‘You need to learn what family and hard work are all about. You can’t run away from your responsibilities just because you feel like it or because there’s an easy way out. You’ll spend the rest of the week making up for what you did to Claire and Ethan.’ Family holiday tours
John looked shocked, finally realising that his escape from business class had consequences.
He spent the rest of the week repairing the entire plot. And every evening, his father checked his work to make sure everything was done correctly.
‘I’m tired,’ he said one evening, plopping down on the bed. ‘And I really wanted to go strawberry picking with you, Ethan, and Mum today. But I had to paint the fence.’
I almost felt sorry for him. But not enough to take the bait. I knew that while cleaning and repairing the house, he had had plenty of time to think about his actions.
The day before we left, my husband came up to me, his eyes full of remorse.
‘I’m so sorry it turned out this way,’ he said quietly. ‘Now I understand how hard it is and how much I took you for granted.’
‘It’s not just about understanding, John. The main thing is to be there, every step of the way,’ I said, folding our clothes.
He promised to change, and I believed he was sincere.
But it seems my father-in-law had another card up his sleeve.
‘Your business class ticket for the return flight has been cancelled and replaced with an economy class seat. But Claire and Ethan will be travelling in business class. This time, you’ll have to manage on your own, John,’ he said.
My husband’s face fell as he realised the implications of his father’s exchange. He tried to protest, but Mr Smith was adamant, emphasising that John needed to understand the value of family and compassion through his own experience. Family holiday tours
‘I’m so sorry,’ John said when we arrived at the airport. ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you like this. I just wanted some peace and quiet. I had a lot of work to do.’
‘It’s okay,’ I replied, snuggling up to Ethan. ‘But things have to change when we get home. Okay, John?’
He nodded slowly and kissed me on the forehead before we had to part ways and board our flights.
What would you have done?