I only ever knew my parents through old photographs in the family album. The thing is, my mum died giving birth to me, and after losing her, my dad couldnt even bear to look at mehe gave up all rights and left me behind. It was my grandfather who took me home from the hospital and became my guardian.
Granddad wasnt able to give up his job, so he hired a nanny to look after me until he came home each day. Things became easier once I started nursery. Time went by quickly and granddad and I always got on well. We never really argued, even during my wild teenage yearswe always managed to find a compromise. I was endlessly grateful that he was there for me. The thought of what might have become of me without him was frightening.
Of course, the main way I showed my gratitude was by always helping out at home and trying hard at school. Granddad was very proud that his granddaughter was chosen for both academic competitions and sporting events.
He also helped me choose my career. I had been interested in biology for a long time, but I wasnt sure what to do with it. Granddad introduced me to his old friend, a respected doctor. We had a very enlightening conversation, and I realised this was truly what I wanted.
I spent all my years at university deeply involved with my studies, eventually doing my placement at one of Londons top hospitals. It wasnt always easy, but I stuck with it, and ended up specialising in neurosurgery.
Right after graduating, the director of a prestigious private hospital offered me a job. It wouldve been mad to turn down such an opportunity. Thats when the demanding days really began, with countless operationsbut, Im happy to say, not a single failed one. After a year, I held lectures for otherseven experienced doctors came to hear me speak. Three years later, my name was known internationally. So granddad and I werent surprised when I was offered a job at one of Americas best hospitals. After we discussed everything, we decided to give it a try.
We packed up and moved abroad. Granddad didnt stay long, though; he missed home too much and eventually returned to England. I would have gone back with him if I hadnt met the love of my life. I met Theo at one of my lectureshes also a surgeon, from another hospital. At first we were just friends, then it turned into something more, and soon enough, we started living together. We decided to marry in England, because I wanted my granddad to walk me down the aisle. But when I tried persuading him to come back, he flatly refused, saying time wasnt on his side and he wanted to be buried in his homeland.
One day, Theo and I spent the whole afternoon playing board games with my granddad, when suddenly my father rang me. He started off congratulating me on the wedding, but I couldnt stand his false niceties and asked him directly what he wanted. His response was:
I want money, darling! Youre living the high life nowyou found yourself a wealthy man in America and youre rolling in it! So whats the harm in helping your own father out a bit?
I refused to listen to any more, hung up, and blocked his number.
I cant imagine where he found the nerve to ring and call himself family, after hed abandoned me from the start.
To me, I have two true family members, and Id do anything for them. But as for my fatherhe means nothing to me.
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