Wednesday, 17th March
I miss my own home so much, my dear boy.
Mr. Peterson wandered out onto his chilly London balcony, lit a cigarette with shaking hands, and lowered himself onto his trusty old stool. A bitter lump rose in his throat. How strange life was never had he imagined a time would come when there wouldnt be room for him in his own flat.
Dad! Dont take it so personally, and dont get worked up! Lauren, my eldest daughter, charged onto the balcony, arms crossed. Im not asking for much, am I? Just give us your room! If you cant think of me, at least consider your grandchildren. The boys are nearly at age for secondary, and they still have to share a room with us
Lauren, Im not moving to a care home, I replied as calmly as I could manage. If its too cramped for you and the kids here, you could move in with Mikhail’s mum. Shes alone in a three-bedroom house youd have your own room, and so would the boys.
You know full well I cant live with her! she shouted, slamming the balcony door hard enough to rattle the glass.
I reached out to stroke my old collie, Max, who had stuck loyally by me and my late wife for so many years. I thought about my Margaret and suddenly, I sobbed. I always cried when I remembered her. Shed left me five years ago, and her absence made me feel utterly orphaned, despite having a daughter and grandchildren. Wed grown together side by side, and never had I imagined growing old so lonely.
Wed brought up Lauren with love and generosity, tried to teach her kindness. But something must have gone awry. Our girl had grown up to be selfish, cold, and harsh.
Max whined softly and rested his head on my shoes, sensing my heartache, suffering right alongside me.
Grandad! Dont you love us at all? My eight-year-old grandson, Jack, popped in through the doorway, his eyes brimming with confusion.
Jack, who told you such nonsense? I sighed.
Why dont you want to leave? You wont give me and Tom your room! Why are you so mean? He looked at me, all anger and contempt but I recognised Laurens words coming from his mouth.
I almost tried to explain, but I saw it was no use; my daughter had already turned his heart against me.
Fine, Ill leave, I said, defeated, barely above a whisper. Ill give you lot the room.
I simply couldnt endure this atmosphere any longer. Everyone here hated me from my son-in-law, who hadnt exchanged a word with me in months, to my grandson, convinced Id robbed him of a place to sleep.
Dad! Are you really agreeing? Lauren burst in, beaming.
Yes, I muttered. Just promise me youll treat Max kindly. I feel like such a traitor
Enough of that! Well look after him, take him for plenty of walks, and visit you at the weekends with Max, she promised, as if she really cared. Ive chosen the best home for you youll love it, youll see.
Two days later, I was shipped off to a care home. Lauren had clearly sorted it all weeks ago, waiting for the moment I surrendered. The second I entered that musty little room stale and crawling with bugs I regretted it. The comforts Lauren had spun me were lies: it was no private retreat, but a council care home full of lost, lonely souls.
Once my things were unpacked, I wandered downstairs and sat on a wobbly bench. Staring at the feeble old men and women, I nearly broke down. This would be my existence now.
Are you new? A friendly older woman sat beside me.
Yes, I exhaled.
Oh, dont fret. I cried for ages at first too. My names Valerie.
Victor, I replied. Was it your children who put you here?
No, nephew. God never gave me children, so I willed my flat to him. Foolish. He took the property and worked me out at least he didnt throw me on the streets.
We talked late into the night, shared memories youth, partners, bits of happiness. The next morning, we walked together again after breakfast.
Valerie was my slim hope of joy and variety here. I avoided going inside, stuck to the grounds, as even the dining room made me gag. I ate barely enough to get by.
I waited for Lauren to visit. I kept telling myself shed change her mind, miss me, take me home. But time just passed and she never came. One afternoon, desperate to hear about Max, I tried to phone the flat; no one picked up.
A couple of weeks on, I spotted my old neighbour, Stephen Miller, by the entrance. He caught sight of me, genuine shock filling his face, and hurried over.
So this is where you are! he exclaimed. Why did your daughter say youd moved up north to the countryside? I knew something was off. I’ve seen your Max sitting at your old doorstep for days, waiting for you. Ran into Lauren she said you’d voluntarily gone to live in Kent, and she was selling up and moving out. As for Max, she told me he was too old, and youd lost interest. Victor, what happened?
I tried to explain everything: how Id give anything to rewind and avoid the choices Id made. Not only had Lauren abandoned me, shed chucked my dog into the street.
I want nothing more than to go home, son, I said, my voice nearly gone.
I came here for just this sort of reason, Stephen replied. Im a solicitor, often defend pensioners rights. Right now Im dealing with a fellow whose neighbours stole his house. But your name’s still on the lease, right?
I never signed myself out, no. Unless Lauren’s done it behind my back. Honestly, I wouldn’t put anything past her now
Pack up I’ll wait for you outside. We cant let this stand! Stephen shook his head. She’s hardly a daughter after all this.
I darted back, hurried my things into a bag, and headed out. At the door, I bumped into Valerie.
Val I’m leaving. My neighbours taking me Lauren dumped my dog and is selling the flat.
Good grief! And what about me? she faltered.
Dont worry. The moment this is all settled, Ill come for you. Promise.
You say that, but whod want me? Valerie said sadly.
I have to go now but hold on, I mean what I said.
I couldnt get inside my own flat; it was locked, and Lauren had vanished. Stephen took me in. We soon found out Lauren had left, moved in with her mother-in-law, and rented my place out.
With Stephens help, I managed to reclaim my right to my home.
Thank you so much, I told him, but what do I do now? Lauren wont rest until shes driven me out.
Theres only one solution, he said quietly. Sell the flat, give Lauren her share, and use the rest to buy a smaller place for you. Might even be enough for a cosy cottage in the country.
That that would be wonderful! I couldnt hide my relief.
Three months later, Stephen was helping me move again this time, to my own cottage on the edge of the Kent countryside, with Max by my side.
Theres just one thing, I said, Lets make a stop, please.
From the car window, I saw Valerie, perched alone on her bench, staring sadly out at the horizon.
Valerie! I called. Max and I have come for you! Weve got a cottage now, with fresh air, fishing, berries, mushrooms, all on the doorstep. Come with us! I grinned.
How on earth can I just come? she stammered.
Just stand up and walk with us, I laughed gently. Go on, theres nothing left for us here.
All right! Give me ten minutes to pack? she managed a tearful smile.
Ill wait as long as you need! I promised.
Despite peoples ill will, Valerie and I found happiness at last. We discovered that kindness still keeps the world turning and that, after all, there are far more good people than bad. Together, we fought for our right to live, and, in the end, found peace and companionship in our new home.
