Lonely Old Man Invites Family to Celebrate His 93rd Birthday, but Only a Stranger Shows Up
Arnold’s 93rd birthday wish was simple: to hear the laughter of his children echo through his home one last time. His dining table was set with care, but as time passed, only silence filled the house. Then, a knock at the door—but it wasn’t who Arnold had been waiting for.
At 92, Arnold’s cottage was worn, just like him. Sitting in his armchair with Joe, his tabby, Arnold traced memories on the mantle. Photos of his children—Bobby, Jenny, Michael, Sarah, and Tommy—lined the walls, each a reminder of better days. Arnold smiled softly, recalling the chaos of their youth.
“The house remembers them, Joe,” he whispered. In the kitchen, Mariam’s apron hung, a reminder of happier times. As he watched the neighborhood children play outside, Arnold’s heart grew heavy with loneliness. His weekly phone calls to his children were more painful than ever. Jenny was too busy, Tommy too distracted, and the others didn’t answer at all.
“They used to fight to talk to me,” Arnold said to Joe, his voice faltering. “Now they fight to avoid me.” Still holding onto hope, Arnold sat at his writing desk, determined to reach out to his children one last time.
