**Diary Entry**
My dear friend and goddaughter, Emily, has finally left her husband, Thomas, and I couldn’t be happier for her. Thomas was quite the character—never earned a penny, spent his days arguing and chasing every skirt in sight. A couple of days ago, Emily called me, absolutely glowing, bragging about her holiday in the Lake District with her new beau, Edward. I nearly choked on my tea when I heard. Imagine, turning her life around so quickly! But truth be told, I’m over the moon for her—she deserves every bit of happiness after all she’s been through.
Emily and Thomas were together nearly ten years, and all that time, I’d look at her and think, *”When will you finally send him packing?”* He was one of those men who believed his mere presence was a gift. Work? Never heard of it. Yet every evening, he’d lounge on the sofa like royalty, demanding dinner while complaining about Emily’s cooking. And then there were his “adventures” on the side—suspicious texts, lipstick on his collar. Of course, he’d deny it, blaming her: *”You drove me to it!”* I told her a hundred times, *”Leave him, you’re young, beautiful—you’ll find a proper man.”* But she endured it, whether out of love or fear of being alone.
Then, three months ago, Emily had enough. She told me how she’d found messages from some woman on Thomas’s phone and discovered he’d blown their savings on his little escapades. That was the final straw. She packed his bags, kicked him out, and said, *”That’s it, Tom. Go find yourself another fool.”* When I heard, I nearly applauded. Thomas, of course, tried to worm his way back—flowers, calls with empty promises. But Emily stood firm. *”No more,”* she told me. *”I won’t waste my life on someone who doesn’t respect me.”*
And just like that, before I knew it, she was on the phone, gushing about Edward. They met, of all places, in a café. Emily stopped for coffee after work, and there he was at the next table, reading a book. She said he was charming—well-spoken, well-dressed, with a sharp wit. One thing led to another, numbers were exchanged, and two weeks later, Edward suggested a trip to the Lake District—renting a cottage, hiking, exploring the countryside. *”Can you believe it?”* Emily laughed. *”He planned everything, even hired a car! Thomas would’ve just moaned about the cost.”*
Listening to her, I could hardly believe it. The same Emily who’d sobbed in my kitchen weeks ago was now laughing, making plans, raving about how Edward taught her to cook proper spaghetti carbonara. *”He actually listens to me,”* she said. *”Cares what I think.”* That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just a fling. She was truly in love, and Edward might just be the man to make her happy.
Of course, there’s been gossip. Our mutual acquaintances whisper, *”Emily’s moved on too fast—barely six months!”* But I tell them, *”Good for her! Life’s too short to waste on someone like Thomas.”* Some think she’s rushing into things, but I see the change in her. Before, her eyes were dull; now she’s vibrant, cracking jokes, even dyed her hair a rich chestnut. *”I want to look good for myself—and for Edward,”* she says.
When she mentioned the Lake District, I couldn’t help but ask, *”Em, do you really know this Edward?”* She just grinned. *”Enough to go away with him! He’s a software engineer, works for some fancy firm, and adores his cat. A proper bloke, not like Thomas.”* I still worry—what if he’s not what he seems? But Emily’s confident: *”If things go south, I know how to pack my bags now. No one’s taking me for granted again.”*
Her story made me think. How many women put up with men like Thomas, too afraid of change? Emily chose differently—she turned her life upside down, and it looks brighter than ever. The Lake District, Edward, new beginnings… I can’t wait to hear all about their walks through the hills and evenings by the fire.
Yesterday, Emily sent me a photo: her in a bright woolly hat, cheeks rosy, standing against snow-capped fells with a handsome chap—Edward, no doubt. The caption read: *”Life’s just getting started!”* And you know what? I believe her. She’s earned this fresh chapter. As for Thomas? Let him argue with his reflection. Emily’s on a different path now, and it suits her perfectly.
*Lesson learned: Sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is walk away and start anew.*
