Thats it, Ive had enough! Im leaving! How much longer can I take it? The child, always needing somethinghelp me, help me and all I want is to go out like I used to! I want to feel close to someone! I work all day, and when I come home, I want my loving wife, my woman but no, Ill just stop by a mates, grab a bite, maybe find some young thing ahhh Sitting behind the wheel, stewing over how today was the final straw in his marriage, Simon nervously took a drag of his cigarette.
Their story was as old as time. They had met, fallen head over heels, lost themselves in passion, forgotten protectionand a few months later, she showed him two lines on the test.
Of course well keep it, well manage, Simon had said confidently, and all the aunts and uncles nodded in agreement, as if to say, Well help, just give us grandchildren
Then came the wedding, the due date, tears of joya son! And just like that their carefree happiness ended. His wife turned into a mother hen: tired, unkempt, constantly fussing over the baby, even at night, always pleadinghelp me, help me
Where had his girl gone? The family vanished too they were left alone with parenthood.
Im not ready for this! Simon snapped at his wife today before slamming the door in her face, the baby still cradled in her arms.
The screech of brakes and suddenly, a hunched figure appeared in front of the car.
Have you got a death wish or what?! Simon jumped out and rushed toward the stranger.
The man in the overcoat straightened, looking at him with weary, ancient eyes, and whispered:
Yes.
Stunned by the answer, Simon hesitated.
Sir, do you need help? Are you all right?
I dont want to live anymore!
Oh, come off it. Let me take you home, yeah? You can tell me whats wrongmaybe I can help. Simon took the old mans arm and gently guided him to the car.
Go on then, tell me, Simon exhaled smoke.
Its a long story.
Ive got time.
The old man studied the man beside him, then glanced at the photo dangling from the mirror.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl. Fell hard, everything happened fastbefore we knew it, we were married, had a child, a son, an heir youd think that was happiness, wouldnt you?
But I wanted things like they used to belove, passion, that young and wild feeling. My wife was exhausted, the baby never slept, the house was a mess, and I had to work so I dumped it all on her. Never lifted a finger.
Found a woman at work, had a fling wife found out, divorce, just like that. Nothing came of the other woman, but I wasnt botheredplenty more fish in the sea.
She remarried, got her spark back. My son called another man Dad, and I didnt care.
And you? Simon lit another cigarette, fingers tapping the wheel.
Me? I kept at itno family, no wife, no kids. Todays my sons fiftieth. Went to see him, and he wouldnt even let me in. The old man wept. My own fault. Said I wasnt his father, told me to keep on living as I pleased.
Right then, sir, where to? Simon drummed his fingers on the wheel.
Just here, this is me. Dont worry about me The old man stepped out and shuffled toward the block of flats by the road.
Simon watched until he disappeared inside, waited a moment, then turned the car around. He stopped at the shops, bought flowers.
Forgive me, love, forgive me, he knelt before his weeping wife. You rest now, darling.
He took their son from her arms, carried him to the nursery, rocking him gently, humming in a rough voice: Hush, little baby, dont say a word
The boy, surprised, fell asleep quickly, his tiny hand resting on his fathers pounding heart. Simon gazed at him, moved. I want to watch him grow. I want to hear him call me Dad
Saving another lost soul? The old woman smiled as her husband walked in. He hung up his coat, chuckling.
Someones got to teach the young ones wisdom.
And how do you know who needs saving?
I needed it myself at that age.
Come and eat, then. And dont forgettomorrows the sons birthday. No rescues during the party. She looked at him fondly.
Wouldnt miss it. Fifty years for our boy, our lovehow could I forget? He wrapped an arm around her, and they walked to the kitchen, smiling.
There you have itan unbelievable tale. Believe it or not, thats up to you.
