**Diary Entry – 12th May**
“So, you’re not inviting me to the wedding, then? Ashamed of me, are you?”
Emily fell for her classmate, James, during their final year at school. Back then, he was just an ordinary, unremarkable lad. But after the summer holidays, he shot up in height, his shoulders broadened. One day during PE, Emily twisted her ankle. James carried her all the way to the nurse’s office. As she clung to him, she suddenly noticed how strong and handsome he’d become.
From that moment, they were inseparable. By spring, Emily realised she was pregnant. They married straight after their A-levels. James didn’t go to university—he took a job on a construction site. Just before New Year’s, Emily gave birth to a little girl, Sophie. James helped his young wife, pushing the pram while she caught up on sleep or did the chores. But come spring, he was called up for National Service.
Then another blow—Emily’s father left her mother for another woman. Mum never recovered. She withdrew, lost all joy in life. The doctors found cancer, and within two months, she was gone. Emily was left alone with the baby. James’s mother visited occasionally, scolding her for letting herself go, for the messy flat, the neglected child—but never lifting a finger to help.
An elderly neighbour took pity. She paid Emily a little to clean her flat and fetch shopping, watching Sophie in return. Emily scraped by however she could.
At last, James returned from service—only to tell her their marriage had been a mistake, that teenage love had faded. He accused her of trapping him with the pregnancy. He wanted to study, he said.
So Emily raised Sophie alone, with no one to lean on, no shoulder to cry on. She wore herself out giving her daughter a decent life. Sophie grew into a beautiful, bright girl, never short of admirers—yet she turned every boy down.
“Don’t you like anyone?” Emily asked.
“I do—there’s Oliver, and Jacob’s alright. But they’re just like us, living month to month. I won’t settle for that. I’m pretty, and beauty has value.”
“Beauty fades, love. I was pretty once—look at me now.”
“Don’t compare me to you,” Sophie cut in. “I’m not having children, not yet. First, I’ll marry well—someone successful.”
“And where will you find him? In this little town? Money isn’t happiness. The rich marry their own—they’d never look twice at you.”
“I won’t stay here. After school, I’m off to London. More opportunities. Speaking of—I need a new dress, shoes, and that coat I saw. I can’t go looking like this.” She pointed to the dress Emily had saved for months to buy.
Emily took on extra work, coming home exhausted, collapsing into bed. She denied herself everything for Sophie’s sake. The neighbours praised her for raising such a clever, lovely girl alone. Emily swelled with pride—though she never spoke of the cost. Slowly, she and Sophie grew apart, living under the same roof but no longer understanding each other.
After her A-levels, Sophie left for London, taking Emily’s last savings. She rarely called, brushing off her mother’s attempts with curt replies: *“I’m fine, busy with uni. Can you send money?”* In all her years away, she barely spent two weeks at home. Then, in her final term, she turned up unexpectedly.
“Mum, I’m getting married. His father’s a businessman—they’ve got a massive house. I’ve passed my driving test. After the wedding, Ethan’s buying me a car—”
Emily was overjoyed, seeing her so happy.
“Oh, love! When do I meet him? I’ve nothing to wear—never mind, I’ll ask Martha from number five to sew me something. She works at a dressmaker’s. When’s the wedding? Will we have time?”
Sophie hesitated, avoiding her eyes.
“Mum… I told Ethan’s parents you live abroad, that you can’t come.” Seeing Emily’s shock, she snapped, “I couldn’t tell them you’re a cleaner! That we’re poor! They’d never understand—there’d be no wedding then! Don’t you get it?”
“So, I’m not invited? You’re ashamed of me?” Emily’s voice shook. “What will people say?”
“I don’t care what people say! Did anyone help when Dad left you? If you don’t want me stuck in poverty like you, working three jobs, you’ll stay away. Look at you—no teeth, dressed like a charwoman—”
The words cut deep.
“I never expected this from you. I gave up everything for you, and now—”
“They’ll never know unless you tell them.”
Emily cried, but she gave in. However much it hurt, she wouldn’t ruin Sophie’s chances. Let her be happy. The two days before Sophie left again passed in near silence. Mother and daughter had become strangers.
Alone, Emily grieved the rift. The stress took its toll—her blood pressure spiked, her heart ached. Rushed to hospital in an ambulance, she fretted over forgetting her things. The driver, Andrew, offered to fetch them after his shift. She thanked him, handing over her keys. She had nothing worth stealing.
“You live modestly. This place needs work. Alone, are you?” he asked later, dropping off her bag.
“My daughter’s in London. Getting married…” Somehow, the words spilled out—she told her whole life to this stranger.
Andrew visited her in hospital, even gave her a lift home afterwards.
“You’re kind, unassuming. My ex always demanded more—a fur coat, diamond rings. Left me for someone richer. I miss my son, though. Fancy a hand with the flat? I’m handy. Could make it like new.”
Emily refused at first, but Andrew brought flowers, paid her attention—something she hadn’t known since James. She realised—she was only forty. How much longer alone? She relented.
Andrew set to work. The flat brightened, even seemed larger. Emily herself changed—smiling more, hurrying home after work. He proposed, but she held back, fearing Sophie’s reaction. She dared not call—Sophie had made that clear.
Then one evening, the doorbell rang. Sophie stood there, suitcase in hand.
“Sophie! Oh, what a surprise! Staying a while?”
Sophie eyed her mother’s glow, the refurbished flat, the man’s jacket on the peg.
“You’re not alone?”
“No, love. You said not to call… Andrew’s good, practical. Look what he’s done here! He’ll be home soon—”
“So you’re married? Or is he just squatting here? After the flat?”
Emily flinched. “That’s not fair! He’s got his own place.”
“Honestly, Mum! Are we all meant to live here together?”
“Are you back for good, then? Didn’t fit in with the rich lot?”
Sophie scowled, then confessed: at a café, she’d bumped into an old classmate, Jessica—who’d spilled the truth. Ethan, furious at the lie, had humiliated her, then filed for divorce.
“It’s alright, love. You’re only twenty-two. You’ll find someone—”
“Mum, don’t! I won’t live like this, with some random bloke here!”
Andrew walked in, heard it all, and turned to leave.
“Wait!” Emily stopped him. “I’ve lived for you, Sophie, denied myself everything. Now I’ve found a good man—he’s fixed this place, spent his own money. And I should throw him out? I’m not old yet! I deserve happiness too. I’ve put up with your selfishness too long. Stay if you want. I’m going with him.”
For the first time, Emily stood her ground. She packed her things and left. Sophie stewed in anger—but eventually came, apologised.
Overjoyed, Emily hugged her tightly. Sophie admitted she’d met someone, fallen in love properly. She didn’t mind her mother remarrying—especially as her own boyfriend had proposed.
“Why not a double wedding?” Andrew suggested.
Emily shook her head. “Let’s celebrate Sophie’s first. We’ll just sign the papers—no need for spectacle.”
“Still putting her first,” Andrew murmured, holding her close.
“This *is* putting me first. Her happiness is mine. That’s all I need.”
**Lesson:** Kindness is repaid in time—but for how long? I pray Sophie’s learned. A mother’s boundless love can breed entitlement. Life’s unpredictable, yet one thing’s clear: even the softest heart must sometimes say *enough*.
