April 12
I have just given birth to twins, and moments later my husband was posted abroad for six months. Before he left, he stopped by his mothers cottage to say goodbye, and returned with a fiveyearold boy in tow.
Meet Leo, Andrew said, lowering his head. Hell be staying with us.
I was speechless; at that instant the newborns began to wail. After the shock passed I rushed to my children, and later Andrew explained everything.
Six years earlier he had been forced to marry his neighbour, Tara. They spent only one night together, after which she discovered she was pregnant. Tara was withdrawn and odd, spending her days buried in encyclopaedias and acting as though she were far above the people around her. When her mother learned of the pregnancy she confronted Andrew with threats, forcing him into the marriage.
When their son was born, Taras mental state deteriorated. She failed to recognise people and screamed at the sight of the baby. She was placed in a psychiatric unit, and Andrews mother took Leo into her own care, while Andrew himself kept his distance from his son.
When I met Andrew he concealed this history, fearing it would drive me away. Shortly before his assignment, he visited his mother to leave some money for Leo, only to find she could no longer look after her grandson. So he brought Leo back to us.
Seeing Leos frightened eyes made my heart tighten. I held him close, realising none of this was his fault. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, kissed me, and promised we would start a new life together when he returned.
The next day he left, swearing he would be back in six months. He never did. I was left alone with three children. Even my own mother cut off contact, convinced Id gone mad. For ten years I clung to hope, until a friend mentioned that Andrew was living overseas with a wealthy woman.
I never regretted taking Leo in. He grew into a bright, decent man, trained as a software developer and quickly became one of the best in the city. Though he set up his own flat, every Sunday he would drop by, spending the whole day with me and the twins.
One Sunday Leo arrived, a mysterious smile on his face, and said, Gather round, Ive got a surprise for you.
We stepped out of his car in front of a handsome twostorey house. He handed me a set of keys.
Come in, Mum, this is for you.
Joy rushed through me so fiercely I thought I might faint. Leo had built a spacious home, with a room for each of us. The twins ran around gleefully, exploring their new space, while I embraced my son, gratitude spilling over.
Its me who should thank you, Mum, Leo replied. You loved me as your own and raised me despite everything. I always wanted to keep my fathers promise and give you a home. Today that promise is fulfilled.
