A lonely park keeper finds a phone in the park. Turning it on, she takes a long moment to recover from the shock.
Martha Wilson leaves for work earlier than usual. Weekends always leave behind a mess, so she arrives at 4 a.m. to get everything done. Shes been a park keeper for years now, though her life used to be very different.
As she picks up her broom, Martha thinks of her beloved son, whom she had at 35. Luck had never been on her side with men, so she chose to raise him alone. She adored her little Alfie. He was clever, handsomethough it worried her how much he hated their neighbourhood.
Mum, when I grow up, Ill be someone important! hed say.
Of course you will, love. No doubt about it, shed reassure him.
At 16, Alfie left for a student flat near his college. Martha hated how far away he was, but he promised to visit often.
At first, he did. Then he met a girl, and home became a distant memory. Later, he returned for goodwith news that he was terminally ill. Martha couldnt understand why life had dealt them such a cruel hand.
She fought with everything she had. The doctor suggested treatment at a private clinic, but it cost a fortune. Without hesitation, she sold her flat. Then, one night, the call came.
Your son is gone, the doctor said.
Martha didnt want to live anymore. Without Alfie, nothing mattered.
One morning, as usual, she heads out to clean the park.
Morning! calls Mr. Thompson, out walking his dog.
Morning! Youre up early, Martha replies.
Couldnt sit at home. Thought Id walk Rex and have a chat, he says cheerfully.
Mr. Thompson is a lifelong bachelor. Martha flushes slightly at his attention.
Right, well let you get on with it, he says, continuing his stroll.
Martha resumes work when something on a bench catches her eyea phone. She looks aroundno one in sight. She turns it on. Photos light up the screen. Someone mustve left it behind. As she examines them, her breath catches.
Alfie! My boy! she sobs.
Suddenly, the phone rings. Startled, she answers.
Hello? Thats my phonecan I get it back? a woman asks.
Yes, of course. I found it on the park bench. Come to this address, Martha says, reciting hers.
The woman arrives shortly. As the door opens, Martha spots a young man behind her.
Excuse me, why do you have pictures of my son on your phone? Martha asks.
Of Jamie? the woman frowns.
The young man steps inside.
Alfie! Martha gasps before collapsing.
He rushes to her side. Whats wrong?
She mustve mistaken you for someone. We should call an ambulance, the woman says.
Fifteen minutes later, the paramedics revive Martha. Once they leave, the truth unfolds.
Still shaken, Martha looks at the woman. Do I know you? How did you get Alfies photos?
Im Emily, she replies. We dated years ago. He left when I told him I was pregnant.
Left? He never mentioned you.
We were together a few months. After I told him, he just disappeared. I assumed he was scared, Emily sighs.
No, love. Now I understand. Alfie was ill. He didnt want to burden anyonenot even you. Hes been gone for years.
Emilys eyes widen. Gone?
He passed. I sold my flat trying to save him, but we were too late.
Emily exhales shakily. So he was trying to protect me.
She calls the young man over. Jamie, come here.
He steps forward.
Remember how I said your dad left us? That wasnt true. He was ill. And thisthis is your grandmother.
Marthas eyes fill with tears as she looks at her grandson.
Gran, Jamie says shyly.
Come here, love, she whispers, hugging him.
Emily smiles. Would you move in with us? Weve got space, and wed love to have you.
No, dear. This is my home. But Ill visit often.
A knock interrupts them. Mr. Thompson stands at the door, holding flowers.
For you, Martha. Fancy a walk?
Id love that, she smiles.
Emily and Jamie peer from the kitchen. Can we come too? they ask in unison.
If you behave, Mr. Thompson chuckles.
Two months later, Martha becomes Mrs. Thompson. His dog, Duke, adores the new family, often trotting beside Jamie while Martha bakes pies for them all.
