The air in the small flat was thick with tension as Victor and Margaret sat quietly in their room, their voices barely above a whisper. The sound of their daughter-in-law, Katherine, snapping at their son, Edward, echoed through the thin walls.
So heres the thing, weve got guests coming soon, and you two need to leave for a while. You understand, dont you? Having you around would just ruin the celebration.
Son, where are we supposed to go? Margaret asked, her voice trembling. We dont know anyone here.
How should I know? Edward muttered. Mrs. Wilkins from the village invited you oncejust go there.
Victor and Margaret had regretted a thousand times listening to their son and selling their cottage. Life had been hard there, but it was *theirs*. Now they were prisoners in their own home, afraid to step out of their room for fear of angering Katherine. The way they walked, the way they drank teaeverything irritated her.
The only one who still cared for them was their grandson, Thomas. A handsome young man with a heart too kind for the household hed been born into. Whenever his mother raised her voice at his grandparents, Thomas never hesitated to snap back.
Edward, thoughwhether he feared his wife or simply didnt carenever stood up for them.
Thomas still made time for them, eating dinner together whenever he could. But he was rarely home, busy with his apprenticeship, staying in a dormitory near work. He only visited on weekends.
New Years Eve arrived, and Thomas came early to wish them well. He brought them each a giftwarm socks and gloves. He knew they were always cold. Plain gloves for Grandad, embroidered ones for Gran.
Margaret pressed the gloves to her face and wept.
Gran, whats wrong? Dont you like them?
Oh, love, theyre perfect. The most precious things Ive ever owned. She hugged him, and Thomas kissed her handsa habit from childhood. They always smelled of something sweetapples, baking, warmth, and love.
Listen, youll have to manage without me for a few days. Im off with the lads, but Ill be back.
Go on, enjoy yourself, Margaret said, forcing a smile.
Thomas left, and the elderly couple retreated to their room.
An hour later, Katherines shrill voice cut through the flat. Guests were coming. The old people couldnt stay. It was *embarrassing*.
Edward tried to arguewhere could they go?but Katherine wouldnt listen.
Victor and Margaret sat frozen, too afraid to even make tea. He pulled out hidden biscuits and shared them with Margaret. They ate in silence, staring out the window. A tear trembled in Margarets eye. How had it come to this? To be unwanted in their own family?
As dusk fell, Edward entered.
Right, guests are coming. You need to leave. You understand.
Son, where can we go? Margaret whispered.
How should I know? Mrs. Wilkins invited you oncejust go there.
But the buses have stopped, and we dont even know where the station is. What if shes not even home?
Katherine says youve got an hour.
Edward left. Victor and Margaret looked at each other, swallowing tears. They dressed in their warmest clothesThomas gifts a cruel comfortand stepped outside into the biting cold.
People hurried past, wrapped up in their own lives. Margaret clung to Victors arm as they walked slowly toward the park. They stopped at a small café, ordering tea and sandwichesthey hadnt eaten all day.
An hour passed. They didnt want to leave. Outside, the wind howled, snowflakes swirling in the dark. The park gazebo offered meager shelter. They huddled together, Margaret staring at her gloves.
At least our grandson has a good heart, Victor muttered, unlike his parents.
We promised him wed manage, Margaret said softly.
Time dragged. Lights flickered in distant windows as families gathered for New Years Eve. Thena soft whine. A spaniel trotted up, paws on Margarets knees.
Hello there, she murmured, stroking his head.
A womans voice called from the darkness. Lord! Where are you? Time to go home!
The dog barked, and soon a young woman appearedEmily, she introduced herself.
Youve been here long? she asked, taking in their tired faces.
Margaret hesitated. A while.
Why arent you home? Its freezingand nearly midnight.
Silence.
Emilys face softened. Youve nowhere to go, have you?
Lord nuzzled Margarets hand.
Come on, Emily said firmly. Youre not staying here. Its just me and Lord at homewed love the company.
Margaret and Victor exchanged glances. With stiff legs, they followed.
Emilys flat was warm, the smell of roasting meat filling the air. A Christmas tree twinkled in the corner. They drank tea, then sat down to a proper meal.
Margaret helped Emily set the table. Victor played with Lord.
At midnight, they clinked glasses. For the first time in years, they didnt feel like a burden.
Morning came. Emily refused to let them leave. Stay the week, she insisted. Longer, if you like.
Thomas returned days later, rushing to his grandparents roomempty. The bed hadnt been slept in.
Mum, where are Gran and Grandad?
How should I know? They left.
*Left?* When?
New Years Eve. We asked them to step outhaving old people around is embarrassing.
Thomas face darkened. Youre the embarrassing ones. He stormed out, searching streets, asking strangershad anyone seen an elderly couple?
Thena woman walking a spaniel. And on her hands*Margarets gloves*.
Where did you get those? he demanded.
Emily studied him. You must be Thomas.
She led him home. The smell of pancakes filled the flat.
Look who we found, Emily called.
Margaret burst into tears, hugging Thomas. Victor emerged, and soon they were all at the table, laughing, eating, planning.
Emily convinced them to stay. Thomas visited daily. The flat, once quiet, was now full of lifewarmth, laughter, the happy dog choosing whose bed to sleep in each night.
And as for Emily and Thomas? Wellthats another story.
Kindness, after all, is never wasted. Sometimes all it takes is a smile. A question. A small act of good.
It always comes back.
