I’ve had enough, that’s it, Im leaving! How much longer can I take this?
Ive had enough, that’s it, Im out! How much longer can I take this? The kid, her constant exhaustion, help me, help me but I just want to go out like I used to! I want sex! I work, for Gods sake! I want to come home to my beautiful wife, my woman now I’ll stay at my mates place for a bit, then find a younger one ahh Sitting behind the wheel, David nervously smoked, thinking today was the final straw in his relationship with Emma.
Their story was as old as time: met, fell madly in love, passion was through the roof, and they forgot about protection. A few months later, she showed him two lines on the test.
Of course, have the baby, well manage, David said confidently, and all the mums and dads nodded along, saying, Well help, just have the baby. Then came the wedding, the birth, happy tears a son!… And that was it the carefree, happy days ended; his wife turned into a worn-out mum, sleepy, hair a mess, the kid screaming day and night, help me, help me, her constant refrain Where did his girl go? Their families drifted off right away they were left to face parenthood on their own
Im not ready! David told Emma today, slamming the door on her as she cried with their baby in her arms.
Screech of brakes A bent, shadowy figure suddenly appeared in front of the car.
Oi, mate, you got a death wish or what? David jumped out, rushing over.
The man, wrapped in a coat, straightened up and looked at David with tired, sad old eyes, whispering, Yes.
David was taken aback, not expecting that reply.
Sir, do you need help? Are you alright?
I dont want to live anymore.
Come on, dont talk like that, let me take you home? Tell me whats going on, maybe I can help? David took the old mans hand and gently led him to the car.
Go on then, David said, lighting another cigarette. Tell me your story.
Its a long one.
Ive got nowhere I need to be.
The old man looked carefully at David, glanced at the photo hanging from the dash.
Fifty years ago, I met a girl, fell head over heels. Things moved fast, next thing we knew, we were married, had a baby, a son, our little heir Thought we had it all, happiness! But I wanted it to be like before love, passion, youth. My wife was tired: little one, running the house, working, I left everything on her shoulders and didnt help. Found another woman at work, it got serious my wife found out, we divorced and that was that. It didnt work out with the other woman, but I wasnt bothered, just kept living as I pleased. My ex remarried, became lovely again, her husband was Dad to our son, and I couldnt care less.
And what about you? David asked nervously, lighting his second cigarette.
Me? Eventually, I was left with nothing no family, no wife, no kids. Today, my son turned fifty. I went to see him, but he wouldnt even let me in the door, the old man started to cry, My own fault. He said, Youre not my father, go keep living as you please.
So, mate, where can I drop you off? David tapped the steering wheel.
I live just here, right here, dont worry about me The old man got out and shuffled towards a block of flats close to the road. David waited until he saw him go inside, then turned his car around. He stopped at the supermarket, bought flowers.
Im sorry, Im sorry, he said, coming home and dropping to his knees in front of his crying wife, Rest, my love.
He took their son from Emma, headed to the other room, rocking him gently, singing in his rough voice, Go to sleep, weary teddy bears
His surprised son drifted off quickly, trustingly putting his little hand on Davids pounding heart. David looked at him tenderly: I want to watch my boy grow, I want to hear him call me Dad.
Rescuing the drowning again, were you? chuckled a woman as her elderly husband came through the door. He smiled, hanging up his coat.
Yeah, did my bit someones got to hammer home these age-old truths to the young.
And how do you sense who needs help?
I needed it myself at that age
Well, come on, lets have dinner, hero. And dont forget, tomorrows your sons big birthday no drowning folks in the evening, she said, gazing at him with love.
Dont worry, love, of course I remember fifty years since our boy was born, fifty years of our love, how could I forget? He hugged her, grinning as they headed to the kitchen together.
