A fine motorcar pulled up beside a charming little florists shop, nestled in a quiet corner of London. The shop, though newly opened, had quickly become the talk of the town, drawing patrons even from neighbouring counties in search of its exquisite floral arrangements.
“Could you prepare the loveliest bouquet you have? The grandest, tooIve just become a father!” declared the young man, his face alight with joy as he addressed the pretty florist.
On his way to the hospital, Edward Picton let his mind wander to the moment he would first hold his newborn son, swearing silently to be the father he himself had never known. The weight of his own childhood pressed heavily upon himhis sole happy memory being the fleeting thrill of being hoisted high into the air by a tall, sturdy man, a mix of fear and delight coursing through him. But that man, William Picton, had soon abandoned his family, leaving Edward and his mother not just heartbroken, but homeless.
It had all begun when his mothers old friend, Veronica Whitmore, a nurse at the local infirmary, started visiting their home with increasing frequency. Often, she arrived bearing a bottle of gin, dismissing Edwards mothers hesitant objections with a dismissive wave.
“Oh, come now! Whats the harm? Its just to whet the appetite,” Veronica would say, her tone light, her smile practised. “You ought to cherish that husband of yoursa man like that deserves to be treasured.”
Then came the evening of Veronicas birthday celebration. She lived across the city with her two daughters, and the entire night, she had flitted about, plying William with drink and attention.
Not long after, returning home from football practice, Edward overheard his parents arguing in the kitchen.
“Im leaving. And yes, I love Veronica. Theres nothing left between usno love, no respect. But with her, its real. She appreciates me, unlike you,” William announced coldly.
“She doesnt appreciate *you*only your money, you fool!” his mother shot back.
“I knew youd say that. Always the drama. By the way, well have to sell the house and split the proceeds.”
“What? Have you no conscience? That house was my parents wedding gift to us!”
“Exactlyto *us*, not to you alone. Its joint property.”
“And what of your son? Where is he to live? Where will he sleep, what will he eat?!”
“Have you considered where *I* am to live? A cramped flat with my love and her two schoolgirl daughters? Besides, I only want whats fair…”
For two years, Edward and his mother lodged with his grandparents before securing a mortgage on a modest home. Years later, after Edward had graduated from university and married, his stepfather transferred the deed to him.
“Ill love my son and never betray himnor Lucy,” Edward thought as he left the hospital, resolved to furnish the nursery in the coming days. They had postponed purchases out of respect for his wifes superstitions.
Approaching his house, Edward noticed a balding stranger loitering nearby. Something about the mans bearing struck him as unnervingly familiar.
“Edward, my boy! Dont you recognise me?”
“Father…?”
“The very same! Spotted you the moment you stepped out of that fine motorcar. Its a beauty, that.”
“Pardon me, but Im in a hurry.” Edward clenched his fists, stepping past him.
“Pardon me… in a hurry… No need for formalitywere family. Wont you invite me in? Have a proper chat, man to man.”
Under different circumstances, Edward would have dismissed him outright. But today, buoyed by joy, he ignored him and strode toward the door. William took his silence as assent and followed.
“Fine house youve got here! Plenty of space,” William remarked, eyeing the rooms. “Youve done well for yourselfmore than able to help a father in need.”
“What are you on about?”
“Dont play daft. First, youve spare roomsseveral, by the looks. Second, youre clearly in a position to settle my troubles. And Ive troubles aplenty.”
“I fail to see how my good fortune concerns you. Or why your troubles should matter to me after twenty years. Were strangers. What do you want?”
“Ive had a spot of bother. A row with Veronicas son-in-lawcalled me a freeloader, if you can believe it! Me! A freeloader! When I was working the factory, keeping them in comfort, I was good enough. But once I retired, everything changed. Theyve thrown me outout of the very house I paid for! And the loans Veronica took in my name? Still mine to bear. Im in dire straits, son. I only seek whats fair…”
“Fair? Whats that to do with me?”
“How can you ask? Veronica and I never wedlegally, shes nothing to me. Nor are her daughters. But youyoure my flesh and blood. And your mother was my only true wife. If not for her remarrying, Id have gone to her. Were not strangerswe raised a son together.”
“You think youve any claim after taking half the money from my mothers house and vanishing? You never paid a penny in child support.”
“That money went toward Veronicas home, holidays by the seanothing wrong with a bit of leisure. My mistake was taking loans for her daughters weddings and honeymoons. Youll understand, son. Youll help me. After the injustice Ive suffered…”
“Leisure? Mother and I scraped by for yearsshe worked herself ragged, and I took odd jobs from thirteen onward. Leafleting, then scrubbing cars.”
“Youve done well. A real man. Surely you wont abandon your own father.”
“I lost my father at ten.”
“Better late than never, as they say. Well make up for lost time.”
“How?”
“I could stay in that spare room. Temporarily. What do you say? Bloods thicker than water.”
“That room is for my son. I dont know who gave you my address, but they shouldve told you Ive a child now. A son, born today. I mean to be the father he deserves. Now, leave. Ive furniture to fetchplenty to do.” He gestured firmly toward the door.
Outside, William called after him. “Edwardthats a fine motorcar. Trade it for something simpler, give me the difference. Settle my debts. Do the decent thing…”
“Youre nothing to me but a traitor. I needed a father as a boynow I need nothing from you. Stay out of my sight, or I wont answer for what happens.”
Edward strode to his car without a backward glance, leaving the old man standing there, bewildered. Not an ounce of pity stirred within him. He knew hed made the right choicefor his son, who would never know the pain he himself had endured.
