I long for home, my dear boy
This evening, I stepped out onto the balcony, lit a cigarette, and perched awkwardly on the low stool. A heavy lump rose in my throat as I tried to steady myself, but my hands betrayed me and trembled. Never in all my years did I imagine a day would come when I would not have room in my own flat.
Dad! Please dont sulk or work yourself up, Laura burst onto the balcony my eldest daughter, always in a rush. Im not asking much just give us your room! If you dont care about me, at least think of your grandchildren. The boys will start school soon, but we all squeeze into one room together
Laura, Im not going to a care home, I replied with steady calm. If you and the kids feel cramped here, you can always move in with Margaret, Michaels mum. Shes got the spare rooms therell be space for all of you.
You know perfectly well I could never live with her! Laura snapped, slamming the balcony door with a force that made me flinch.
I stroked our old dog Max, who has been by my side and that of my late wife for so many loyal years. Thinking of my darling Nancy, I couldnt help but cry. Tears always came when I remembered her. It’s been five years since she died, leaving me lost. After her passing, even with my daughter and grandsons near, I realised that loneliness was my only companion.
We raised Laura with kindness and care, tried to instil the best in her, but something must have slipped through the cracks. Somewhere along the way, she grew into a hard-hearted, self-absorbed woman.
Max whined quietly and lay at my feet, sensing my misery and sharing in it.
Grandad! Do you not love us at all? My grandson Tom, eight years old, entered the room.
Of course I do what nonsense is that? I was taken aback.
But why wont you leave? Dont you want Tom and me to have the room? Why are you so selfish? He looked at me with bitterness and anger. I knew straight away those were Lauras words coming out of him now.
I wanted to explain, but realised the futility my daughter had already poisoned his mind.
Alright, I said, my voice hollow. Ill go. The room is yours.
I couldnt take the atmosphere here any longer. I knew everyone under this roof either ignored me or disliked me, from Lauras husband who hadnt spoken a word to me in ages to my grandson, who resented me for taking his room.
Really, Dad? You mean it? Laura came bounding in, pleased as punch.
I do, I said quietly. Promise me you wont neglect Max. I feel like Im betraying him
Oh, stop fretting. Well look after him, take him for walks every day. On weekends, well visit you with Max, Laura assured me. Ive found you the best care home. Youll like it, youll see.
Two days later, I moved to the care home. Laura had obviously arranged it in advance, waiting for my surrender. The room was stuffy, damp, the air thick with mould and stale odours. Laura had lied about the amenities this wasnt a private home, but a council-run place full of unfortunate souls with nowhere else to go.
After unpacking, I wandered outside, sat on the bench, and very nearly broke down. Observing the helpless old residents, I imagined the sad, empty existence awaiting me.
New, are you? asked a cheerful elderly lady, settling beside me.
Yes I sighed.
Dont dwell on it too much. I cried at first too but I got used to it. My names Valerie, she said.
Im Victor, I replied. Did your children put you here?
No, my nephew. I never had children, God didnt grant me that joy. I deeded my flat to him, but I was naïve he seized the place and dumped me here. At least Im not on the streets
We spoke until late, recalling our youth and lost partners. The next morning, after breakfast, we set out together for another stroll.
Valerie brought a little warmth and companionship to my bleak days. Indoors, I grew restless I spent as much time outside as possible. The food was miserable; I ate only enough to keep myself going.
Every day, I hoped Laura would come to her senses and bring me home. But time passed, and she never appeared. Once, I tried ringing to ask about Max, but no one answered.
Then, at the care home entrance, I spotted my old neighbour, Stephen Collins. Stephen noticed me and hurried over, a look of surprise on his face.
So this is where you are! he blurted out. Why did your daughter tell me you moved to the countryside? I knew something was off youd never just abandon Max like that.
What do you mean? I asked, alarmed. Whats happened to my dog?
Dont worry, we found him a space at the local shelter. I saw Max waiting by the block for days with no sign of you. I caught Laura and asked if something happened. She said youd chosen country life, that she was selling the flat and moving in with her in-laws. As for Max, she claimed he was too old and you didnt want the bother anymore. Victor, whats going on? Stephen looked worried as he saw the colour drain from my face.
I told him everything. How I would give anything to turn back time, how reckless Id been. My daughter hadnt just robbed me of my dignity shed tossed Max to the street.
I just want to go home, son, I whispered.
Im actually here for cases like yours Im a solicitor, and I often help older folks assert their rights. Just now, Im fighting for an old chap whose neighbours seized his house. Tell me, did you formally sign yourself out of your flat?
No unless Laura did it herself. At this point, I dont know what to expect from her
Pack your things, Im waiting for you outside, Stephen ordered. You cant let her get away with this. Shes lost all sense of family.
I grabbed my bag and hurried down. At the entrance, I ran into Valerie.
Val, Im leaving. My neighbour says Laura threw Max out and is selling the flat. Thats how things stand, I told her.
Oh my And what about me? Valerie was shaken.
Dont worry. Once everythings sorted, I promise Ill come for you.
Promises Who needs me? she said sadly.
Im sorry, Val, but theyre waiting. Dont be discouraged I will keep my word.
I couldnt get into my flat it was locked and I had no key. Stephen took me into his home. Soon, we discovered Laura had moved out already, living with her mother-in-law, and lent the flat to tenants.
Thanks to Stephen, I eventually reclaimed my rights.
Thank you, Stephen, I said. But I dont know how to go on. Laura wont rest until shes driven me away for good
Theres only one solution, Stephen told me. Well sell the flat, give Laura her half, then use your share to find you a new place. Perhaps a little cottage in the country.
Thats wonderful! I said with relief. Thats the perfect solution.
Three months later, I moved into my new cottage. Stephen helped with everything, and came with me to collect Max.
We need to make a stop first, I requested.
From afar, I spotted Valerie, sitting on our bench, her gaze sad and distant.
Val, its us! Me and Max have come for you. Weve a cottage now, all fresh air, fishing, berry-picking, everything close by! Ready to come? I smiled at her.
How can I just go? she faltered.
Just get up and come with us, I grinned. Lets not waste another minute here.
Will you wait ten minutes? she smiled, trying not to cry.
Of course Ill wait! I smiled back.
Despite the schemes of those whod lost sight of kindness, we reclaimed our chance at happiness. Life showed us that for every selfish soul, there were far more decent and caring people. Valerie and I found peace and contentment at last, knowing wed fought for ourselves and won.
