I thought stories like this were just something you could read on the internet. But I was a hostage to a similar story myself.
I was 6 years old when my father abandoned my mother and me. We were literally left on the street. Me, my mom, and my two little twin sisters. My mother defended him for a long time, telling me that my father was on a business trip, but I knew the truth. When she realized that it was useless to lie, she said: “Dad is no longer in our lives!”
My childish head could not comprehend all the adult battles. I was angry at Dad and imagined his return. But it never happened. Mom was living with us – she wasn’t settling her personal life. Yes, it was hard for her, but apparently she had no choice. And who would want a divorcee with three trailers? As time went on. I was already married myself. I have children. I still live in the country. We have our own small farm and apple orchard. It may be young, but it pays for itself.
A few months ago, a man I didn’t know called me. He said it was urgent that we talk. Even hinted that he was interested in apples in bulk. Naturally, I agreed. We met a bald, obese man on my orchard grounds. He smiled and handed me a package. I opened it. There were cheap candy and a can of instant coffee. I was surprised. And he said:
– I’m your father.
I couldn’t find anything to say back. I just mumbled:
– Have you ever been to prison?
– No, son.
– Are you going to buy apples?
– No.
– Goodbye, then.
– Goodbye, then…
He left the bag on the bench. I caught up with him and gave him the cheap stuff. I wonder what he was counting on. I warned my sisters that my father might come by. And he was right – he went to them with the same bag. How can you just come back after 24 years with a can of coffee? Explain it to me!
