After Im gone, youll have to move out, Im leaving the flat to my son
Im sorry, Sarah, but when I die, youll need to vacate the flat, Arthur said to his wife, Im leaving it to my son. Ive already sorted everything out. I hope youre not upset with me for this? Youve got your own children, theyll look after you.
Sarahs life had always been a tangle. Raised in a childrens home, parents unknown, she married young for love but found no happiness. Thirty-five years ago, as a young woman, widowed with two small children, her husband John was tragically killed. She made her way alone for five years, working herself ragged to provide for her daughter and son, until she met Arthur. Luckily, she had a place to livea flat inherited from her late husband.
Arthur, thirteen years her senior, owned a spacious three-bedroom flat and earned a handsome wage. They moved in together in short order, and Sarah accepted his offer without a second thought. Arthur got on splendidly with the children. Sarahs elder daughter, Harriet, eyed Arthur warily at first, but he gradually won her round.
Sarahs son, Ben, quickly took to calling Arthur Dad. Arthur never treated the children as anything but his own, spending time, money, and tenderness on them. Both Harriet and Ben were grateful for a happy childhood.
***
Ben and Harriet had lived apart for many years. Harriet married early and flew the nest. Ben, always dreaming of a military career, hadnt lived at home in ages. Ten years ago, Sarah called her children for an important talk.
I want to sell our two-bedroom flat, she announced. We need to overhaul this placethe kitchen, the bathroom, the furniture That old flat is just sitting there empty. I wanted to discuss it with you. Shall we sell it and split the money?
Harriet shrugged. I dont mind. Ive no claim on the flat, mum, but a share of the money would help. You know my son needs treatment. We still hope hell walk one day.
Harriets eldest had been born with a congenital disorder. Endless rehab, trips to London, specialists in private clinicsit all drained their funds. Ben agreed, I dont mind either. Mum, my part can go to Harriet. Let her take George up to London. Were managing our mortgage, I have my own place now. Georges health comes first.
Sarah sold the flat, gave half the proceeds to Harriet, and spent the rest refurbishing Arthurs flatevery wire, every pipe, new furniture and appliances, all out of her pocket. She never knew her efforts were in vain. She never dreamed that, after thirty years together, Arthur would betray her like this.
Arthurs health fell apart four years ago. He was forever grumbling about his knees. Sometimes he couldnt even get out of bed in the morning. Sarah nagged: Arthur, dont act the child! See a doctor, get treatment, things will improve. Shall I come with you? Stop making a fuss! Who else will mind your health if not you?
Arthur groaned, Sarah, whats the point? Theyll just prescribe expensive medicines that wont work! My knees have hurt since I was a lad. Back then, work made them ache, but now the weather alone does it. And now I can barely move my leg.
Harriet cared for Arthur as a father and couldnt stand by. Together, mother and daughter coaxed him into seeing the GP. Sarah accompanied him. The doctor wasnt optimistic.
You need urgent treatment for your joints. How long have you had these pains?
Oh, a fair while now, Arthur confessed. Must be twenty-five years or more. It used to just twinge after a long day, now it aches whatever I do.
Youve too much weight on those joints, you need to diet. The strains unsafe. The sooner, the better.
Sarah threw herself into Arthurs care. She planned his meals, consulted with specialists, cooked nothing but healthy dishesvegetables and grains, no more sweets, replaced with dried fruit. Arthur balked, Thats nonsense, Sarah, I’m not dieting. Ill waste away on rabbit food! Im not eating that. My weights just fine! My knees ache because Im old. Nearly seventy, its to be expected. Put that away. Make me tea, and for heavens sake, buy some proper sweets next time!
Sarah stood her ground. Through threats, persuasion, even blackmail, she got Arthur to start treatment and try slimming down. Nothing much changed. His pain retreated, then returned. He relied on her to help him to the loo. On top of his joints, his heart began to bother him, blood pressure climbing. Arthur weakened fast, Harriet and Ben hovering round, worried.
***
Years passed in this struggle, illness waxing and waning. Sarah never thought of deserting her feeble husband. Half a year ago, during another flare-up, Arthur was taken to hospital. Sarah camped at his bedside. One morning as she packed containers of fresh food in the kitchen, the doorbell rang. She opened it to a young man whose features sent shivers of recognition down her spine.
Hello! Is Arthur Harrison in?
Hello, Sarah replied, wiping her hands on her apron. Hes not in just now. May I ask who you are?
My names DavidIm Arthurs son.
Sarah suddenly saw the resemblancehe was the image of Arthur as a young man. David, noticing her stare, asked, Will he be back soon? Ive not seen Dad in years. I wanted to speak with him.
Lets not stand on the landingcome in, David. Ill explain.
David listened quietly then sighed. Dad was always capricious, I suppose. Sad how times power changes a man. I remember him so strong and lively. May I come with you to see him? I miss him.
Of course, smiled Sarah. Arthur will be glad of it.
Sarah had never known of Davids existence; Arthur never spoke of a previous marriage, never mentioned a child. To the contrary, hed always lamented that he was never a fatherdespite their efforts, Sarah had never managed a third child.
Arthur was slow to acknowledge David. The reunion was brief, David soon excusing himself, but after he left, Arthur confided some of his past.
Davids mum and I were married just four years. I left when David was three. I loved Sophie desperately, but she betrayed me with my own cousin! I caught them together. She married him in the end, said she didnt want my help. Told me to forget I had a son. I tried to see David after school, outside his flat. My cousin even threatened me. After two years, I gave up. Thought life would sort it in the end. And now, nearly thirty years on, he finds me. I dont know how to feel. Hes mine, but hes a stranger too. I never raised him. I dont know how to talk to him.
Arthur, hes your blood, Sarah said gently. You musnt turn away from your child. Hes not to blame for what happened. Try to let him into your heartyoull regret it if you dont.
Arthur listened, and started seeing David. David began visiting, even met Harriet and BenSarahs children welcomed him warmly.
Sarah rejoiced at Arthurs reunion. David called in every week, talking with his father behind closed doors, though Sarah never eavesdropped.
Arthur and Sarah had savings. Most of it, amassed over years, had been put away by Sarah. The last money from her flat sale, shed banked, making small deposits each month. She was still working as an accountant for several companies online, not yet drawing her pension.
Sarah alone checked the account. One day, she spotted a random SMS from the bank.
I havent withdrawn any money, she thought. Arthurs not been out. Who took out £4,000? Wheres the card?!
She rushed to Arthur. Arthur, wheres the bank card with our savings? Someone withdrew four thousand quid! I must have missed the alert. We may have been robbed!
Arthur replied calmly, Sarah, nobody robbed us. I gave the card to David. He needed the money, so I helped him.
Sarah sat on the bed edge. Why didnt you tell me? Why didnt you ask? Why am I the last to know? Whats so urgent he needs so much?
Sarah, its none of your business, Arthur snapped. My son came to me for help and I helped. Whats the problem? Why are you upset?
Arthur had grown cruel recently, but Sarah kept her cool. She asked, So wheres the card now?
With David, Arthur explained sharply. I told you, I gave it him! Why are you asking daft questions?
Arthur, call your son and tell him to return the card immediately! That moneys our emergency fund, I dont want anyone but us with access.
Hes my son! Arthur roared. Hes family! Dont you dare accuse David. I let him use that card, and hes keeping it!
For the first time, Sarahs calm snapped. Why should your son live on my savings? Forgive me, but when have you ever paid into that account? How many years since you last worked? Its my earnings, month after month! Tell your son to return the card, or Ill just ring the bank myself.
Arthur shouted, and Sarah rang the bank, blocking the card. David turned up that evening.
Dad, the card doesnt work! I cant get the cash!
Thats right, Sarah nodded. Because I blocked it. We helped you when you needed it but that doesnt mean you can drain our entire savings. The cards useless now.
But Dad, we agreed! You said I could use whatever I needed! Sarah, just give me a new card. I need to pay for my new furnituretheyre delivering today!
You want to buy your furniture with my money? Sarah snapped. Why on earth would I let you? Understand this: your father has no claim on my savings. Those are minegot that? From now on, all finances go through me. Your fathers pension barely keeps him as it is.
David stormed off, Arthur lashed out in fury. For the first time in years, Sarah wondered if shed simply had enough. Shed given so much, and heard not a single word of thanks.
***
A few silent days passed; David didnt visit. Sarah hated the opressive hushArthur always gave her the silent treatment when angry. To shake things up, Sarah packed her laptop and went to Harriets.
Well, let him stew, Sarah thought, Maybe we both need a break. Things havent been right for a while!
She left in the morning and got back late. Arthur seemed cheerful for once, and Sarah hoped his bad mood had faded. She started conversation:
How was your day? What did you get up to?
Oh, the usual, Arthur drawled. David came round, we went out on some errands. Only just got back myself, been on my feet all day, shattered.
Sarah let it go. After a pause, Arthur suddenly said, I hope you wont hold this against me.
Why would I be upset? Sarah replied, puzzled.
I was at the solicitors today. Ive signed the flat over to my son.
Sarah narrowed her eyes. Really? For what exactly?
Davids my son, my only real family. When Im gone, hell own this flat. By the way, Sarah, you should start thinking about your future. Will you stay with your daughter or son?
Sarah felt a pang of hurt. True, she probably had no legal claim, but shed paid for everythingfrom curtains to appliances. Shed made the home, but now it would pass to a near stranger.
Thank you, Arthur, Sarah whispered, Perhaps youre right. Time to think of myself. Ring your son, ask him to move inyoull need company.
Eh? What for? Arthur frowned, confused. Why would David move here?
I dont know, Sarah replied, pulling out a suitcase, You hate being alone, so let your son entertain you in the evenings.
And where are you going? Arthur was bewildered. Sarah, whats happening? Tell me!
Theres nothing to explain, Sarah sighed. Im leaving you. I want a divorcea fresh start. Just let me pack and ring my children. Its time I plan my own future.
Sarah moved in with Ben. With three bedrooms to himself, he had room to spare. Harriet would have welcomed her too, but Sarah didnt want to impose. Arthur turned up in court, refusing the divorce. The judge gave them time to reconcile, but in the end Sarah got her freedom, forever painted by Arthur and his son as the fortune-hunter, after nothing but someone elses flat.
