Dad, could you skip school today, alright?
Why, Evelyn? Youd get a prize, I wanted to see that.
No, please. All the kids and their parents will be there and you
And me?
Youll be covered in dust, love. Straight from the job again. Theyll laugh.
He froze. In his hand trembled a wilted daisy, ripped from the roadside.
Youre right, sweetheart, he whispered. I was rushing, didnt have time to change. Didnt want to be late.
Just dont come! she snapped. Ill be mortified!
He nodded, gave a thin smile.
Fine, Evelyn. I wont turn up.
He turned and walked away, clutching that lone flower.
They lived in a tiny brick cottage hed built himself years ago.
Her mother left when Evelyn was five.
He worked from dawn till duskout in the cold, under rainto buy her books, shoes, milk.
Dad, we dont even have a fridge!
Thats fine, love. The kitchen window keeps it cool, he said, grinning.
Years slipped by. Evelyn excelled at school, won contests, earned a place at Oxford.
George gave her everything he owned.
Here, love, for a flat.
But youll have nothing left!
Ill keep the best partmy pride in you.
Ill come back, I promise! And take you home with me!
He just waved his hand.
No need, darling. Im used to this yard, my chickens and the quiet.
Time moved on. He called often, but she answered less and less.
Dad, Im busy, Ill ring back later.
Alright, dear. Just dont go hungry.
One afternoon he decided to drop by unannounced, bringing a sack of homecooked treatsstuffed cabbage rolls, fresh bread, a fruit tart. The concierge at the hotel stopped him.
Who are you looking for, sir?
My daughter, Evelyn George.
Ah, the lady from the Royal Charity Gala? Shes at the event tonight, big night. Better leave the parcel here.
No, I just want to see her, even for a minute.
He headed to the ballroom where the charity evening was under way. Evelyn stood by the stageelegant, confident, surrounded by notable guests. He edged closer, shy as ever.
Evelyn its me, your dad.
She spun around, eyes wide.
Dad?! What are you doing here?
Brought you a bit of home cooking
Please, go! This is a private function!
The sack tipped, tins clattered at her feet. He bent to pick them up and whispered,
Sorry I didnt mean to embarrass you.
He slipped out quietly. A stewardess helped gather the items.
Dont feel bad, sir. Kids do come back sometimes a bit late.
He managed a sad smile.
Yeah, when nobodys waiting any more.
Decades later Evelyn married, built a career, often said her parents were gone. Then a small town invited her to a charity night titled Ordinary Folks, Big Hearts.
A frail old man walked onto the stage. His hands were rough, his gaze gentle.
My names George George. Im no great man, but I know love. I raised my daughter on my own. Shes gone far, and I pray for her every day. If she could hear me, Id say I love her, even if shes forgotten me.
The hall fell silent. Evelyn rose, hand over her mouth.
Dad
She rushed to the stage and fell into his arms.
Im sorry! Im sorry I was ashamed of you!
He held her tight, whispering,
Darling I forgave you ages ago. I was just waiting.
Their story spread across the country. After that, Evelyn set up the Fathers Heart foundation for orphaned children and lonely seniors. At the inaugural gala, through tears, she said,
The man who taught me every good thing never had a formal education, but he gave me the biggest lesson: true love never feels ashamed.
She took his hand.
Dad, today youre our guest of honour.
The audience rose. He smiled through his tears.
You know, love the pain passes, but love it never does.
