The air was thick with the scent of rain as Richard Caldwell pulled into the supermarket car park. He was on his way to his business partners countryside estate for a barbecuea last-minute change of plans. His fiancée, Victoria, had insisted they go, whispering promises of influential connections she longed to make. After all, he was the CEO of a major holding company, and she was determined to climb.
The gift for Victoria waited in the backseatan elegant necklace, wrapped in velvet. Inside the store, he grabbed a bottle of whisky, then hesitated by the chocolates. The shelves were nearly emptyhardly surprising on Mothers Day. Only cheap bars remained, the kind Victoria would scoff at. Then he spotted ita single box of luxury Belgian chocolate tucked in the corner. Just as he reached for it, a small hand tugged his sleeve.
A boy, no older than eight, stood shivering in a thin coat. His nose was red, his voice unsteady.
Please, mister, can I have that one? I want to give it to my mum for Mothers Day.
Richard frowned. Why not pick another? Theres plenty here.
She saw this one on telly, the boy whispered. Never had it before.
Richard hesitated, then handed it over. Victoria had everything. This boys gift clearly meant more.
Here. Happy Mothers Day.
The boy beamed, clutching the box before darting to the till. Richard followed, watching as the child emptied his pocketsa jumble of pennies, two-pence pieces, a few worn pound coins.
Miss, dyou think its enough?
The cashier barely glanced. Not even close. Put it back.
But I need His voice cracked.
I said no. Move along, or Ill call security.
Richard stepped forward. Happy Mothers Day, he said smoothly, flashing a polite smile. The cashiers expression softened. Let him have it. He tapped his card, then winked at the boy. Keep your coins. Youll need them.
The boy stammered, offering the money back. Take itI gotta pay.
You dont owe me anything, Richard said, ruffling his hair.
As he turned to leave, the boy dogged his steps. But, misterI wanted to give it to her. Now its from you.
Richard stopped. Whats your name?
Jamie. The boy swallowed. I was saving for my mums medicine. But Mrs. Thompson next door said itd never be enough. So I thoughtat least shell have something nice today. Ill earn the rest later.
Richards chest tightened. What medicine?
Dunno. The doctors say its dear. Mum got poorly after she lost her job. She used to sell flowers at the market, got soaked in the rain
Richard exhaled. Jamie, take me to her.
The flat smelled of bleach and fatigue. Neat, but lifeless.
Jamie, whereve you been? A womans voicefamiliardrifted from the sofa. Richard froze.
Brought a man, Mum. Hes nice. Wants to help.
What man?
Richard stepped inside, flowers in hand. Happy Mothers Day. Then he saw her. Emily?
Her eyes widened. Mr. Caldwell?
She tried to rise, but her breath hitched. Richard guided her back. What happened?
Caught a chill. Now my lungs How are you here?
Luck, he said, then frowned. They told me you quitbetter offer elsewhere.
Emily laughed bitterly. Victoria said that, didnt she? She sacked me. Blacklisted me everywhere.
Richards hands clenched. Why didnt you tell me?
And youd believe me over your fiancée? She shook her head. She threatened me. Said shed frame me if I spoke.
Richard dialled his phone, barking orders for the medicine. Youll have it by tonight.
As he turned to leave, a photograph on the dresser caught his eye. Himyounger, on a Brighton beach. And beside him Emily.
Wheres your braid? he whispered. You had this long, blonde plait
She touched her short, dark hair. Cut it off with the dreams.
The pieces clicked. Brighton. Nine years ago. Jamieeight.
Richard stormed out, cancelling the barbecue. Victoria was waiting, flawless in a new dress.
Darling, youre late! She leaned in for a kiss.
He stepped back. Why did you lie? Why sack Emily?
Victorias smile vanished. That bitch talked? And you believed her?
She has my son.
Victoria paled. How dyou know hes yours?
Because, Richard said coldly, hes the spitting image of me at his age.
That night, he moved Emily and Jamie into his home. By the time she recovered, they married.
And every Mothers Day, they bought her that same chocolatethe one that started it all.
