Im fed up. Thats itIm leaving! How much more can I take?
Im so tired of the endless cycle: the child, her constant exhaustion, always asking for help I just want to go out like before! I want sex! I work tirelessly! For once, I want to come home to my wife, my woman But now? Ill stay at my mates place for a while, then find some young thing Ah, well Sitting behind the steering wheel, lost in thought, I realise tonight is the final straw in my marriage. My nerves are on edge as I chain-smoke the last cigarette.
Our story is as old as time. We met, fell head over heels, the passion was wild; we forgot all protection, and before long she showed me a positive test. Of course, have the babywell manage, I said, confidently, even as all the women and elders nodded in agreement, promising to help, just have the child! Then came the wedding, the birth, tears of joya son! And then the carefree happiness abruptly ended. My wife became a shadow of herself, tired, messy hair, always in her dressing gown, the constant cries and sleepless nightsher endless help me, help me Where did my girl go? The relatives slowly faded away; we were left alone to face parenthood.
Im not ready! I told my wife today, slamming the door in her face as she stood there, sobbing, with our crying infant in her arms.
Suddenly, screeching brakesa hunched figure appears before my car.
Have you got a death wish? I shout, leaping out of the car and rushing towards him.
The man in the old trench coat, straightening up, looks at me with somber, wrinkled eyes and whispers, Yes.
His answer catches me off guard. Sir, can I help you? Do you need a hand?
I dont want to go on anymore, he says quietly.
Come on, now, dont be like that. Let me take you home, you can tell me your story, and perhaps I can help. I gently lead the old man to the car.
So, lets hear it then, mate, I say, lighting another cigarette.
Its quite a tale.
Ive got time.
The old man studies me before glancing at a photo hanging from my rear-view mirror.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl, fell for her instantly. Everything happened fastfamily, baby, a son, my heir I thought Id found happiness! But I wanted the fire and passion of before. My wife was always tired, juggling a baby and the house, and I loaded everything onto her. Didnt help at all met another woman at work and had an affair. My wife found out, we got divorcedjust like that. Nothing came from that woman, so I just lived for myself. She remarried, blossomed, and our son called her husband Dad, while I felt nothing. I kept drifting. And today, my son turns fifty. Went by to wish him well, but he wouldnt let me intold me Im no father. Go back to your wandering ways, he said, and shut me out. Hes right. Its my own fault.
Well, what did you do then? I ask, nervously lighting another cigarette.
I kept wandering. No family, no wife, no kids. Nothing left. And now, it stingsbeing turned away.
Where can I drop you? I ask, impatiently drumming on the wheel.
I live just there, no worries for me The old man shuffles out and heads towards a block of flats nearby. I watch to make sure he gets inside, then turn my car around.
On my way home, I stop at the supermarket and buy flowers.
Forgive me, I say, kneeling before my tearful wife as I step inside. Rest up, my love. I gently take our son from her arms, walking to the other room, rocking him in my arms, and softly singing: Sleep, little one, sleep
Our son, surprised, quickly falls asleep, placing his hand trustingly over my pounding heart. I look at him fondly: I want to watch you grow, I want to hear Dad from you.
Out saving lost souls again? an elderly woman greets her husband with a smile as he hangs up his coat in the hallway.
Yes, I was. You have to drum some basic truths into the youngsters somehow, the old man replies, grinning.
How do you always know who needs help?
I needed help myself at their age
Come on, now, hero, lets have dinner. And remember: tomorrow is our sons birthdayno rescuing lost souls in the evening! she says, looking at him with warmth.
I havent forgottenfifty years, love, fifty years for our boy, the legacy of our love. How could I ever forget? He wraps his arm around her and heads into the kitchen, smiling.
