After Im gone, youll have to move out, Im leaving the house to my son…
Im sorry, Helen, but after Im gone youll need to vacate this house, said Arthur to his wife. Im leaving it to my son. Ive already given the appropriate instructions. I hope youre not upset with me about it? You have your own childrentheyll look after you.
Helens life had never been easy. Raised in a childrens home, she never knew her parents. She married very young, believing in a great love, but true happiness was not in store. Thirty-five years ago, still a young woman and mother of two little ones, she became a widowher husband, Nicholas, died tragically. Helen lived alone for five years, working tirelessly so her daughter and son never wanted for anything, before meeting Arthur. Luckily, she had a home of her own, left to her after her husband passed away.
Arthur was thirteen years Helens senior, owned a comfortable three-bedroom house, and earned a good wage. Their relationship moved quickly, with Helen soon accepting Arthurs proposal to move in together. He readily welcomed her children, and the eldest, Emily, at first wary, came to trust him. Her younger son, Brian, very quickly began to call Arthur Dad. Arthur treated them like his own, never stinted on time, effort, or money, and both Emily and Brian cherished him for a happy childhood.
***
Brian and Emily had long since flown the nest. Emily, who married young, had long left home, while Brian, dreaming of a military life, hadnt lived with his parents in years. Ten years ago, Helen asked them both to visitshe had an important question.
I want to sell our old two-bedroom flat, she announced. We need to do major repairs here. The furnitures old, the bathroom pipes need replacing, and that other flat just sits empty these days. I wanted to ask your permission. Lets sell it and split the money?
Emily shrugged. Ive no objections. Its not as if Ill claim the flat, but honestly, Mum, I wont say no to some money. You know were still hoping to get my son on his feethis treatments arent cheap.
Emilys eldest, her son, was born with a serious congenital illness, affecting his mobility. Regular therapy, trips up to London, and care at private centres demanded considerable funds. Brian supported his sisters wishes. Thats fine by me, Mumgive my share to Em for her son. Im still paying off my mortgage, and Ive got my own place. My nephews health comes first.
Helen sold the flat and handed half the proceeds to Emily, using her portion to refurbish Arthurs houseshe replaced wiring and plumbing, bought all new furniture and appliances, spending her own earnings. She had no idea her efforts would one day mean little. It never crossed her mind that after three decades, her husband would betray her trust.
Four years ago, Arthurs health took a turn. His knees began to give him agonysometimes he couldnt even get out of bed unaided. Helen urged, Arthur, stop being so stubborn! Go to the GP, get checked, start treatment. Ill even go with you if you want! Whos going to look after you but you?
Arthur groaned, Helen, I know how this endsan endless prescription of expensive pills that dont help! Ive had bad knees since youth. It used to only hurt after a long day, but now they ache all the time, even depending on the weather.
Emily always considered Arthur her father and, alongside Brian, convinced him to see a doctor. Helen accompanied her husband. After the check-up, the GP sighed, Its quite seriousyou need urgent treatment. How long have you had the pain?
About twenty-five years, Arthur admitted. It flared up after heavy work but now, it never really goes away.
Youre carrying too much weight, the GP advised. Its straining your joints. Honestly, you need to start a diet as soon as possible.
Helen took Arthurs health in hand. She prepared nutritious, low-calorie meals, cut out chocolates in favour of dried fruits. Arthur rebelled at every turn.
That doctors talking rubbish, he grumbled. I wont go on some diet! Ill be dead in a month eating nothing but this rabbit food, Helen! Theres nothing wrong with my weight. My knees just hurt because Im getting oldseventy soon. Now, make some tea, and buy proper sweets next time!
Yet Helen persevered, through pleading, bargaining, even the odd ultimatum. Arthur eventually agreed to try the treatment plan and diet. The prescribed drugs barely helped; the pain went but kept returning. He started to struggle getting around, needing Helens help even just to reach the bathroom. Heart and blood pressure issues soon followed. Arthur was deteriorating quickly, and both Emily and Brian tried to spend as much time with him as they could.
***
For several years, Arthur fought bravely for his health. Recovery phases would give way to painful relapses. Helen stood by him through it allnever once did she consider abandoning him. Six months prior, during another particularly bad spell, Arthur was admitted to hospital. Helen was at his side day and night. One afternoon as she packed food for him, she heard the doorbell ring. There stood a young mansomething about his features seemed oddly familiar.
Hello, is Mr Arthur Evans at home? he asked.
Hello, Helen replied, wiping her hands on her apron. Hes in hospital just now, Im afraid. May I ask who you are?
My names Matthew. Im Arthur Evanss son.
Helen was momentarily stunnednow she understood why the visitor looked so familiar. Noticing Helens confusion, Matthew asked, Do you know when hell be home? I havent seen Dad in so long, Id like to talk to him.
Come in, Matthew, dont stand on the step, she said, bustling him into the kitchen. Ill explain.
Matthew listened as Helen recounted his fathers situation, and replied sadly, Dad was always… well, a bit of a character, wasnt he? Its hard to see how time changes everything. I remember him young and strong. Can I come to the hospital with you? Im eager to see him again!
Of course, Helen smiled. Im sure Arthur would be glad to see you.
Helen had never heard of Matthew beforeher husband never spoke of having a son from a previous marriage, always lamenting hed never become a father, since they were unable to have a third child together.
Arthur didnt recognise his son at first. Matthew stayed only a short timesaying he had things to do, he left soon after. Later, Arthur told his wife about his past.
I was married to Matthews mother for just four years, he began. I left when he was three. I loved Mary dearly, but she cheated on me with a distant relationI caught them red-handed. She married him and didnt want my help, told me to forget about my son. I tried to see Matthew, hung around his school, waited outside their house. Her new husband even came after me a few times. After two years I gave uplife has its own way of sorting things out. Thirty years on, now hes found me. I dont know how to feelhes my son, but hes a stranger.
Arthur, hes your blood, Helen said gently. Dont shut him outhe didnt ask for any of this. Try to let him in or you might regret it later. Dont turn your back on him, help him feel welcome.
Taking her advice to heart, Arthur began to see his son more often. Matthew became a regular guest, and even met Emily and Brian, who were friendly towards their stepbrother. Helen was genuinely pleased her husband and his son had made peace. Every week, Matthew visited Arthur for long conversations behind the closed bedroom door. Helen never once tried to snoopshe simply trusted them.
Arthur and Helen had savings, painstakingly set aside for yearsmainly topped up by Helen, who banked the remaining sum from selling the old flat and contributed a little each month. She was still working as a remote accountant for several firms, not yet retired, and paid little daily attention to the account. Then, she received a random SMS alert from her bank.
I didnt withdraw any money, she thought, nor has Arthur left the house. Who took out £3,500? Wheres the card?
She dashed to her husband. Arthur, wheres the bank card with our savings? Someone withdrew £3,500 the other day and I missed the message! We need the policesomeones stolen our money!
Arthur responded calmly. Helen, no one robbed us. I gave Matthew the card. He needed the money, so I helped out.
Helen sank onto the edge of the bed. Why didnt you tell me? Why didnt you at least ask? Whats happened that requires so much?
Thats none of your business, Arthur retorted sharply. My son needed help, and I helped him. Simple as that.
Lately, Arthur had become rather brusqueHelen tried to ignore his outbursts. Steeling herself, she quietly said, So wheres the card now?
Matthews got it, Arthur shrugged. He can hang onto it. Enough with all the questions.
Arthur, phone your son and tell him to return the card at once! Thats our rainy day fund, and nobody else should have access!
Hes my sona close family member! Youre making wild accusations! I gave him permission. He wont be giving it back.
That was too much for Helen. Why, Arthur, should your son spend my hard-earned savings? Forgive me, but when was the last time you contributed anything to that fund? You havent worked in yearsits been me and my pay each month. I dont want your son keeping my card. Have him bring it backId rather not fall out with him.
Arthur only yelled louder. So Helen called the bank herself and blocked the card. That evening, Matthew arrived.
Dad, your cards not workingI couldnt withdraw anything!
Thats right, said Helen, because I blocked it. We helped you once, but that doesnt mean you get all our savings. Use it as a coaster if you want.
Matthew flushed with indignation. Dad, you said I could use it as needed! Helen, may I have an active card? People are waiting, I need to pay for my furniture.
So your intention was to buy furniture with my savings? Helen said icily. For what reason, exactly? Those funds are mine, not your fathersand certainly not yours. From now on, all financial matters go through me. Your fathers pension isnt enough for these sorts of favours.
Matthew left, offended, and Arthur erupted at Helen once more. They fought bitterly. For the first time in years, Helen realised how tired she was. She had given so much, yet received so little thanks.
***
Days went by. Matthew didnt visit. Arthur, whenever offended, would stonewall Helen. Seeking a break, she packed up her work laptop and went to stay with Emily.
Let Arthur stew in his own juices for a bit, she thought. Perhaps we both need spaceits not healthy any more.
She left that morning, returning late at night. Arthur seemed in high spiritsshe felt hopeful their argument had passed.
How was your day? What did you get up to while I was out? she asked.
Oh, you know, Arthur replied, Matthew was over, and we ran a few errands. Didnt get back long before you did, actually. Did quite a bit of walkingknackered now.
Helen said nothing. After a pause, Arthur spoke again.
I hope you wont be angry with me?
Why should I be? Helen asked, wary.
Well, I saw the solicitor today. Ive gifted this house to my son.
Helen narrowed her eyes. On what grounds, exactly?
Matthew is my son, my only blood relative. Hell inherit the house after Im gone. Really, Helen, you should start thinking about your own future. Will you live with your daughter or your son?
Helen found herself suddenly wounded. Legally, perhaps, she wasnt entitled to the house, but morally, surely at least half was hers. Everythingfrom the curtains to the kitchen, every improvementshed provided. Now, she was to be left with nothing.
Thank you, Arthur, she said quietly. Perhaps youre right. Its time for me to look after my future. Maybe ask your son to move in; someone has to look after you.
What do you mean? Arthur asked, thoroughly puzzled.
Well, said Helen, as she started to pack her suitcase, you hate being aloneand now your son can keep you company in the evenings.
And where are you going? Arthur sputtered, completely lost.
Theres nothing to explain, Arthur, Helen sighed. Im leaving you. I want a divorce and my freedom. Just let me gather my things, and Ill call the children to discuss plans.
Helen moved in with Brian, who had a spare room in his three-bed place. Emily would also have gladly taken her in, but Helen didnt wish to impose. Arthur turned up in court in hopes of preventing the divorce, but the judge granted Helens wish, leaving her, in her husbands and stepsons eyes, the ungrateful schemer after property that wasnt hers.
Yet, as Helen settled into her own space, surrounded by those who truly cared for her, she realised something vital: sometimes the most valuable things in life aren’t possessions or houses, but dignity, peace of mind, and the love and gratitude of those whove seen your true worth. And so, she learned its better to walk away from a place where youre not valued than to stay and lose yourself entirely.
