my grandchildren. And what about them They have their own lives, Philip reassured me. Theyll come round to visit us. At that moment, I remembered how my daughter had forgotten my birthday, and suddenly it seemed easy to say yes.
A week later, I headed home. On my blocks front door, I saw a missing-person notice, asking for help finding a woman. Theyre looking for you, arent they? asked Philip. Thatll be my daughter, I replied. She didnt know you were off on holiday? No, she had no idea.
Just then, my daughter appeared on the stairs. Mum, where have you been? Weve been looking all over! I went on holiday. I can have my own worries and needs too, cant I? And this is Philip. Well be living together from now on. I dont understand. Dont worry. Theres nothing wrong with me. Dont you want me to be happy? Of course I do. Good. Now come inside, I brought back some souvenirs from my holiday for you. Would you have had the courage to change your life so suddenly?My daughter paused in the doorway, uncertainty flickering across her face. Then she smileda real, warm smile I hadnt seen in years. Id love a souvenir, Mum, she said, and hugged me tight. For the first time in a long time, I felt truly seenmy heart lighter than Id ever imagined possible. As we moved inside, sunlight spilling in, I caught Philips eye and he winked at me.
Sometimes, it takes being forgotten to find yourself remembered againand sometimes, happiness waits, just outside your own front door.
