I Just Want to Go Home, My Boy: The Heartfelt Struggle of Victor Peterson — Cast Out of His Own Flat…

I miss home so much, my boy.

Smith stepped out onto the terrace, lit a cigarette, and sat down on a low wooden stool. A bitter lump rose in his throat; he tried to compose himself, but his hands betrayed him and began to shake. He never imagined thered come a day when he wouldnt have enough space in his very own flat.

Dad! Dont sulk or lose your rag! exclaimed Laura, his eldest daughter, as she hurried onto the terrace. Im not asking for much! Just let us have your bedroomis that so hard? If you dont care about me, at least think about your grandchildren. The boys are starting school soon, and were all cramped into one room together

Laura, Im not going to a care home, he replied quietly. If you and the kids feel squeezed here, why not move in with Michaels mum? Shes rattling around in a three-bedroom place by herself. Youd all have your own rooms.

You know I couldnt bear to live under the same roof with her! Laura shouted, slamming the patio door behind her.

Smith gently stroked his old dog, Buster, who had been their loyal companion for years. Remembering his late wife, Margaret, tears welled in his eyes. He missed her terribly. Ever since she passed five years ago, Smith had felt utterly orphaned; never in his wildest dreams did he think hed face such loneliness in old age, especially with his daughter and grandchildren around.

Theyd raised Laura with love and kindness, trying to instil the best values in her. But clearly, something had slipped through. Shed grown into a self-centred woman, cold and unfeeling.

Buster whined softly and lay by his masters feet, sensing the sorrow in the old mans heart and suffering from it himself.

Granddad, dont you love us at all? his eight-year-old grandson, Alfie, asked as he came into the room.

Don’t be silly, lad. Of course I do. Who told you otherwise? the old man replied in surprise.

Why wont you move out for us? Dont you want to give me and Andrew our own room? Are you really that selfish? The boy glared at his grandfather, full of resentment seemingly borrowed from his mother.

Smith thought to explain, but realised the child was simply repeating Lauras words. She had obviously already turned him against his own grandfather.

Alright. Ill go, Smith said at last, his voice hollow. You can have my room.

He couldnt bear to stay. He saw now that everyone hated him in that flatfrom his son-in-law who hadnt spoken to him in months, down to the grandson whod been convinced Smith was robbing him of space.

Dad, are you really saying yes? Laura burst in, delighted.

Yes, he whispered. Just promise you wont mistreat Buster. I feel like a traitor

Oh stop it! Well look after him, take him out for walks every day. And well come visit you at weekendsme and Buster both, she promised. Ive found the best retirement home for you, youll see, youll love it.

Two days later, Smith moved into the care home. Hed soon discovered that Laura had made arrangements long before, simply awaiting his surrender. The room was stifling and reeked of damp and bugs. Laura had lied about the comfortthis was no private home, but a bleak council facility filled with the unlucky and unwanted.

He unpacked, then went outside, sitting quietly on a bench and almost bursting into tears. Gazing at the other helpless old people, he imagined his own future, consumed by misery.

New here? asked a friendly older woman who sat beside him.

Yes he sighed heavily.

Dont let it get to you. I cried for ages myself, but you get used to it. My names Helen.

John. Did your own children put you here?

No, a nephew. Never had kids, so I left the flat to himbit of a mistake, maybe. He took it, sent me here. Still, at least Ive not ended up on the streets

They spent the evening talking about happier daystheir younger years, their spouses. The next morning, Smith sought Helens company again after breakfast; she brought a little brightness to his dreary existence. He hated being indoors and spent every moment outside. The food was ghastly, so he ate just enough to survive.

Smith waited for Laura to come, thinking shed miss her father and take him home. Days passed but she never showed. When he finally rang their flat to ask about Buster, no one picked up.

One afternoon, at the home entrance, he spotted his old neighbour, George Turner. George grinned when he saw Smith and hurried over.

So this is where youve got to! George exclaimed. Your daughter told me youd moved to the countryside. Didnt seem right; I knew youd never throw Buster out on the street.

What do you mean? Smith said, confused. Whats happened to my dog?

Dont worry, I got him into a shelter. To be honest, I dont know whats gone on at your place. I saw Buster sitting outside for days, but youd vanished. I bumped into Lauraasked if you were alright. She said youd moved to a village, and that she was selling your flat and moving in with her husbands family. As for Busterhes old and Dads done with him, she said. Smith, whats happening?

Smith told him everything. How he would give anything to turn back time and change his rash decision. Not only had his daughter stolen his life, but shed thrown Buster out as well.

I want to go home, son, the old man whispered.

Thats exactly why Im here, George declared. Im a solicitor now, and I help out elderly folk all the time. Im working a case for a gentleman whose neighbours swiped his cottage. Dont worryyou havent signed anything, have you?

No. At least I dont think Lauras forged my papers, but frankly, I dont know what to expect anymore

Pack your bags, Im waiting outside, George replied. We cant let this go. A daughter like thatits unthinkable.

Smith hurried to his room, threw his things into a suitcase, and met George at the entrance where Helen, too, was sitting.

Helen, Im leaving. George says my daughters got rid of my dog and is selling my flat. Thats the state of things, said Smith.

How awful she murmured, shaken. Whatll happen to me?

Dont fret. Once I sort this, Ill come back for you, Smith promised.

Do you really mean that? Whod want me? she said, sadness in her voice.

I swear Ill keep my word, replied Smith, glancing at George, who was waiting for him.

Smith couldnt get into his flatthe locks had changed, and he had no keys. George took him into his own home for a while. Soon they learned Laura had already moved in with her mother-in-law and rented out the flat to tenants.

Thanks to Georges efforts, Smith reclaimed his right to the property.

Thank you, George, Smith said in gratitude. But I dont know how to go on. She wont stop till Im driven out for good

Theres one way, George replied. Sell the flat, split the proceeds with Laura, and use your share to buy yourself a little cottage in the countryside.

Brilliant! Smith rejoiced. Thats perfect!

Within three months, Smith was moving into his new home. George helped him with everythingeven offered to drive him out there with Buster.

Smith made one request: Just one stop first, please.

From afar, Smith spotted Helen sitting on their old bench, staring wistfully into the distance.

Helen! Smith called out. Buster and I have come for you. Weve got a cottage in the country nowfresh air, fishing, berries, mushrooms, all just outside the door. Will you come?

How can I possibly? she faltered.

Its easyjust get up and come with us, Smith chuckled. Dont think twice. Theres nothing left for us here.

Helen beamed despite her tears. Can you wait ten minutes?

Of course Ill wait! Smith smiled.

In the end, despite the pettiness of others, these two found a path to happiness. They learned, first-hand, that there are more decent people than wicked ones in the world. Smith and Helen fought for their dignity and, finally, discovered peace and contentment. The lesson I take from all this: no matter how dark life gets, kindness still finds a way.