One day, you might turn to your loved one, only to find an empty space and regret, much like Hugo. At 25, Hugo was a guitarist who felt ashamed of his late Grandma Rosemary, a street sweeper. He condemned her, especially when he only inherited an urn of her ashes, which shattered on the floor. Arriving at her cottage, Hugo felt out of place, the memories of the old house clashing with his current life in New York. He muttered a solemn apology for missing her funeral and walked through her home, feeling the sting of his past actions and attitudes. As a child, he had been embarrassed by her job and the simple gifts she gave, always wanting more. Now, he was ashamed of himself.
Painful Memories and Regrets
As Hugo wandered the house, memories of his ingratitude haunted him. He remembered mocking Rosemary’s humble efforts and rejecting her gifts, like the old study table she bought him. “Grandma, this old thing? Seriously?” he had taunted, wanting a gaming console she couldn’t afford. In the kitchen, he recalled dismissing her best dishes as poor substitutes for the fancy food he desired. His childhood demands were endless, and Rosemary always tried to be cheerful, promising “Next time, honey bee!” But Hugo resented her for what she couldn’t give. The prom debacle, where he berated her for not affording an expensive suit, was a particularly painful memory. His friends’ mockery only deepened his shame, and he lashed out at Rosemary, who had secretly saved up to buy the suit he wanted.
The Broken Heart of Rosemary
During his graduation, Hugo’s embarrassment over his grandmother reached a peak. She had come to celebrate with her fellow sanitation workers, but Hugo paid a security guard to deny them entry. He saw her being escorted out, her shoulders slumped in dejection. Later, he berated her for almost ruining his reputation. His harsh words cut deeply, leaving her worried and alone. On his 18th birthday, Hugo left to pursue his dreams, abandoning Rosemary despite her pleas. Over the years, his contact with her dwindled until it stopped altogether. When she fell ill, Hugo couldn’t visit due to his music tour, and she passed away alone. Now, in her house, he grappled with his guilt and regret.
Uncovering the Past
A knock at the door interrupted Hugo’s regrets. Simon, Rosemary’s neighbor, brought an urn and a letter. Rosemary wished for her ashes to be scattered at sea, a task Hugo found inconvenient. However, Simon also brought Rosemary’s dog, Sunny, which Hugo initially planned to abandon. Searching the cottage for valuables, Hugo found nothing, reflecting bitterly on Rosemary’s life. The next day, while exploring the attic, Hugo found an old diary and a locket nestled among the ashes. Intrigued, he began reading the diary, which transported him to Rosemary’s childhood and her relationship with Henry, a wealthy boy who loved her deeply.
Seeking Redemption
Hugo set off with Sunny to find Henry, following the clues from Rosemary’s diary. After a long journey, they arrived at a modest house with a rose garden. An elderly Henry initially mistook Hugo for a trespasser but welcomed him upon learning he was Rosemary’s grandson. Hugo shared Rosemary’s diary and unposted letters, prompting Henry to reveal his side of their story.
He had believed Rosemary didn’t love him anymore, a lie his parents likely told to keep them apart. Together, Hugo and Henry scattered Rosemary’s ashes at her favourite beach. Hugo’s visit helped him find peace, and he wrote songs about his grandmother, seeking her forgiveness through his music. These songs became his most successful work, serving as his heartfelt apology for his past behaviour. When Henry passed away a year later, Hugo scattered his ashes at the same beach, whispering, “Now, you can be together,” and sang one of his hits in their honour
