When Albert’s wife was alive, his life made sense, but no that she was gone, he was just a lonely old man who never had any visitors. His days were dull, and only his cat Joe made him company.
As his 93rd birthday was approaching, he thought he would finally see his five children. He was aware they all had their own families now and jobs to attend, but he secretly hoped they would make efforts to pay him a visit and celebrate with him.
Albert’s cottage resembled a museum of old memories. His wife’s apron was still hanging in the kitchen and the walls were filled with photographs of his children from the time they were young. Those were happy times, he thought to himself.
One of the photographs showed Tommy’s gap-toothed grin. Albert missed that smile too much.
Another one showed little Jenny with her favorite doll, and a third was of Michael’s graduation. Photographs of Sarah’s first trophy and Paul’s first camping trip were also there.
Albert looked at those photographs many times during the days.
The sight of the markings that showed his children’s growth were still visible. But now, the house was silent.
He sent everyone a letter, letting them know he would be expecting them for his birthday.
On the day of his birthday, he was excited, but as hours passed by, he lost hope of seeing his children. The five chairs around the table remained empty. Whenever he heard a car approaching, his heart jumped. Sadly, he experienced disappointment after disappointment.
Poor Albert paced up and down his yard, and some of his neighbors noticed him.
Then, just when he entered his house, someone knocked on the door. Happy, he rushed to open the door and saw a complete stranger.
The young man introduced himself as Brady. He was Albert’s neighbor who recently moved into the neighborhood.
Somehow, he learned it was Albert’s birthday and he felt like stopping by. Albert was glad someone was there for him, even though that someone was a stranger.
Brady was kind enough to invite some other neighbors too.
At the end of the day, this old man wasn’t that lonely any more.
Eventually, Albert found son in Brady who was there for him more than his real children would ever be.
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Bored Daddy
Love and Peace