I never spoiled my son, Nikos. He was a good student, always helped me at home, and stood out for his mannerstruly a model young man. When Nikos told me he was planning to move out and start working, I felt my stomach knot with worry. I dreaded the thought of being left alone.
And what about Eleni? I asked him about his long-time girlfriend.
We broke up, father.
I was taken aback; I genuinely thought theyd eventually get married. They had looked so good together. Of course, it hurt me to see things end this way, but I never interfered in their relationship.
After that, Nikos left for Thessaloniki. We would call each other quite often. He found a job, made friends, and before long he told me he was in love again. I just had to be patient until I met this new love of his. Still, Nikos wasnt in a hurry to introduce us. To keep myself company, I adopted a little stray kitten and poured my care into it.
One evening, returning home from work, I heard a gentle voice in the stairwell:
Kalispera
I looked up and could hardly believe my eyes. In the doorway stood Eleni, cradling a baby.
Eleni, ti kaneis edo? Poio einai to moro?
You may judge me, but this is your granddaughter, she said quietly. I was afraid to tell Nikos about the pregnancy; we separated on bitter terms. I went back to my mothers, but she passed away last month, and now I have no one left. So Ive come to you.
And what will you do now?
Ill probably have to put the baby in an orphanage. I dont even have a home to stay in. I just wanted to… If anything happens to me, please, visit your granddaughter.
Dont say such things, my girl, I told her. Well raise her together. Come with me.
So, I welcomed Eleni and her little daughter into my home. The child looked so much like Nikos there was no question about the truth. Eleni helped with the housework, and I kept workinglife went on and, honestly, we got by very decently. Then, one day, Nikos called to say hed be coming to Athens soon. I asked if hed come alone or bring company, but he kept that to himself.
When the day arrived, I was feeding the little girl when Nikos walked in.
Well, and who is this beautiful angel? he asked.
Nikos, meet your daughter, I replied.
He stared in surprise, then said, Well, Im not alone either. He brought in a portable crib.
And who is this? I asked.
My son, he said quietly. His mother died giving birth. I couldnt abandon him.
Eleni stepped out into the corridor and just looked at Nikos for a long while. The two of them spoke privately for hoursI didnt meddle. The most important thing is that, a year later, they married and brought up both children together as a proper family.
Now Nikos is building a big house outside Athens to leave our cramped apartment behind. And let me tell you a secretsoon Ill have a third grandchild. There is nothing greater in life!
