**Diary Entry**
I still cant believe she came to my house and frightened my children. I shouted at her, Get out of here!
My mother had only one eye. I hated her for itbecause her condition made me feel nothing but shame. To put food on the table, she worked as a cook in a school kitchen. One day, during primary school, she came to visit me. My heart sank. How could she do this? I was mortified. I pretended not to see her, glared at her with disgust, and ran off.
The next day, one of my classmates sneered, Oi, so your mums only got one eye, then? I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I wanted her to disappear. That evening, when I saw her, I spat out the cruelest words I could think of: Why dont you just die so you dont embarrass me anymore?
She didnt answer. I didnt care about her feelingsI was too angry. I didnt want her in my life. I worked hard, left for university in London, built a career, married, bought a house in Manchester. I had my own children now, and life was good.
Then one day, she turned up at my door. Years had passedshed never met her grandchildren. When she appeared, the children laughed at her. How dare she come here and scare them? I roared, GET OUT!
Quietly, she whispered, Im sorry. I must have the wrong address, and vanished.
Years later, an invitation arriveda school reunion in my hometown. I told my wife it was a business trip. After the event, I wandered past my old house. A neighbour told me my mother had passed. I felt nothing. They handed me a letter shed left:
*My dearest son, Ive thought of you every day. Im so sorry for coming to London and frightening your children. When I heard youd be at the reunion, I was overjoyedbut I didnt know if Id live long enough to see you. I regret the shame I caused you growing up. But my love, when you were little, you had an accident and lost your eye. As your mother, I couldnt bear you growing up like meso I gave you mine. Now, Im so proud, knowing you see the world through it. With all my love, Mum.*
I never knew. And now, its too late.
