Matthew lived with his mother. She had raised him on her own. Her salary was modest, so life had often been difficult in the past. Now that Matthew was grown, studying at university and working part-time, things were a bit better. When her fridge finally broke down, Emily became terribly anxious. She didnt have the money to buy a new one.
Matthew saw the confusion and worry furrowed across his mothers face, and gently wrapped her in a hug, promising her that he would sort it all out.
His wages werent much, but today he was to have a meeting with the regional manager, and there was talk of a promotion.
Richard was turning forty this year. He made a decent income, but life without a family had grown terribly dull. Hed long regretted leaving his wife and son those years ago. Emily, he remembered, had always complained that he was never at home enough.
That was why theyd divorcedwork had pulled him away, and now he ached with remorse. He sat in the office, gazing thoughtfully at an old photograph on his desk.
Richard, that young chaps here. Youre meant to give him that new position.
Yes, let him come in, Richard replied.
He put the photograph away quickly into his inner jacket pocket. A young man entered and sat down. Richard began looking over his documents. When he caught sight of the surname, he froze.
Whats your mothers name? His voice trembled.
Emily replied the young man.
With shaking hands, Richard pulled the photograph from his pocket.
Are you… my father? asked Matthew, his voice barely a whisper.
Richard apologised to his former wife, and together they decided to begin again. After all these years, Matthew was delighted to have finally found his fathers support. The dream shifted with the odd certainty that old absences could melt, just as a new fridge might materialise, cold and full of promise, upon waking.
