From Abandonment to Hope: A Grandmother’s Love as Her Son Returns to an Empty House

A man left his young daughter with his mother while he started a new life with his new wife. Ten years later, he returns, only to be shocked to discover that both his daughter and mother have disappeared without a trace.

Doris Dakkar raised her only son, Nicholas, alone after her husband left when Nicholas was seven. Despite the challenges, she worked two jobs to ensure he had everything he needed. Now at sixty, Doris never expected to become a single parent again or that Nicholas would abandon his own daughter. She was surprised to see such traits in him, reminiscent of his father.

Nicholas had married a wonderful woman named Sandra, but she tragically passed away when their daughter, Paige, was nine. Doris reassured herself that Nicholas was simply lonely after Sandra’s death, which led him to quickly get involved with Donna and marry her just six months later.

Doris was worried to see that little Paige, once a cheerful and lively child, had become increasingly quiet, which she attributed to the loss of her mother. Although she still believed her son was a good man, her faith in him began to fade.

The Selfish Heart: How Personal Desires Overlook the Happiness of Others

When Paige turned ten that summer, Nicholas asked Doris if he could leave Paige with her for three weeks while he and Donna went on vacation to Alaska.

Nicholas told his mother, “All couples need time alone, Mom,” explaining that Paige had become difficult and resented Donna.

Doris was surprised but agreed, thinking a break could benefit all three of them. However, she added that Donna should have understood what she was taking on, as a grown woman should be able to handle the emotional struggles of a ten-year-old coping with her mother’s death and her father’s quick remarriage.

Nicholas turned red and pouted, a gesture Doris recognized. He exclaimed, “I should have known you’d side with Paige! Donna loves me and makes me happy, and that’s all that matters to me.”

Doris, hurt, remarked that she expected someone to support Paige and was surprised it wasn’t her father, emphasizing that making their daughter happy should also bring him happiness.

Nicholas left angrily but returned a week later with Paige and her suitcase, appearing happy and normal. He affectionately kissed Paige goodbye and hugged Doris.

He told his mom, “I’ll be back on August 27,” and then drove away with a cheerful wave.

Doris and Paige wouldn’t see Nicholas again for over a decade. When August 27 arrived, he did not show up, and Doris was shocked to find that his phone number had been disconnected when she called.

Nicholas hadn’t called his daughter since leaving, though he had occasionally replied to her texts. Now it appeared he was gone for good, as Doris found out that the house he had bought with Sandra had been sold.

He abandoned his daughter with his elderly mother without any communication or concern for her well-being.
Doris reassured Paige, saying they would manage together and that she shouldn’t worry. She promised to take care of her, expressing her love and confidence that Paige’s father would eventually regret his actions.
Doris’s intuition proved correct. Ten years later, Nicholas returned to his mother’s house, which appeared abandoned and run-down, with an overgrown garden and shuttered windows.

Nicholas knocked on his mother’s neighbor’s door, surprising the woman, who hesitated to give him his daughter’s forwarding address. She looked at his worn clothes and rusty old car with suspicion.
The neighbor informed Nicholas that Paige was married and Doris lived with her, warning him not to expect a warm welcome like the Prodigal Son received. She coldly suggested he should anticipate a negative reception given his past actions.

Nicholas didn’t respond to his mother but confidently walked away, knowing he could handle her. When he arrived at the address, he was shocked to find his daughter and mother living in a luxurious mansion. A maid greeted him and corrected him, saying he was asking for “Mrs. Dakkar or Mrs. Henderson,” leading him to a grand sitting room. Shortly after, his daughter, Paige, entered, showing no surprise, as if she’d been warned. Nicholas tried to approach her, calling her his baby, clearly moved by the young woman she had become.

Paige looked at Nicholas calmly and asked, “What is it that you want, father?” without any hint of anger. Nicholas smiled warmly, saying he wanted to see her and her grandmother Doris, expressing how much he missed them. Just then, Doris entered, looking composed and younger than her age. She also asked, “Nicholas, what do you want?” Nicholas, visibly flustered, replied that he was hoping to see his family and receive a warm welcome.

Paige responded coldly, “You abandoned me, father. You expected warmth?” Nicholas turned to his mother, whining, “Mom? It wasn’t me… Donna insisted. She said she’d leave me…”

Doris gave a knowing smile and said, “Oh! But you’re here alone. Does that mean the money ran out and so did Donna?” Nicholas glanced enviously around the luxurious room and replied bitterly, “You’re certainly not short! I would have thought you could spare something… I’m unemployed and struggling…”

Paige replied sharply, “I’m surprised you have the gall to ask us for anything, father. You left us when we needed you most, but we managed. Thanks to my husband, we have everything we need.” Nicholas retorted, “I’m still your father,” but Paige responded coldly, “You’re nothing to me.” Despite her words, she took her grandmother’s hand. Seeing Doris’s sad, tearful expression, Paige softened, adding, “But for grandma Doris’ sake, I’ll help you.”

Paige moved to a delicate Louis XV desk, unlocked a drawer, and pulled out a set of house keys along with an envelope of cash. Handing them to Nicholas, she said, “These are the keys to the old house.”

Paige added firmly, “There’s $5,000 in the envelope. Don’t think you’ll get a cent more, so don’t bother coming back.” She put her arm around Grandma Doris, guiding her out of the room. Moments later, the maid appeared to escort Nicholas out, ensuring he couldn’t pocket any of the valuable items in the room.

Sitting in his car, Nicholas stared at his daughter’s grand estate, brooding. “I did what I had to do,” he muttered. “Why can’t people understand how I’ve suffered? There’s no gratitude in this world…”

This story teaches us that selfishness leads to isolation. Nicholas prioritized his own desires over his family, abandoning them without hesitation. He later expected his daughter’s support, only to be met with coldness due to his past actions. Still, he received more than he deserved, thanks to the kindness of Paige and Doris, who provided him with shelter despite their hurt.

The tale reminds us that the energy we put into the world often returns to us—those who act selfishly may ultimately find themselves alone, while those who are kind and generous tend to create supportive, loving communities.

Nicholas didn’t respond; instead, he turned and walked away, feeling confident that he knew how to deal with his mother.

Upon arriving at the address, Nicholas was astonished to find that his daughter and mother were living in a large, luxurious mansion.

He approached the door and rang the bell, asking the uniformed maid to speak with Doris or Paige Dakkar.