**Diary Entry**
Mum, Edward spoke softly when we were alone in the kitchen, Ive been thinking for a while now theres something I need to say.
Margaret looked up. She wasnt used to her son-in-law wanting to confide in her like this.
What is it, Edward? she asked carefully, drying a teacup.
He hesitated, then continued slowly, Ive noticed something. You live for everyone elsefor Emily, for little Sophie but you forget yourself. Youre still young, Margaret. Fifty-one isnt old. Yet you walk around with your head down, as if lifes passed you by. It shouldnt be like this.
Margaret forced a bitter smile.
Oh, Edward, lets be honest. My husband left me for someone younger. I lost my job. What else is there for me but being a grandmother?
Edward shook his head firmly.
Thats not how I see it. Youre strong. Clever. Beautiful. And I want you to knowyoure not alone.
Her heart clenched. There was warmth in his eyes that startled her.
Edward she whispered, flustered. What are you saying?
He stepped closer but stopped himself.
You dont have to say anything. Just remember this: there are people who truly value you.
Margaret fell silent. His words echoed in her mind all night.
The weeks passed as usualnursery runs, chemist trips, housework. But Edwards words lingered. He never brought it up again, yet she caught herself seeking his gaze more than once.
One afternoon, while walking Sophie home, she bumped into Robert. Her ex-husband. He was arm in arm with Olivia, who looked her up and down before sneering, Still so plain, I see.
Margaret only smiled. For the first time, she felt no need to prove herself. Her strength wasnt in clothes or makeup.
Not long after, an old university friend called. Offered her a jobteaching at a technical college. She thought it over, then accepted.
The work revived her. Preparing lectures, marking papers, guiding students. They respected her, and she felt young again.
One evening, as she walked home, Edward waited outside, holding a small bunch of wildflowers.
These are for you, he said awkwardly. Just because.
Her heart raced.
Edward, you know this isnt right, she murmured.
Whats not right is denying your heart, he replied. You deserve happiness.
Tears threatened as she took the flowers, whispered, Thank you, and hurried upstairs.
That night, sleep wouldnt come. She knew she couldnt take what belonged to her daughter. Yet, for the first time in years, she felt alive. Capable of love.
By morning, shed made up her mind. She gathered Emily and Edward at the table.
My dears, she began, Im grateful to you both. But things must change. Im going to livenot just be a grandmother who carries everyones burdens. I have a new job. Im refurbishing the flat. And Ive decided Im going to see the sea. The one Ive always dreamed of.
Emily stared, shocked.
Mum you never mentioned this.
The times come, Margaret said firmly. Dont worryIll always be here for you. But I wont live for others anymore.
Edward stayed quiet, but his eyes spoke volumesrespect and warmth shining through.
Months later, Margaret had changed. New clothes, a language course, even picking up her old passion: painting.
At her next birthday, the family gathered. The broken, lonely woman was gone. In her place sat a radiant woman who believed in herself.
To Mum! Emily said, pouring champagne. To the woman whos finally learned to love herself.
Glasses clinked, laughter filled the room. And Margaret smiled to herself, thinking, *Yes. Now, my life truly begins.*
**Lesson:** You dont have to disappear into the shadows of others lives. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is step into your own light.
