**Diary Entry**
A sleek car pulled up outside a quaint little flower shop in the heart of London. The place had only opened recently but had already become a favourite among locals. People even travelled from neighbouring towns just to pick up one of their stunning bouquets.
*”Could you put together the most beautiful bouquet you have? The biggest one too. Ive just had a son!”* A young man, beaming with joy, spoke to the florist.
On his way to the maternity ward, Edward pictured the moment hed hold his newborn boy for the first time and become the father hed always wished hed had. Memories of his own dad weighed heavy on him. The only bright one was being lifted high into the air by a strong, towering manequal parts thrilling and terrifying. But soon after, Arthur Whitmore walked out on his family, leaving his wife and ten-year-old son without a home.
It all started when his mums friend, Victoria, began dropping by often. She worked at the hospital and sometimes brought a bottle of medicinal spirits for dinner. When Edwards mum protested, Victoria would just laugh and say, *”Oh, come off it! Whats the harm? Its just to whet the appetite.”*
Once, Victoria invited them to her birthday party across town, where she lived with her two daughters. All evening, she fussed over Arthur, topping up his drink and showering him with attention. Then, one day after football practice, Edward overheard his parents arguing in the kitchen.
*”Im leaving. And yes, I love Victoria. Theres nothing left between usno love, no respect. But with her, its different. She appreciates me, unlike you.”*
*”She doesnt appreciate you, you foolshes after your money.”*
*”Knew youd say that. Always the drama. Oh, and well have to sell the flat and split the money.”*
*”What? Have you no shame? My parents gave us that place as a wedding gift!”*
*”Exactlya gift to *us*, not just you. Its joint property.”*
*”And what about your son? Wheres he meant to live? Where will he sleep, what will he eat?!”*
*”And what about me? How am I supposed to live in a one-bed with the woman I love and her two schoolgirls? Besides, I just want whats fair…”*
For two years, Edward and his mum lived with his grandparents before scraping together a mortgage for their own place. Years later, after Edward graduated and married, his stepfather transferred the flat into his name.
*”Ill love my son and never betray himor Emily,”* Edward thought as he drove home from the hospital. Over the next few days, hed need to buy everything for the baby and set up the nursery. Theyd avoided buying things early, respecting Emilys superstitions.
As he reached his house, Edward spotted a balding stranger lingering outside. Something about the man tugged at his memory.
*”Eddie! Hello, son! Dont recognise me?”*
*”Dad..?”*
*”The very same! Saw you stepping out of that fancy motor. Nice car, by the way.”*
*”Sorry, Im in a rush.”* Edward clenched his fists, stepping past him.
*”Sorry? In a rush? No need to be so formalwere family. Fancy a quick chat? Just two blokes talking.”*
On any other day, Edward wouldve walked away. But today, he was too happy to let it sour his mood. Without a word, he headed inside. Arthur took the silence as an invitation and followed.
*”Lovely place youve got here. Spacious too,”* Arthur remarked, eyeing the rooms. *”Seems youve done well for yourself. More than capable of helping out your old man.”*
*”What are you on about?”*
*”Dont play daft. First off, youve got spare rooms. Second, clearly youre doing alright. And your dads in a bit of a bind.”*
*”Whats my life got to do with you? We havent spoken in twenty years. Were strangers. What do you want?”*
*”Got into a rowwell, a proper scrapwith my stepdaughters husband. Called me a freeloader! Me! I worked at the factory for years, kept Victoria and her girls comfortable. But the minute I retired, everything changed. They kicked me out of the house *I* paid for! And the loans Victoria took in my name? Still mine. Im in a tight spot, son. Just want whats fair…”*
*”Fair? Whats that got to do with me?”*
*”Come off it! Victoria and I were never even married. Her girls arent mine. But youre my flesh and blood. And your mumshes still my only legal wife. If she hadnt remarried, Id have gone to her. Were not strangers, Eddie. We raised you together.”*
*”So you think youve got rights after stealing half the money from Mums flat and vanishing? You never even paid child support, *Dad*,”* Edward spat.
*”That money went on Victorias place and holidays. Nothing wrong with treating yourself. My mistake was taking loans for her girls weddings and honeymoons. But you understand, dont you? Youll help. After all, Ive been done wrong here.”*
*”Treating yourself? Mum and I barely scraped by. She worked non-stop. I was handing out flyers at thirteen, then worked at a car wash. We saved every penny for that flat.”*
*”Youre a good lad. Proper man. Hope you wont abandon your dad now.”*
*”I lost my father at ten.”*
*”Well, Im here now. Better late than never, eh? Well make up for lost time.”*
*”How?”*
*”I could crash in your spare room. Just temporary. Family sticks together, right?”*
*”That rooms for my son. Someone gave you this addressthey shouldve told you Ive just had a baby. Today. And Ill be a better father than you ever were. Now get out. Ive got furniture to fetch and a life to live.”* He pointed to the door.
Outside, Arthur called after him. *”Eddiethats a nice motor. Why not trade it for something cheaper? Give me the difference. Ill clear my debts. Do the right thing, son.”*
*”Youre nothing to me but a traitor. I needed a father when I was a boy. Now? I dont need you at all. And if I see you again, I wont be responsible for what happens.”*
Edward strode to his car without looking back. No pity, no regret. He knew he was making the right choicefor his son, so hed never feel the pain Edward had carried all these years.
**Lesson:** Some wounds never heal, but they teach you how to protect the ones you love.
