His Son Called to Say His Wife Had Left Him Sick at Home and Gone Out Clubbing with Her Friends

How many times had I told him he ought not marry her? Even before the wedding, I had pleaded with him, truly begged him. But did he heed my words? He was in love, hopelessly so. And now, he must live with the consequences.

Just a few days ago, my son rang me up. The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was unwell. A mother cannot be fooled so easily. He asked if I could come over. It turned out his wife, upon learning he had taken ill, had packed her bags and gone off to stay with her friends, leaving him quite aloneno one to brew him tea or make a bit of broth.

She wouldnt even pick up his calls. It was already rather late, but I hurried out to see him regardless. I stopped by the chemists to fetch him some medicine. All the way there, I thought about herhow she could leave her sick husband and dash off for a social visit. My poor boy was seriously ill. When at last I arrived and saw him, I very nearly called for an ambulance, but he begged me to wait.

He was terribly flushed and there was scarcely anything in the flat. Thank goodness Id thought to get some medicine and bring along something to eat. I could barely restrain myself from shouting aloud in anger. What kind of woman leaves her husband at home, ill and helpless? The cupboards had only her slimming tablets and the fridge echoed with emptiness. I made my son a strong cup of tea and dashed to the corner shop for some broth for him.

It was not until hed rested a bit and eaten something that he began to look better. His fever broke at last. As for his lovely wifeshe rolled in at three in the morning, reeking of gin. Shed plainly had herself a fine night out. She didnt even listen as I spoke about the medicines. Only out of regard for my sons feeble state did I hold my tongue and not start a row. But truth be told, he looked as if he was on the brink of one himself.