*”What It Takes to Be Happy”*
“James, your dad asked if we could pop over for the day. He needs help fixing the roofhe can’t manage it alone anymore.” Emily looked at her husband with hopeful eyes. “Lets go. And Sophies been asking to see her grandad.”
Jamess father-in-law lived in a quiet village in the Cotswolds. A strong, hardy man whod never been one to slow down. But time had finally caught up with him.
“Dad, come on, lets go,” chimed in fourteen-year-old Sophie.
“Have you two ganged up on me?” James grumbled. “I get two days off a weekcant I spend them how I want?”
His wife and daughter lowered their eyes and turned away. Sophie retreated to her room; Emily vanished into the kitchen. *”Thats more like it,”* James smirked to himself. *”Forgot who has the final say, did you? Well, Ill remind you.”*
Truthfully, his weekend plans werent grand. Saturday meant checking out a used Land Roverhis mate was selling it. Good condition, reliable. If he haggled right, itd be his. Perfect for fishing trips.
Hed saved up, cutting back on household expenses. Sell the old car, top up the loan. How long could he keep driving that beat-up Ford? It was embarrassing in front of the lads. That evening, hed planned a fishing trip with his old crewcampfire, banter, a few pints. Bliss.
And now thisdragged off to the countryside. Later. Maybe when he had time.
The next morning, after arranging to see the car, James drove to the sellers garage in the outskirts.
“Youre really swapping the car?” Emily couldnt help herself.
“Whats it to you?” James muttered.
“Do what you want,” she sighed. “But Sophies growing up. We were going to get her some decent clothesa proper coat, boots. Never mind me…”
“Shell manage another year. At her age, I” He bit back the lecture.
Deep down, James knew he was unfair. But admitting it? Impossible. *”Ive spoiled them, thats the problem.”*
Fifteen years ago, hed been a broke graduate when he met Emilybright-eyed, quick to laugh, with a smile that lit up the room. Their early years were toughrented flats, then Sophie. His engineers salary barely stretched. Thank God for Emilys parents, who kept them fed with fresh eggs, preserves, and vegetables from the farm. Every week, her dad would swing by, drop off bags of food, down a quick cuppa, and leave, always slipping them a few quid before he went.
His own parents lived miles awayfour other kids to raise, no help to give. James never climbed the corporate ladder, but side gigs kept them afloat.
His salary was the backbone of their life. Thanks to him, they had their own flat, a decent car. Emily, a librarian, didnt earn much, but she made their home warm, kept his shirts pressed, his dinners legendary. The whole block envied him.
When had he started believing his word was law? He barely noticed. Laughter faded. Emilys smiles grew rare. Her dad stopped visiting with hampers of food. Friends opinions mattered more than his wifes. The car swap? Their idea.
The garage was easy to find. The seller wasnt there yet. James lit a cigarette, scanning the row of lock-ups separating the terraced houses from the high-rises. Beyond the road, bushes rustledthen out stepped a kitten, drawn by the sound of the car.
It lingered near the garage, watching. It had learned not to trust people, but hope, stubborn thing, still flickered. *Maybe this time. Maybe food.*
When the seller left, James hesitated. His eyes landed on the kitten. It mewed but kept its distance.
*”Howd it end up here?”* James thought. *”Should be playing, eating, sleeping safe. Instead, its just surviving.”*
He stubbed out his cigarette, got in the carthen froze.
The hope in the kittens green eyes vanished.
It turned and slunk back into the bushes. To a life of hunger, fear, indifference.
*”Ive seen that look before.”* It hit him. *”Emily. Just like that, yesterday, when I cut her off. And Sophiehead down, silent, walking away.”*
Fed, warm, but starved for attention. And hed let it happen.
He fought the guilt. Called himself soft. But he knew what he had to do.
The kitten lay on a scrap of cardboard in the bushes. Fear replaced resignation as James scooped it up.
“Sophie!” he called from the doorstep. “Look what Ive brought you.”
Her suspicion melted into delight. “Dad! Whered you find him? Hes so tinyhe must be starving!”
“Absolutely ravenous,” James agreed. “Never had a proper meal in his life. Hes yours nowours.”
“James, whats gotten into you?” Emily searched his face.
“Plenty. Your dads waiting, and youre not even packed! Fifteen minutesfeed the little one first. Baths and cuddles can wait.”
His tone was firm, but their joy warmed him. While they packed, he called his matesfishing was off.
The roof was quick workjust a few slate tiles and a fresh ridge. His father-in-law, steady but dizzy on ladders, handed up supplies. After, James eyed the garden.
“Not planting this year?”
“Too much for one.” The old man sighed. “With your mum, it was easy. Now…”
“Grandad, my half-terms coming. Ill help,” Sophie offered, stroking the kitten, now dozing in her arms. “And Whiskeyll love it herebetter than the flat.”
“Well be back next weekend,” James said. “Help dig, plant. Just askwere family.”
They drove home in the dark, the radio low. Sophie slept in the back, curled around Whiskeyclean, fed, exhausted from play.
*”All he needed was someone to stop. To care. And it cost me nothing.”*
“What was that about new clothes for Sophie?” James nudged Emily. “Tomorrow, take her shopping. Get whatever she needs. And something for you. My girls should look the part.”
“What about the car?” She leaned into him.
“Whats wrong with this one? Its solidjust needs care. The new one can wait. Better get your dad a tillerhis back wont take digging.”
They laughed softly, careful not to wake Sophie or Whiskey.
The city lights glowed ahead. The engine hummed. An old song playedone theyd loved since they were young.
Sophie and Whiskey slept, tangled together. Emily rested her head on Jamess shoulder, smiling that same smile from years ago.
If someone asked him now: *”What more do you need to be happy?”*
Hed say: *”Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”*
