Don’t forget, you’ve lived in my flat your whole life.” – “Here we go again. Are you going to hold this over me forever?

**Diary Entry**

*”Dont forget youve lived in my flat your whole life.” “Here we go again. Youll hold this over me forever, wont you?”*

Emma and James had been married ten years. Emma had a mother and a stepfather, George, whod raised her since she was three. Her younger brother, Thomas, wasnt Georges by bloodonly her sister Lucy was. But he never treated them any differently.

When Emma married James and moved in with him, Lucy was just eight. James got on with George straight awayno surprise there. George could chat to anyone, whether a neighbours child or a grown man. He spoke to them as equals, found common ground.

James couldnt say a bad word about his mother-in-law either, but he and George grew close quicklyso close, James started calling him *Dad*. His own father was gone. His mum had gone to stay with Gran when she fell ill and never came back. She left the house to him.

Emma and James renovated it to suit them. George helped. Emmas mother grumbledshe didnt understand why her daughter would move from the city to the countryside.

*”Mum, its a town. A proper town. Theres even a few blocks of flats in the centre.” “Youre in a cottage. Outskirts mean countryside.”*

Ten years passed. Their son and daughter grew up. Thomas moved away after uni, settling far from home. Lucy married, but with no place of their own, they rentedpaid for by her parents.

*”Let them stay with us,” George told his wife. “Fine, but we need to talk.” “About what?” “Why did you change jobs?” “Weve been over this. The kids earn their own keep now. Two jobs were too much, especially after I got ill. Expenses are lower anyway.” “Lucy needs a flat.” “Shes got a husband.” “Dont forget youve lived in my flat your whole life.” “Here we go again. Youll hold this over me forever, wont you?” “Choose! Work to buy our daughter a flat!” “What choice? Work myself to death or what?” “Or leave.” “I cant do that kind of work anymore, you know that.” “Then Im filing for divorce. I want you out. Youve got your house.” “The house? Have you seen it? What state its in after all these years?” “Not my problem. You didnt want to sell.”*

George packed a bag in silence.

*”Take it all, or Ill bin the rest.” “Weve spent our lives together. Youre retiring in a year. Im sixty-three.” “Shouldve found someone younger. I only married you because no one else would take a woman with two kids. You were just the easiest option.” “Youre talking about the children? Ill go. Ill get the rest of my things this week. Just wait*

*”Mum, wheres Dad?” “You know hes not your real father.” “What difference does that make? Hes my dad. Ive never known another.” “Weve split. Lucy and her husband are moving in here.” “What? Wheres Dad?” “Back in his village.” “Lucy agreed to send him there, weak as he is? How could you?” “Why do you care?” “Its not right. Does Thomas know?” “Why tell him? Hes miles away. Why are you here, anyway?” “We just dropped by. Were on holidayleaving tomorrow, then stopping by Thomas place. Its on the way.” “What do you want from me? I need money for redecorating. Your sisters pregnanttheyll be here soon. So dont ask for anything. Brought the kids? Im not babysitting.” “We dont need anything. Weve got money, the kids are coming with us. Thats not why we came. Were you ever going to tell us about the divorce?” “Why should I? Hes only Lucys real father.” “When he loved and provided for us, he was family. Now hes not? Thats not fair, Mum.” “Dont you judge me! I did my best for you!”*

James stepped back inside. Hed left when Emma first argued with her mother, realising George was gone for good. Hed barely managed to call himGeorge never carried his phone, left it at home. But luckily, he picked up.

*”Of course its not my place to judge. He was the one who did everything for us. Time will tell.”*

*”Emma, lets go.” James tugged her hand. “Ive got the full story. Kidsin the car. Were going to Grandads.” “You found out? Lets go.” “Took some prying. He didnt want to say.” “Good job. I never even knew the address. They never told us, and we never visited.”*

George met them by the old cottage.

*”Grandad, does the mean granny live here too?” the kids asked cheerfully. “No. She stayed in the city.”*

Emma and James laughed. The joke landed, though Georges mood was grim. He was glad to see them, tried not to show it, but it was obvious.

*”Whyd you come looking for me?” “How could we not? We came to sort things out. Why didnt you tell us straight away?” “No need to trouble you. Your mother made herself clear. I understood.” “I understood her too. How can you live here? Its summer now, but winter?” “Brought all my things. Place is emptyjust old crockery, but itll do. If this is how it is, Ill manage.” “No, you wont. Pack your things, Dad. Youre coming home with us.” “Thats right. We can fetch the rest later. Just take what you need now.” “I cant. Im not alone.” “We see that. We never did get that dog the kids kept asking for.” “Someone dumped him. Still a pup” “Bring him too. Hell guard the house.”*

George didnt cry. The tears just fell on their own.

*”Dad, were going away for ten days tomorrow. Youre in charge. Heres your room. Foods stocked, shops nearby, left you some cash. Well stop by Thomas on the way. Just keep your phone on*

*”Dad, were back!” Emma called as soon as they walked in. James and the kids followed. But no one answered. Instead of George, Emmas mother stood there.

*”Mum, what are you doing here? Wheres Dad?” “Came to check on your place while you were away,” she said, as if nothing was wrong. “Then I find a stranger herewith a dog, no less!” “Wheres Dad?” James demanded. “Lucy and her husband moved into my flat. Im living with you now. Close enough to town, and its nice here.” “Are you hearing this? Where is he?”*

Emma and James were lost.

*”How should I know?” Her mother sneered. “Probably where you left him.” “Listen, dear mother-in-law. Youve overstayed your welcome. Were home now, so” “Emma! How dare he speak to me like that?” “Mum, its time to go. Dont bother moving your things in.”*

They found George back at the cottage, lying on the sofa, the pup asleep on the rug.

*”You again? Why? Im fine here. Just resting after lunch.” He sat up. “Someones got to live in your place now.” “Not her. Even if you wont come back, shes not staying.” “She disagrees. Freed up the flat for Lucy.” “Get in the car. Weve brought gifts from the kids. Dont forget the dog. Leave the rest for now. Well sort it later.” “Hes waiting alreadyhopped right in.” James nodded. “Emma, Lucys calling. You left your phone in the car.” “Meaning Mums made her move, or just made a scene. Ill ignore it for now.”*

George ended up living with Emma and James. His ex-wife never showed her face again. Thomas preferred visiting them over his motherno room for his family there.

*”Weve decided to move,” he announced one day. “We want to be closer to you.” “Brilliant.” “Buying a flat?” “No. Want a house. Might buy a plot.” “I