— Dad, meet my future wife and your new daughter-in-law, Barbara! — Boris beamed with happiness. — W…

Dad, may I introduce my future wifeand your daughter-in-lawMegan! beamed George with delight.

Who? Professor Robert Wilkinson, PhD, asked, taken aback. If youre joking, its not very funny!

He scrutinised the nails on Megans coarse fingers with undisguised distaste. It seemed to him as though the young woman had never heard of soap and water, judging by the stubborn dirt under her nails.

Good heavens! Im glad my Sarah didnt live to witness such embarrassment! We tried so hard to teach this rascal proper manners flashed through his mind.

Its no joke! George challenged. Megan will stay with us, and in three months, well be married. If you refuse to have a part in your sons wedding, Ill manage without you.

Nice to meet you! Megan grinned, confidently making her way into the kitchen. Ive brought sausage rolls, homemade raspberry jam, dried mushrooms she rattled off the contents of her battered carrier bag.

Roberts hand went to his chest when he saw Megan spill jam onto the pristine, hand-embroidered tablecloth.

George! Pull yourself together! If this is your idea of punishing me, its far too cruel! Which village did you drag this bumpkin from? I will not have her live in my house! the professor cried in desperation.

I love Megan. My wife has every right to live where I do! George replied with a mocking smirk.

Robert realised his son was deliberately provoking him. Refusing to continue the argument, he retreated silently to his study.

His relationship with George had changed dramatically since Sarahs passing. George had become wild and rebellious, he quit university, was rude to his father, and spent his days carelessly drinking and partying.

Robert kept hoping his son would turn a cornerthat hed return to his former self: thoughtful and kind. But day by day, the gap between them widened. And now, to make matters worse, George had brought home this country girl, knowing full well his father would never approve.

Soon after, George and Megan were wed. Robert refused to attend the ceremony, declining to accept the unwelcome daughter-in-law. Anger simmered within him at the thought that Megan, unrefined and barely articulate, had taken Sarahs place as lady of the house and mother.

Megan, seemingly oblivious to her father-in-laws coldness, tried her best to please him, though only made matters worse. To Robert, her lack of education and refinement eclipsed any redeeming qualities.

It wasnt long before George tired of playing model husband and returned to his old habits of drinking and carousing. Robert overheard the couples frequent arguments and secretly rejoiced, hoping Megan would leave their home for good.

One day, Megan burst into his study in tears. Professor Wilkinson! George wants a divorce, hes kicking me out, and Im pregnant!

Well, first of all, youre not homeless Just go back where you came from, he replied coolly. Being pregnant doesnt give you the right to remain here once divorced. Im sorry, but I wont intervene in your affairs, he added, feeling a secret relief that the troublesome daughter-in-law would soon be gone.

Sobbing in despair, Megan packed her bags, baffled by the animosity she faced from Robert and the cold dismissal from George. So what if she was from the countryside? She had feelings and a heart too

***

Eight years passed. Robert Wilkinson lived in a care home for the elderly. In recent years the old mans health had failed considerably, giving George ample excuse to ship his father off and rid himself of the burden.

The old professor resigned himself to his fate, realising he had no other choice. Hed spent his life instilling love, respect, and kindness in thousands of studentshe still received letters of thanks from former pupilsyet he had never managed to raise his own son to be a decent man.

Bob, youve got visitors, called his roommate, returning from a walk.

Who? George? the old man blurted out, though knowing inside the impossibility. His son would never visit; the hatred ran too deep.

Dont know. The duty nurse asked me to fetch you. Whatre you waiting for? Go on, hurry up! his friend encouraged him.

Robert took his walking stick and slowly left the stuffy little room. As he descended the staircase, he spotted her from afar, and though many years had passed, he recognised Megan immediately.

Hello, Megan, he said in a quiet voice, lowering his eyes. Perhaps the guilt from eight years ago lingeredguilt for abandoning the sincere, simple girl whod needed his support.

Professor Wilkinson? Is it really you? gasped the rosy-cheeked woman. Youve changed so much Are you unwell?

A bit he sighed sadly. What brings you here? How did you find me?

George told us. You see, he refuses to have anything to do with our son, but the boy is always begging to visithis dad, his granddad Johnny cant help that you dont acknowledge him. He craves family, and its just the two of us Megans voice shook. Forgive me if I shouldnt have come.

Wait a moment! Robert pleaded. How old is Johnny now? Last time you sent a picture, he was just three.

Hes at the entrance. Shall I bring him in? Megan asked shyly.

Of course, my dear, fetch him! Robert brightened.

A ginger-haired boy entered the foyer, a small mirror image of George. Johnny approached his grandfather hesitantly, both strangers to each other.

Hello, my boy! My, how youve grown Roberts eyes filled with tears as he embraced his grandson.

They spent hours talking, strolling through the autumnal paths of the care homes gardens. Megan spoke of her difficult life, losing her mother early and raising her son and managing the home all by herself.

Forgive me, Megan. I was terribly wrong to judge you. All my life I thought myself clever and refined, but only now do I realisepeople deserve kindness for their honesty and warmth, not just intellect or manners, the old man confessed.

Professor Wilkinson, we have a proposal Megan ventured nervously. Come live with us! Youre all alone and Johnny and I could use family too. Itd mean the world to have you near.

Granddad, please come! We can go fishing together, mushroom picking in the woods Its beautiful in our village, and theres plenty of room at home! Johnny pleaded, clutching his grandfathers hand.

All right! Robert smiled. I missed my chance with George, but perhaps I can give you what I never managed to give him. Besides, Ive never lived in the countrymaybe Ill love it!

You definitely will! laughed Johnny.