Fed Up, That’s It, I’m Leaving! How Much More Can I Take!

Ive had enough, thats it, Im leaving! How much more can I take?

The frustration boiled over as Daniel sat behind the wheel, nervously puffing his cigarette. Today, he felt hed reached the breaking point with his wife. The never-ending exhaustion, the relentless cries for help, the babys constant needs It never stopped. He wanted to go out like he used to. He wanted sex. He worked hardwhy couldnt he come home to his loving wife, his woman? Now, hed stay with his mate for a while, and maybe hed find someone young He sighed deeply, feeling the finality of it all.

Their story was as old as time itself. Daniel and his wife Eleanor met, fell hopelessly in love, passion ablaze. They forgot about being careful, and within a few months, she showed him a positive pregnancy test.

Of course, have the baby, well manage, Daniel said confidently. All the women and older relatives nodded in agreement, offering to helpjust have the child. There was a wedding, the birth, tears of joya son! That was the end of their carefree, happy life. Eleanor became exhausted, always disheveled, the baby cried endlesslyeven through the nights. Help, help, she would say to him constantly. Where had his bright, vivacious girl gone? Their families all faded into the background, leaving Eleanor and Daniel alone with their parenting struggles.

Im not ready for this! Daniel had snapped at Eleanor today, slamming the door behind her, leaving her sobbing with their baby cradled in shaky arms.

The screech of brakesa hunched figure appeared in front of the car suddenly.

Have you got a death wish? Daniel yelled, jumping out and rushing towards the person.

The man, cloaked and thin, straightened up and looked at Daniel with sorrowful, aged eyes.

Yes, he whispered.

Startled by the response, Daniel hesitated, Sir, do you need help? Is there something I can do for you?

I dont want to live anymore.

Oh, come on now, Daniel said, softening, Let me drive you home, you can tell me your story. Maybe I can help. He carefully guided the old man into the car.

So, tell me, sir, Daniel said, lighting another cigarette, Whats going on?

Its a long story

Ive got time.

The elderly man gazed at Daniel, then at the photo hanging from his dashboard.

Fifty years ago, I met a girlfell in love instantly. Everything happened quickly: before we knew it, we had a family, a son, an heir. Thought that was happiness. But I wanted things to be as they were: love, passion, youth. My wife was tired, our son was small, the house needed running, she got the brunt of it all. I didnt help. Found another woman at work, things started with her My wife found out, we divorced. Nothing came of the other woman. Didnt bother mejust continued to go out. My wife remarried, she blossomed. Our son called her new husband dad. I didnt care.

And you? Daniel asked, nervously lighting another cigarette.

Me? I partied away my life. Now, no family, no wife, no children. Today, my son turned fifty. I went to see him. He wouldnt let me intold me I was no father to him, told me to keep walking I deserved it.

Daniel thumped the steering wheel, Where should I drop you, sir?

I live nearby. Go on, dont worry about me The old man stepped out and shuffled toward a block of flats nearby. Daniel made sure the man got inside, stood watching a while, then turned and drove off.

Stopping at the supermarket, Daniel bought flowers. Arriving home, he knelt before Eleanor, who was still crying, and whispered, Forgive me, love. Take a break. Rest.

He took his son from her arms, walked him into another room, and began to softly sing, Golden slumbers kiss your eyes

To his surprise, his son quickly drifted into sleep, small hand resting on Daniels racing heart. Daniel looked at him with tenderness: I want to watch my son grow up. I want to hear Daddy.

Another rescue mission? joked an elderly woman, welcoming her husband at their door. He hung up his coat with a smile.

Yes, another one, he replied, Sometimes youve got to make sure the young people learn the basics of life.

How do you know who needs help?

I needed it myself at their age

Come on, time for supper, hero. And dont forget, tomorrows our sons big birthdayno rescues for the evening, she reminded him kindly.

Of course I rememberthe lads fifty, our love is fifty years strong. How could I forget? He wrapped his arm around her and followed her into the kitchen, grinning.

Sometimes, the hardest lessons are the ones you have to learn twicebut its never too late to start again, especially for those you love.