Ive had enough, thats it, Im leaving! How much more can I take?
Ive had enough, thats it, Im leaving! How long do I have to put up with this? The child, her constant exhaustion, always needing help, help, help and all the while I just want to go out like I used to! I want some passion again! I work all day, after all! I want to come home to a loving wife, a real woman Ill stay at Jacks for a while, then maybe Ill find someone younger ah, well William muttered under his breath, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, the bitter taste of a cigarette filling his mouth as he sat in the car, knowing he and his wife had reached the final breaking point.
Our story isnt anything new: boy meets girl, they fall head over heels, passion sparked and, in the whirlwind, caution forgotten. It wasnt long before she showed him the pregnancy testtwo blue lines.
Of course, have the baby, well manage, William said confidently, with all the mothers and grannies nodding supportively alongwell help, just have the little one. Then the wedding, the birthtears of happiness a son! There it was and suddenly, the carefree, happy part of life ended. His wife, once glowing and energetic, now seemed perpetually tired, hair a mess, always the babys cry in the background, even at nighthelp, help, her endless refrain. Where had his sweet girl gone? Family quickly faded out, and now they were alone, just the two of them tackling parenthood.
Im not ready for this, William blurted at his wife earlier, slamming the door on the sight of her weeping with their sobbing baby in her arms.
The tires screechedsuddenly an elderly, hunched figure appeared in the headlights.
Are you out of your mind?! William shouted, leaping from the car and hurrying to the man.
Straightening his old raincoat, the man looked at William with tired, sad eyes and whispered, Yes.
Not expecting such an answer, William was thrown off.
Sir, do you need help? Do you need anything?
I dont want to go on living.
Come now, dont talk like that. Let me give you a ride home, and perhaps you could tell me your storymaybe I can help? William gently took the old mans arm and led him to the car.
Go on, tell me your tale, William said, lighting another cigarette.
Itll take a while, the old man replied.
Im in no rush, William assured.
The elderly man gazed thoughtfully at William, then glanced at the photo of a young family hanging from the mirror.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl and fell for her instantly. Everything moved quicklybefore we knew it, we had a home, a child, a son, an heir. It seemed as though happiness was ours. But I wanted things to stay passionate, like before. My wife was weary, dealing with a newborn, the house, and her jobI heaped it all on her and offered no help. I found attention from another woman at work, began an affair. My wife found out, we divorced. It didnt work with the other, but I didnt careI was free to go out and about as I wished. My ex married again, flourished, and our son called her new husband Dad. As for me, well, it didnt bother me.
And then? William asked, nervously lighting another cigarette.
Well, now I have no family, no wife, no children to care for me. Today my son turned fiftyits his birthday. I went to see him, but he wouldnt even let me in the door, the old man wiped his eyes, He said, Youre no father to me, go enjoy your freedom.
So, where do you want me to take you? William tapped the steering wheel anxiously.
Thats me over there, I live in the block across the road. Go on, dont worry about me, lad The old man slipped from the car and shuffled off toward the drab block of flats nearby. William watched to make sure he entered the building, then turned his car around. He stopped by the supermarket and bought a bouquet of flowers.
Im sorry, forgive me, he whispered, falling to his knees in front of his weeping wife as he entered their home. Have a rest, my love.
Taking their son from her arms, William headed to the other room, softly humming in his gravelly voice: Twinkle, twinkle, little star
His son, surprised, drifted off quickly, reaching out to rest a tiny hand over Williams pounding heart. William watched the peaceful child with new tenderness. I want to watch my son grow. I want to hear him call me Dad.
Out rescuing drowning men again, were you? an elderly woman greeted her husband at the door later that evening, a teasing smile on her lips. He grinned, hanging his raincoat on the peg.
Yes, indeed, someone has to remind the young ones of the basics from time to time.
How do you always know who needs your help?
I needed it myself, once upon a time
Come on, hero, lets have supper. And remember, tomorrows our sons big day no damsels in distress tomorrow evening, she added, looking at him with fondness.
I havent forgotten; after all, its our darling boys fiftieth, and fifty years of our lovehow could I forget? Smiling, the elderly man slipped his arm around her waist and walked with her into the kitchen, content.
