Im fed up, thats itIm leaving! How much can a man take?
A child, her endless exhaustion, always help me, help me but I want to go out, just like before! I want intimacy! I work for a living, after all! I want to come home to a beloved wife, a beautiful woman Now Ill stay at a mates, later Ill find a young girl ah
So it was, years ago, that George sat behind the wheel, chain-smoking, brooding over how today had marked the final line in his marriage with Elizabeth. Their story could have fitted any old tale. They met, fell hopelessly in love, passion swept them along, they forgot caution, and in no time, she showed him the blue lines of a positive test.
Of course, have the baby, well manage, George had declared confidently, and every aunt, uncle, and cousin nodded, promising their help, urging her to become a mother. Next came a wedding, tears of joy at the birthhis son, William. And that was it. The carefree happiness vanished. His wife became a weary house sparrow, unkempt and forever tired, the endless cries of the child at all hours, the constant help me, help mewhere was his girl gone? Family melted away. In the end, it was just the two of them, left alone with their parenthood.
Im not ready! George had told his wife today, slamming the door on Elizabeths tears as she held their crying baby close.
The screech of brakessuddenly, a hunched figure appeared in front of the car.
Whats wrong with you? Are you tired of living? George leapt out and ran to the shadowy figure.
The old man, draped in a long coat, straightened and gazed at him with melancholy eyes, whispering, Yes.
George was taken aback. Sir, do you need help? Can I do anything?
I dont want to live anymore.
Now, dont say that. Come on, Ill drive you home. Tell me your storymaybe I can help? George gently took the old mans hand and led him to the vehicle.
Well, go on then, George said, lighting another cigarette.
Its a long tale, the old man sighed.
Ive time.
The old man looked intently at George, then glanced at the photo hanging above the dashboard.
Fifty years ago, he began, I met a girlFiona. Fell for her at first sight. Love swept us up, the rest happened fasta family, a son, Henry It felt like happiness at last. But I yearned for the old daysyouth, wild love, excitement. She, worn out with the baby and the chores, needed help. I put everything on her shoulders, didnt step up. I found another woman at work, sparks flew. Fiona found outdivorce, and that was that. Nothing came of the affair. I wasnt botheredjust drifted along. Fiona remarried, flourished, Henry called her new husband Dad, but as for me, I didnt care.
And you? George asked, nervously lighting another cigarette.
Me? I wandered too long, ended up with no family, no wife, no children. Today Henry turned fiftywent to congratulate him, he wouldnt let me in. Said, Youre not my father, get lost, and that was it, the old mans tears ran down his cheeks. Its my fault.
Where shall I drop you, sir? George tapped the steering wheel.
I live just here, no need to fret for me The old man shuffled toward the tall block nearby. George watched until he entered the door, then turned the car toward home.
Stopping at the supermarket, he bought a bouquet.
Forgive me, forgive me, he begged, kneeling before his still-weeping wife as he walked in. Take a break, my love. He took his son from her arms, retreated to another room and rocked him, singing in a rough voice: Sleep, tired teddy bear
To Georges surprise, his son drifted off quickly, hand trusting on his fathers pounding heart. George gazed at him tenderly: I want to see my boy grow up, I want to hear Dad.
Meanwhile, a grandmother met her husband in the doorway with a wry smile, Back to rescuing the lost again?
Yes, love, I was. One has to remind young folks of proper truths.
And how do you know who needs help?
I needed it myself at that age
Come on to supper, saviour. And dont forget, tomorrows Henrys birthday celebrationno lost souls allowed in the evening, she said fondly.
Of course not. After all, fifty years of our son, the fruit of our lovehow could I forget? And the old man, embracing his wife, walked smiling into the kitchen.
