“Son, I want to go home”: How I was cast out of my own flat over a room
A tale too painful to read without tears. The betrayal of a daughter and the salvation that arrived when hope had nearly faded.
Victor Andrew stood on the balcony of an old five-storey block in London, nervously smoking. His hands trembled; his heart pounded as if trying to escape his chest. Who could have guessed that at 72, he would become nothing but a burden? Not long ago, he had a home, a family, a beloved wife…
“Dad, what’s the matter now?” burst in Laura, his only daughter. “We’re just asking for your room. Tom and little Jack are growing—they can’t keep sleeping on a pull-out bed. It’s not fair!”
“Laurie…” Victor murmured softly. “Why should I spend my last years in some home? If there’s no space, rent somewhere or move in with your mother-in-law. I’m not unwanted here…”
“Thanks, Dad, that says it all,” Laura snapped, slamming the door behind her, leaving only the scent of perfume and bitterness in her wake.
Victor sank into his chair, stroking his old dog Patch, when suddenly, tears pricked at his eyes. He hadn’t wept in years, but now—he couldn’t stop himself. It had been five years since Nelly passed… They’d shared forty years, side by side, and he’d never have imagined their own Laura could do this to him.
They’d raised her with love, given her every comfort. And in return, she’d grown cold and calculating.
“Grandad, don’t you love me and Jack?” Eight-year-old Tom bounded in. “Mum says you’re being selfish! You won’t give us your room!”
“Lad, who told you such a thing…” Victor’s voice faltered.
He understood then—his daughter had turned the children against him. The old man sighed heavily and forced out the words:
“All right. The room is yours.”
Laura rushed in, eyes gleaming.
“Dad, really? Thank you! I’ve already sorted it—a lovely care home, cosy, with proper medical care. We won’t forget Patch, I promise!”
Two days later, Victor found himself in a grim, rundown home for the forgotten on the outskirts of Surrey. Damp walls, peeling paint, sorrow in the eyes of his neighbours. None of the “care” or “comfort” his daughter had promised. Just a place to discard those no longer wanted.
“You new?” asked the woman in the next bed. “Valerie’s my name. Did your lot dump you here too?”
“Yes,” Victor nodded. “My daughter. Wanted my room.”
“Never had children myself. Left the flat to my nephew… and he packed me off here. At least it’s not the streets.”
They talked, reminiscing, mourning the families they’d lost. In time, Valerie became the only light in Victor’s life. They walked the dreary garden, basked in weak sunlight, holding hands like sweethearts, as if youth had returned to them.
His daughter never visited. Wouldn’t even answer his calls. All he wanted was to know—was Patch alive?
One day, wandering the grounds, he bumped into an old neighbour, Stephen.
“Victor Andrew?! Laura said you’d moved to the countryside! Took the dog with you, didn’t you?”
“What?…” Victor’s voice shook. “What happened to him?”
“She turned him out. I took him in, found him a good home. Fine dog. But her… they say she’s renting out your flat. Lives with her husband at his mother’s. What’s got into her, Victor? How could she—”
Victor covered his face and whispered brokenly:
“Son… I want to go home.”
“You’re not alone. I’m a solicitor. I’ll help. Just tell me—did you sign anything?”
“No. But she’s got connections… might’ve…”
“Then pack your things. We’ll sort this.”
Before leaving, Victor stopped by Valerie’s room.
“Val, don’t cry. I’ll come back. For you too. I promise.”
“Why would you want an old biddy like me…” she murmured.
“Don’t talk daft. I need you.”
When they arrived at the flat, a new lock barred the door. Stephen took charge. They uncovered the truth—Laura had let it to tenants, hoping her father would vanish for good. But the papers she’d drawn up were worthless. The court ruled in Victor’s favour.
“Thank you, son… But I’m scared. What else might she do?”
“Sell the flat, give her a share. Buy a cottage in the country. Quiet. Safe. No one will trouble you again.”
Months later, Victor Andrew and Patch settled into a little wooden house with a garden. Soon after, Valerie joined them. Together, they planted apple trees, raised chickens, and spent their evenings hand in hand.
Life can be cruel. But kindness finds a way. Even on the darkest night.
