I dearly crave a tin of pilchards, lad. Will you fetch some? Why? Youve got a chop right here. Why arent you eating it? My teeth arent strong enough anymore. I need soft pilchards. The cheapest ones, please.
I havent got time. Eat what youre given.
Victor constantly believed his wife was correct. His father ought to be sent somewhere new: a care home.
And that, despite the old man once selling his own house and handing the proceeds to his son. Then, the son told him:
Youll sell the place, and Ill take you in. You wont be lonely anymore.
His father reluctantly let go of his home. But after pondering it late into the night, he decided it was best for his beloved son and moved. At first, things ticked along nicely, but soon enough, Victors family grew weary of him. His granddaughter wanted nothing to do with him, and Victors wife grew angry at the smallest things and scolded the old gent for everything.
Eventually, the grandfather confined himself to his allotted room, careful not to be seen.
Our daughter is getting married soon. Youll have to move to the care home. We picked the best onetheyll look after you well. Young newlyweds need your room for a while. We just cant all squeeze in.
The old man was bewildered and broke down in tears, unable to express his sorrow.
I always tried to meet your needs. I even sold my home. I never wanted to! That house held so many memories. I wanted it to be my last address. But I did it for you. And now, you send me away to a care home? Calm yourself, Dad. You wont be alone there, and well visit. Im terribly disappointed. I wish your mother couldnt see what youve become since she passed. Youre being far too dramatic.
The son didnt linger when they arrived. The old man was left by himself. For a time, his misery swallowed him wholehe wouldnt even eat. Gradually, though, he accepted his circumstances and even settled into the routine of his new home.
Half a year later, he passed away. Victor kept his promise to visit but never did. The old gent left behind £90,000, a sum hed quietly saved all his life. He willed it to a young woman who had cared for him at the care home. That was the old mans revenge.
Victor was bewildered, finding no mention of his name in the will. The solicitor handed him a note from his father. It read:
I only wanted to spend my years in peace. You acted with coldness towards me. Thats why I left everything to the one who shared my sorrow. That girl is truly kind. Unlike you.
