Listen, we’ve got guests coming over soon, and you’ll need to make yourself scarce for a bit.

Right, heres the thingweve got guests coming soon, and youll need to make yourselves scarce.

Listen, weve got guests arriving, and youll have to go somewhere. You understandhaving you here would ruin the celebration.

But son, where are we supposed to go? We dont know anyone here, Mum asked.

How should I know? Mrs. Jenkins from the village used to invite you overgo there.

Victor and Margaret had regretted a hundred times over listening to their son and selling their old house.

Sure, life there had been hard, but it was theirs. They were masters of their own home. And here?

They barely dared leave their room, terrified of upsetting their daughter-in-law, Catherine. Everything about them annoyed herhow they shuffled in their slippers, how they sipped tea, even how they ate.

The only person in the flat who truly cared for them was their grandson, Alfie.

A fine young man, handsome, and utterly devoted to his grandparents. If his mother raised her voice in his presence, hed shut it down immediately.

But their son, Edward? Whether he feared his wife or just didnt care, he never stood up for them.

Alfie even had dinner with his grandparents whenever he could. The problem was, he was rarely home. He was on placement for work and stayed in a dorm nearby, only coming back on weekends.

The old couple lived for his visitsthey were like holidays. Now, with New Years Eve approaching, Alfie came by early just to wish them well.

He walked into their room, carrying a small gift for each of thema pair of thick woollen socks and gloves. He knew they were always cold and wanted to cheer them up. Plain gloves for Grandad, embroidered ones for Gran.

Margaret pressed the gloves to her face and burst into tears.

Gran, whats wrong? Dont you like them?

Oh, my love, theyre perfect. The most precious thing Ive ever had.

She hugged him tight, and Alfie kissed her hands, just as he had since he was a boy. They always smelled of something lovelyfresh apples, baking dough, or simply of warmth and love.

Right, you two, just hold on without me for three days. Im off with the lads for a bit of fun, then Ill be back.

Go on, love, Gran said. Well be waiting.

Alfie packed his bag, said his goodbyes, and left. The old couple retreated to their room.

An hour later, they heard Catherine shrieking at Edward. Guests were coming, and having the elderly around was embarrassing. Where could they be sent off to?

And where would the guests sleep afterward? Edward tried to argue, but Catherine wouldnt hear it.

The old pair sat frozen, not even daring to make tea. Victor quietly pulled out some biscuits hed stashed away and shared them with Margaret.

They sat by the window, chewing in silence. Fear kept them from speaking. A tear trembled in Margarets eye. How cruel it was to live long enough to become unwanted.

Outside, night was falling. Edward came in.

Right, weve got guests coming. Youll need to go somewhere.

But son, where? Mum asked.

How should I know? Mrs. Jenkins used to invite yougo there.

How? The buses arent running, we dont even know where the station is. And she might not even be alive.

I dont know. Catherine says youve got an hour.

Edward left. Victor and Margaret looked at each other, each fighting back tears. They packed quietly, grateful now for Alfies gifts.

Dressed warmly, they stepped outside. The streets were dark, people rushing past on their own business.

Margaret took Victors arm, and they walked slowly toward the park. On the way, they stopped at a café for tea and sandwichesthey hadnt eaten all day.

They lingered for an hour, dreading the cold outside. The wind howled, snow fell, and the frost bit deeper. The park had a small gazebo. They huddled inside, shoulders pressed together.

Margaret studied her gloves. Victor looked at her and sighed.

At least our Alfies got a good heart, unlike his parents.

We promised him wed manage, Gran whispered.

Time passed. Snow kept falling. Lights flickered in windows as families gathered for New Years Eve. Suddenly, a little spaniel trotted up to them.

It was a friendly thing, whining and pawing at Margarets knees. She smiled and stroked its head.

Hello there, lost are you?

A womans voice called out in the distance.

Duke! Where are you? Time to go home! Duke!

The dog barked, and soon a young woman appeared.

Duke! There you are! Whats the matter?

She reached the gazebo and saw the elderly couple. Duke was now happily settled on Margarets lap.

Im so sorryhes harmless, just friendly. Have you been here long?

A while, love, Margaret said. Lovely dog.

Why arent you at home? Its freezing, and its nearly midnight.

Silence.

Waitdo you have anywhere to go?

They shook their heads.

Duke refused to leave Margarets side, wagging his tail furiously.

Right, were not staying here. Im freezing, and you must be too. Come with me.

Oh, love, we cant

No arguments. Its just me and Duke at home. Wed love the company.

With great effort, they stood. Even with the warm socks, their feet were numb.

They walked slowly, Duke darting around them excitedly. Along the way, they talked.

Margaret admitted why they were in the gazebo. It was shameful, but there was something about this kind girlEmilythat made her open up.

Emily was heartbroken. How could anyone throw their own parents out? Her own mum and dad were goneshed give anything to have them back.

The flat was warm, the kitchen rich with good smells. Tea first, then supper. The Christmas tree twinkled in the corner, everything cosy and bright.

Margaret helped Emily set the table. Victor played with Duke. They welcomed the New Year togethergrateful, all of them, not to be alone.

In the morning, Emily refused to let them leave. Stay the week, she insisted.

It felt like family.

When Alfie returned, he rushed to his grandparents roomonly to find it empty. The bed hadnt been slept in.

Mum, where are Gran and Grandad?

No idea. They left.

When?

New Years Eve. We asked them to go outhaving old people around is embarrassing.

Youre the embarrassing ones! Alfie shouted. You should be ashamed!

He stormed out, searching blindly. He asked strangers, desperate.

After two hours, hope faded. Then, in the distance, he spotted a woman walking a spaniel.

As he got closer, he recognised the glovesthe ones hed given Granon her hands.

Excuse me, where did you get those?

Why?

I gave my grandmother gloves just like those. Now shes missingher and my grandad.

Are you Alfie?

Yeshow do you know?

Im Emily. Come with me.

She led him home, explaining how shed found them.

The door opened. The smell of pancakes filled the air.

I love that smell, Alfie said.

Look who we found, Emily called out.

Gran rushed to him, crying. Grandad followed.

They sat together, ate, talked. Alfie apologised for his parents.

In the end, Emily convinced themGran and Grandad would stay with her. Alfie brought their things. Soon, he was visiting all the time.

Once, the flat had been just Emily and Duke. Now it was always fullwarm, happy, smelling of good food. Duke, the little king, chose who to sleep beside each night.

As for Emily and Alfie? Well, thats another story.

The point iskindness matters.

Sometimes, its just a smile. A simple question: *Are you all right?*

Do something good. It comes back.

Always.