Listen, We’ve Got Guests Coming Over Soon, and You’ll Need to Make Yourself Scarce.

The air in the small London flat was thick with tension. Victor and Margaret had regretted a thousand times over listening to their son and selling their cottage in the countryside. Life there had been hard, but it was theirs. Here, they tiptoed around, afraid to draw the ire of their daughter-in-law, Catherine. Everything about them seemed to irritate herthe way they shuffled in their slippers, how they sipped their tea, even the way they ate.

The only person in the flat who truly cared for them was their grandson, Daniel. A handsome young man, he adored his grandparents fiercely. If his mother raised her voice in their presence, he was quick to defend them. But their son, Adrianwhether out of fear or indifferencenever stood up for them.

Daniel often had dinner with them, though he was rarely home. He was interning at a law firm and stayed in a dormitory nearby, only visiting on weekends. For Victor and Margaret, his visits were like holidays.

Now, with New Years Eve approaching, Daniel arrived early in the morning to wish them well. He brought giftswarm socks and gloves, knowing they were always cold. Plain gloves for Granddad, embroidered ones for Grandma.

Margaret pressed the gloves to her face and wept.

Grandma, whats wrong? Dont you like them?

Oh, my dear, theyre perfect. The most precious thing Ive ever owned. She hugged him tightly, and he kissed her hands, as he had done since childhood. They always smelled of something warmapples, baking dough, love.

Listen, my dears, Daniel said, hold on without me for three days. Im off with my mates, then Ill be back.

Go on, love, Margaret said. Well be fine.

He packed his bag, said his goodbyes, and left. The elderly couple retreated to their room.

An hour later, Catherines voice cut through the flat. Guests were coming, and the old people had to go. Its embarrassing, she snapped at Adrian. Where will we even put everyone to sleep? Adrian muttered something about not knowing where to send them, but Catherine wouldnt listen.

Victor and Margaret sat frozen, too afraid to even make tea. Victor pulled out hidden biscuits, and they ate by the window in silence. A tear trembled in Margarets eye. How had it come to thisbeing unwanted in their own family?

As dusk fell, Adrian entered their room.

Look, weve got guests coming. Youll have to go somewhere. You understandits not a holiday with you here.

Son, where can we go? Margaret asked. We dont know anyone in London.

How should I know? That neighbour back in Kent used to invite yougo there.

But the last bus has gone, and we dont even know where the station is. She might not even be alive.

Well, I dont know. Catherine says youve got an hour to pack.

Adrian left. Victor and Margaret stared at each other, fighting back tears. They bundled up, grateful now for Daniels gifts, and stepped out into the cold evening.

They wandered slowly, finally ducking into a café for tea and sandwichestheir first meal all day. Reluctantly, they left the warmth and trudged to a park gazebo, huddling together as snow fell.

Margaret traced the embroidery on her gloves. Victor sighed. At least our grandson has a heart, unlike his parents.

We promised him wed manage, Margaret whispered. We couldnt even do that.

Time dragged. Lights flickered in windows as families celebrated. Thena small spaniel trotted up, whining and pawing at Margarets knees. She smiled, stroking him.

Wheres your owner, little one?

A womans voice called, Lord! Where are you? Its time to go home!

The dog barked. A young woman, Daisy, hurried over. Oh! You found him. Have you been here long?

Margaret nodded.

Why arent you home? Its freezingNew Years is in an hour!

Silence.

Wait do you have nowhere to go?

They shook their heads.

Lord nuzzled Margaret, tail wagging.

Right, Daisy said firmly. Were continuing this conversation somewhere warm. Come with me.

Margaret protested, but Daisy insisted. Lord and I live alone. Wed love the company.

Reluctantly, they followed.

Her flat was cosy, smelling of roasting meat. A Christmas tree twinkled. Daisy set the table, and they celebrated together.

In the morning, she refused to let them leave. Stay at least a week.

It felt like home.

Days later, Daniel returned to an empty flat.

Mum, where are Grandma and Granddad?

How should I know? They left.

When?!

New Years Eve. We couldnt have guests with them hereits embarrassing.

Daniels voice cracked. You should be ashamed, not them! He stormed out, searching frantically.

Thenhe saw Daisy, walking Lord. And on her handshis grandmothers gloves.

Where did you get those?

Daisy smiled. You must be Daniel. Come with me.

She led him home, where warmth and the smell of pancakes greeted him. Margaret threw her arms around him, sobbing. Over tea, they decidedVictor and Margaret would stay with Daisy. Daniel visited often.

The flat, once quiet, was now full of life. Lord, the happiest of all, chose whose bed to share each night.

As for Daisy and Danielwell, thats another story.

Kindness, after all, is a powerful thing. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile, a question, a small act of goodness.

It always comes back.