Without a hint of regret, he sent his own mother to a care home so he could have the flat to himself.
The car rolled quietly along the damp country lane, and Emily gazed deeply into the woods edging the road. Her son sat at the wheel, with his wife, Alice, at his side. Emilys mind was awash with questionshow could her own son send her away to a retirement home? Where had she gone wrong raising him? Perhaps she hadn’t shown him enough love, but, after all, she had always done everything she could for him and tried to give him a joyful childhood. But Oliver was always strong-willed and set on his own opinions.
One morning, he turned up carrying a bag brimming with various bits and pieces. Emily was sitting in the kitchen, sipping her tea and nibbling on biscuits. He walked in confidently, dropped the bag on the floor, and announced with a cheerful grin:
Right, Mum, get yourself ready for the home. Youre off soon, and itll be so much better for you there.
What home, Oliver? What on earth do you mean?
The retirement home. Ive already paid for six monthsdont worry, Ill cover the rest soon enough. Your room is smashingcompletely your own, no sharing. And the staff there are excellentmassages, medical treatments, your blood pressure checked right on time. You get fed five times a day too. Honestly, Mum, its like heaven on earth.
But Oliver, I dont want to go to any care home. I want to be with you, my family, and spend my days in my own house.
Stop making a fuss. Alice and I have talked it all through, made the arrangements, and paid for everything. Nows not the time for tantrumsget dressed, lets have a bite to eat.
The poor womans heart ached as tears traced the lines on her wrinkled face. She remembered when her little boy, Oliver, had hurt his knee and would curl up in her arms, crying and saying, Mum, Ill never leave you. His blue eyes would search her green ones, and her heart would thump with hope, believing her son would be her rock as she grew old. But things turned out quite differently.
Somehow, that tender boy with the kind heart had grown into an Oliver who, with no remorse, was sending his mother off to a place called a care home.
As we drove along, I found myself haunted by memories of when I first met Olivers father. Memories of how they had fallen for each other the instant their eyes met, about their plans for a home and children. And then, her first and greatest love was taken from herpassing away when Emily was six months pregnant.
My dear husband, whos left me behind? Who?the thoughts and echoes of her lost love grew louder in her mind, and tears of pain and sorrow caught in her throat.
