Battles Lost and Won Read Online Free Page B

died.
    Holding a fresh cup of tea between his hands he took a deep breath. All he had been able to think about was getting through the funeral, but now that was over it was time to make some decisions.
    After draining the cup he stood up and went to the front room. The man asleep in the armchair seemed like a stranger to him, and he felt pity when he remembered the vital man who had once been his dad. But pity wasn’t going to do either of them any good. He knew the only way he was going to find peace again was to forgive the worry and sadness this man had caused his mother. But at the moment he couldn’t do that. Perhaps one day, but not now.
    ‘I’m sorry, Mum,’ he said quietly. ‘I’ve done all I can for him. It’s now time for me to move on.’

Four
    Robert Hunter closed the door of the house he had called home, and fighting back the crippling sadness that threatened to tear him apart, he walked up the street. He’d loved his dad, but the man who had returned from the war had changed beyond recognition. Now Bob only felt contempt for the man who had caused his gentle mother so much pain.
    ‘Bob!’
    Ignoring the call he kept going, his step never faltering. He had made up his mind and no one was going to turn him back. The decision had been hard because it meant leaving everything he was familiar with, and that included good friends and neighbours . . .
    ‘Where are you going?’ Ruth caught his arm, looking anxiously at the bundle he had tied with string and slung over his shoulder.
    He shook off the restraining hand, being sharper than he should, but it was the only way he was going to hold on to his composure. He had been desperately hoping no one would see him so that he could slip away unnoticed. ‘I’m leaving,’ he said simply.
    Tears filled Ruth’s eyes. ‘You don’t need to do that. Mum said you could come and live with us if you’d rather not live in the same house as your dad.’
    ‘Don’t be daft!’ he snapped. ‘You haven’t got enough room for me. Your house is full and she has quite enough people to look after as it is.’
    ‘We’d make room,’ she pleaded. ‘And you’d still be close enough to keep an eye on your dad. He needs you, Bob.’
    ‘No!’ He felt rotten when he saw her face crumple. She didn’t deserve to be spoken to like this. Hell, he sounded just like his old man, and that was something he must never do. ‘Your mum’s a kind woman, Ruth. You thank her for me, but I can’t stay. I’ve got to try and make something of myself.’ Bob’s mouth set in a grim line as he looked at the row of squalid houses. ‘I’m not going to end up like my old man who can’t face the world sober.’
    ‘He’s a troubled man—’
    ‘That’s no excuse. So are lots of other people.’ Bob’s voice came out in a snarl. ‘Mum would still be alive today if he’d stayed away from the drink and found a job. She was dreadfully ill, and he didn’t even notice. He can take care of himself now!’
    ‘We all know how bad things have been.’ Ruth touched his arm in sympathy. ‘But you’ve got friends here who will help and support you. If you leave you’ll be on your own. Where will you go? What will you do?’
    ‘I’ll be all right.’ He straightened up, trying to appear confident, his grey eyes hooded to hide his emotions. ‘I’m strong and can do any kind of heavy work. I’ll move around, picking up jobs where I can.’
    ‘Have you got any money?’ Ruth delved into her pocket and held out two pennies.
    ‘No, Ruth.’ He backed away. ‘I’ve got enough. I can’t take your money.’
    ‘I want you to have it.’ She stepped forward and thrust the coins into his large hand. ‘You can pay me back when you’re rich and famous.’
    He smiled then. ‘All right, Ruthie. You’ll get it back with interest, and that’s a promise.’
    ‘And you make sure you bring it yourself.’
    ‘I will.’ Bob looked at his little friend with affection. He knew she had been