**Diary Entry**
Theres a situationguests are coming soon, and weve been told to leave.
“Look, guests are arriving, and youll need to go somewhere. You understand, dont you? We cant have a proper celebration with you here.”
“But where will we go, son? We dont know anyone here,” Mum asked.
“How should I know? The neighbour back in the village used to invite you overgo there.”
Edward and Margaret had regretted a hundred times listening to their son and selling their cottage.
Life there had been hard, but it was *theirs*. They were the masters of their own home. Here? They barely dared step out of their room, afraid of angering their daughter-in-law, Catherine. Everything about them irritated herthe way they shuffled in slippers, the way they sipped tea, even the way they ate.
The only person in the flat who cared for them was their grandson, Oliver.
A handsome young man, devoted to his grandparents. If his mother raised her voice in front of him, hed snap back at once. But their son, Davidwhether he feared his wife or simply didnt carenever stood up for them.
Oliver even had dinner with them, though he was rarely home. He was doing an internship and stayed in a nearby dorm, visiting only on weekends.
For Edward and Margaret, his visits were like holidays. Now, with New Years Eve approaching, Oliver arrived early to wish them well.
He brought them giftssoft woollen socks and gloves. He knew they were always cold. For Grandad, plain gloves; for Gran, embroidered ones.
Margaret pressed them to her face and wept.
“Gran, whats wrong? Dont you like them?”
“No, love, theyre perfect. The dearest things Ive ever had.”
She hugged him, and Oliver kissed her hands, as hed done since childhood. They always smelled of somethingfresh apples, baking dough, but most of all, warmth and love.
“Just hold on here without me for three days,” Oliver said. “Im off with my mates, then Ill be home.”
“Enjoy yourself, love,” Gran replied. “Well manage.”
He packed his bag, said goodbye, and left. The old couple retreated to their room.
An hour later, they heard Catherine berating Davidguests were coming, and the old people couldnt stay. Where would they put everyone to sleep?
David muttered something about not knowing where to send them, but Catherine wouldnt listen.
Silent as mice, Edward and Margaret didnt even dare make tea. He pulled out hidden biscuits, sharing them by the window. A tear trembled in Margarets eye. How bitter, to live long enough to be unwanted.
As dusk fell, David walked in.
“Guests are coming. Youll need to go somewhere.”
“But where?” Margaret asked.
“How should I know? That neighbour in the villagego to her.”
“The last bus has gone. We dont even know where the station isor if shes still alive!”
“Catherine says youve got an hour.”
After he left, Edward and Margaret exchanged a glance, both fighting tears. They packed quietlyOlivers gifts came in handybundled up, and stepped out into the cold evening.
People rushed past, wrapped in their own lives. Margaret took Edwards arm, and they wandered toward the park, stopping at a café for tea and sandwichesthey hadnt eaten all day.
They lingered, dreading the icy wind outside. In the park, a small gazebo offered shelter. They huddled close. Margaret stared at her gloves.
“At least our grandson has a kind heart,” Edward murmured.
“And we couldnt even keep our promise to him,” she sighed.
Snow fell steadily. Lights flickered in windows as families gathered. Thena spaniel appeared at their feet, whining, paws on Margarets knees.
“Wheres your owner, love?” she asked.
A voice called, “Lord! Where are you?”
A young woman hurried over. “Sorry, hes harmlesshave you been here long?”
“A while,” Edward admitted.
“Arent you freezing? Its nearly midnight.”
Silence.
“Do you have anywhere to go?”
Lord wagged his tail, refusing to leave.
“Youre coming with me,” the girlSophiesaid firmly. “Lord and I live alone. Wed love the company.”
Too cold to protest, they followed.
Her flat was warm, smelling of roasting meat. A Christmas tree twinkled. Edward played with Lord while Margaret helped set the table. They welcomed the New Year together.
In the morning, Sophie refused to let them leave. “Stay the week, at least.”
It felt like family.
When Oliver returned, his grandparents were gone.
“Mum, where are they?”
“How should I know? They left.”
“On New Years Eve? You *threw them out*?”
“Im ashamed to call you my parents!” He stormed out, searching desperately.
Two hours later, he spotted a girl with a dogand his grandmothers gloves.
“Where did you get those?”
“Are you Oliver?” Sophie asked.
She led him home. The smell of pancakes filled the air.
“Look whos here,” Sophie called.
Gran burst into tears. They sat together, talking late into the night.
Sophie convinced them to stay. Oliver visited often.
Once, the flat had been emptyjust Sophie and Lord. Now it was full of life, warmth, and laughter.
Kindness, after all, is the greatest force of all. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile, a question, a small act.
It always comes back.
