His phone number was disconnected. His house was sold. He vanished without a word, leaving Doris to raise her granddaughter alone,
heartbroken and confused. Despite her age and the pain of her son’s betrayal, Doris stepped up once again — just as she had when
Nicholas’s own father walked out decades earlier. She gave Paige the love, stability, and guidance her father had failed to provide.
Ten years passed. Then, one day, Nicholas showed up at Doris’s old home, expecting to pick up where he left off. But the house was
abandoned and falling apart. A neighbor gave him Paige’s address — reluctantly — and warned him: “Don’t expect a warm welcome.
” Nicholas drove to the address and was stunned to see a luxurious mansion.’
Paige, now a poised young woman, greeted him calmly, without emotion. Doris appeared too, healthy and strong.
Nicholas begged for a second chance, claiming he’d missed them. But Paige, unwavering, reminded him:
“You left us when we needed you most.” Still, out of respect for Doris, Paige handed him the keys to the old house and an envelope with $5,000.
“Don’t come back,” she said. Nicholas left with nothing but regret — watching from his car as the life he abandoned grew without him.
