A MEMORY DEAL: A SINGLE DAD DISCOVERES PRE-MADE BREAKFAST
When a single father of two girls gets up to make breakfast for his daughters, he discovers it’s already prepared.
As a single father juggling work and two young daughters, Jack never expected to find pancakes left on his kitchen table by an unfamiliar person one morning. He meets the mysterious benefactor and discovers her inspiring story of gratitude and suffering, which changes his life and forges an unexpected bond between them.
Being a single father to Lily, who was five, and Emma, who was four, was the worst job I’ve ever had. When my wife left to go on a global tour, it was just the girls and I. In addition to being exhausted from taking care of everything at home, working, and cooking, I was also incredibly in love with them.
I always rose early in the morning. I started by waking the girls.
“Lily, Emma, it’s time to wake up!” I opened their bedroom door and called softly.
Lily rubbed her eyes and sat up. She yawned to him, “Good morning, Daddy.”
Emma remarked, half asleep, “I don’t want to get up.”
I smiled. Please, my love. We have daycare to get ready for.
As they put on their clothes, I helped. Lily chose her favorite dress, the one with the flowers, while Emma chose her pink top and pants. When they were clothed, we all headed downstairs.
I went over to the kitchen and started to make breakfast. Milk and oats was a simple plan. But as soon as I entered the kitchen, I stopped completely. There were three freshly made pancake dishes with jam and fruit on the table.
“Did you see this, girls?” Confused, I enquired.
Lily’s eyes widened. “Whoa, pancakes! Did you make them, Daddy?”
I shook my head. “No, I didn’t.” Maybe Aunt Sarah paid us a visit early.
Reaching for my phone, I called my sister Sarah.
Did you stop by this morning, Sarah? I asked as soon as she got on the phone.
“No, why not?” Sarah seemed to be confused.
“Never mind, it’s nothing,” I replied before hanging up. When I examined the windows and doors, they were all locked. There didn’t seem to be any attempts to break in.
“Daddy, is it safe to eat?” With her big eyes focused on the pancakes, Emma asked.
I decided to try them first. They were amazing and they looked excellent. “I think everything is good. I said, “Let’s have some food.”
The girls cheered and got to work eating. I couldn’t stop thinking about who could have made the pancakes. Even if it’s odd, I decide to put it behind me for the time being. I had to get my work done.
After breakfast, I dropped Emma and Lily off for daycare. I bid them farewell with kisses and wished them a happy day.
At work, I had problems concentrating. My mind kept going back to the mysterious pancakes. Who might be at fault? Why? When I returned home that evening, there was yet another surprise in store for me. The lawn was in good condition, but I hadn’t had time to mow it.
I stood in my yard and rubbed my head. I took another look about the house and thought to myself, “This is getting weird.” Nothing seemed out of place.
I decided that the next morning, I would find out who was helping me. I got up earlier than usual and hid in the kitchen, peering through a little gap in the door. At about six in the morning, I saw a woman come in through the window.
She was dressed in the garb of a former postal worker. I watched as she started to wash the dishes from the night before. Then she began making pancakes, pulling some cottage cheese from her suitcase.
My tummy growled loudly. The woman glanced around, startled. Running to the window, she turned off the gas quickly.
I said as I came out of hiding, “Please wait; I swear not to hurt you.” “I take it that you made the pancakes? Please let me know what the goal of this is. Don’t be afraid of me; I’m the girls’ father. I promise never to harm a woman, especially in light of your generosity.
She stopped and turned to face me gently. I could not place the familiarity in her face, yet it seemed familiar.
“Have we not met before?” Perplexed, I inquired.
“Daddy, where are you?” was queried by Emma and Lily in the upstairs voices before the woman could respond. The mom gave a nod.
I glanced at the woman, then back at the stairs. Come sit with me and we can talk. I’m going to fetch my ladies. Please don’t leave, I pleaded.
The woman hesitated, then nodded slowly. She whispered, “Okay,” to herself.
I smiled, feeling relieved. I hurried upstairs to get Emma and Lily.
I hurried upstairs to get Emma and Lily. I answered, “Come on, girls, we have a surprise guest downstairs.”
They followed me down, curious. When we entered the kitchen, the woman was standing at the window, looking unsure and ready to leave.
“Please, please don’t go,” I muttered. “Thank you and I just wanted to say hello.”
Emma and Lily regarded her with wide eyes. “Daddy, who is she?” Lily was asked.
“Let’s look into it together,” I replied. I turned to the woman and said, “Please, sit down.” Do you want a cup of coffee?
She hesitated, then nodded slowly. She spoke a soft “Okay.”
Each person sat down at the kitchen table. Jack here, introducing himself, “These are my daughters, Emma and Lily.” I want to know why we need your assistance.
The woman took a deep breath. “Hello, I’m Claire,” she introduced herself. “You helped me when I was in a very bad place two months ago.”
I frowned and struggled to recall. helped you out? How?
She said, “Weak and desperate, I was lying by the road.” You stopped while other people passed by. Together, you and I went to a charity hospital. I was critically dehydrated and on the verge of death. When I woke up, you had already left, but I was still able to collect the number of your car from the parking attendant. I’ve decided to thank you after finding out where you live.
I finally realized it. Thinking back, I do remember. You were in terrible shape. I could not leave you there.”
With tears in her eyes, Claire nodded. It was your kindness that saved me. My former spouse tricked me into believing he was taking me from Britain to America, then took everything and left me for dead. I have nothing and no one to turn to.
Emma and Lily, with troubled looks on their small faces, listened intently. That’s really sad, Emma whispered, her voice barely audible.
“However, why are you here?” Confused, I enquired.
Claire clarified, “Your help gave me the strength to keep going.” I visited the embassy and shared my story with them. They helped me get new documents and connected me with a defense lawyer for my son. I worked for the United States Postal Service. However, I felt the need to repay you and show my gratitude. I decided to help you with small things as I could sense you were worn out every day when you came home.
Her story touched me deeply. Thank you for your efforts, Claire, but you can’t just barge into our home. I was afraid since it’s not safe.
She nodded in embarrassment. “I really sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. All I wanted to do was help.
Emma reached out to put her hand in Claire’s. “Thank you for making pancakes. They were very tasty.
Claire smiled, her eyes full with tears. “You’re welcome, my love.”
I took a deep breath and felt a blend of calm, curiosity, and compassion. Claire, let’s take a new approach to this. Please don’t sneak in here. Maybe you could come have breakfast with us once in a while? We can get to know each other better.
A hopeful smile spread across her features. It would be lovely, Jack. I am appreciative.
We spent the rest of the morning eating the pancakes that she had made. Claire talked about the story of her son and her desire to reconcile with him. She struck me as being incredibly strong and determined.
As we were finished our supper, I felt like we were starting over. Claire’s gratitude and our mutual support helped to build a relationship. I felt obliged to help her reconnect with her kid because she had managed to repay the favor.
Emma and Lily seemed to instantly love her, so I felt hopeful about the future. I thought, “This might be the beginning of something positive for all of us.”
We did the cleaning together. “Claire, thank you for sharing your story.” I said. “Let’s support one another going forward.”
She nodded, smiling. It would be quite pleasant, Jack. I am appreciative.
And thus, a new chapter for each of our families began, buoyed by mutual support and optimism.
