Lonely cleaning lady found a phone in the park. Turning it on, she was stunned.
Margaret Whitmore left for work earlier than usual. Weekends always left the park littered, so she arrived at 4 a.m. to get ahead of it. Shed been a cleaner for years. Once, her life had looked very different.
Gripping her broom, Margaret thought of her beloved son, whom shed had at 35. Men had never stuck around, so shed devoted herself to motherhood. Shed adored her little Charlie. Bright, handsomethough it did worry her how much he hated their neighbourhood.
Mum, when I grow up, Ill be proper successful! hed say.
Course you will, love. How could you not? shed reply.
At 16, he left for a dorm near his college. Margaret hated the distance, but he promised to visit.
At first, he did. Then he met a girl, and home became an afterthought. Then he returned for goodpale, frail, delivering news that shattered her. She couldnt fathom why life had been so cruel.
She fought for him. Doctors suggested treatment abroad, but it cost a fortune. Without hesitation, she sold her flat. Then, one night, the call came.
Im sorry, Mrs. Whitmore. Hes gone.
Life lost all meaning.
One morning, as always, Margaret went to clean the park.
Morning! called Mr. Thompson, out walking his dog.
Youre up early, she noted.
Bored stiff at home. Thought Id get some airand chat with you, he chuckled.
A lifelong bachelor, Mr. Thompsons attention flustered her.
Right, well leave you to it, he said, tugging the lead.
Margaret resumed sweepingthen spotted something on a bench. A phone. No one around. She turned it on. The screen lit up with photos. Someone mustve forgotten it.
Then she froze.
Charlie? Her hands trembled.
The phone rang. Hesitant, she answered.
Hello? Thats my phonecan I get it back? a woman asked.
Yes, of course. I found it in the park. Come to this address.
A young woman arrived, a lanky lad trailing behind.
Whered you get photos of my son? Margaret blurted.
Toms? The girl frowned.
The boy stepped forward.
Charlie! Margaret gaspedthen fainted.
The lad caught her. Whats wrong?
She mustve mistaken you for someone. Call an ambulance.
Doctors revived her. Alone again, Margaret finally learned the truth.
You knew my son? she whispered.
Im Emma, the girl said softly. We dated. He left when I told him I was pregnant.
Left? He never mentioned you.
We were together months. Thenpoof. Gone. I figured he panicked.
Margaret shook her head. No, love. He was ill. Didnt want to burden you. Hes been gone years
Emma paled. Gone?
I sold everything to save him. It wasnt enough.
Emma exhaled shakily. So he was protecting me. She turned to the boy. Tom, come here.
He shuffled closer.
Mum?
Remember how I said your dad left us? Turns outhe was sick. This is your grandma.
Margarets heart swelled.
Gran, Tom mumbled.
Oh, come here. She hugged him fiercely.
Emma smiled. Move in with us? Weve got space.
No, love. This is home. But Ill visit often.
A knock. Mr. Thompson stood there, flowers in hand.
Fancy a walk?
Margaret grinned. Alright.
From the kitchen, Emma and Tom piped up: Can we come?
If you behave, Mr. Thompson teased.
Two months later, Margaret became Mrs. Thompson. Their dog, Winston, adored his new familyespecially Tom, who took him on walks while Gran baked pies for everyone.
