“Mum,” Victor murmured softly when they were alone in the kitchen, “Ive been meaning to tell you something for a while now.”
Kathleen looked up, uneasy. She wasnt used to her son-in-law seeking private conversations with her.
“What is it, Victor?” she asked cautiously, drying a glass in her hands.
He hesitated, then spoke slowly.
“You live for everyone elseEmily, little Sophie… but youve forgotten yourself. Youre still a young woman, Kathleen. Fifty-one isnt the end. Yet you walk with your head down, as if it is. Thats not right.”
A bitter smile touched her lips.
“Oh, Victor, what else is there? My husband left me for someone younger. I lost my job. All I have left is being a grandmother.”
Victor shook his head firmly.
“I dont see it that way. Youre strong. Clever. Beautiful. And I want you to knowyoure not alone.”
Kathleens heart clenched. There was warmth in his eyes that frightened her.
“Victor” she whispered, flustered. “What are you trying to say?”
He stepped closer but stopped himself, holding back.
“You dont have to say anything. Just remember thisthere are people who truly value you.”
Kathleen fell silent. His words echoed in her mind all night.
The weeks passed as they always didnursery runs, chemist trips, housework. But Victors words wouldnt leave her. Though he never spoke like that again, she caught herself seeking his gaze more than once.
One afternoon, while walking Sophie home, she bumped into her ex-husband, Edgar. He was arm in arm with a younger womanOlivia. Edgar looked worn, older.
“Hello,” Edgar greeted her stiffly. “How are you?”
“Im fine,” Kathleen replied calmly. “No complaints.”
Olivia eyed her up and down before smirking.
“Still so… plain, arent you?”
Kathleen 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. She offered Kathleen a jobteaching at a technical college. After some thought, Kathleen accepted.
The work reignited her spirit. Preparing lectures, marking papers, guiding studentsshe felt alive again. They respected her, and for the first time in years, she felt young.
One evening, as she walked home, Victor was waiting outside, holding a small bunch of wildflowers.
“These… are for you,” he said awkwardly. “No reason.”
Her heart pounded.
“Victor, you know this isnt right,” she whispered.
“Whats not right is denying your heart,” he answered solemnly. “You deserve happiness.”
Kathleen fought back tears. Taking the flowers, she murmured, “Thank you,” then hurried up the stairs.
That night, sleep wouldnt come. She knew she couldnt take what belonged to her daughter. But for the first time in years, she felt her heart beatingstill capable of love.
By morning, shed made a decision. She gathered Emily and Victor at the table.
“My dears,” she began gently, “Im grateful to you both. But things must change. Im going to start livingnot just as a grandmother who carries everyones burdens. I have a new job. Im renovating the flat. And Ive decided… Im going away. To see the sea, like Ive always dreamed.”
Emily stared in shock.
“Mum… youve never mentioned this.”
“The time wasnt right before,” Kathleen replied firmly. “Dont worryIll always be here for you. But I wont live for others anymore.”
Victor stayed silent, but his gaze spoke volumesrespect and warmth shining through.
Months later, Kathleen was transformed. She bought new clothes, enrolled in a language course, and rediscovered an old passionpainting.
At her next birthday gathering, it wasnt a broken, lonely woman sitting at the table, but a radiant one who believed in herself again.
“Happy birthday, Mum!” Emily toasted, pouring champagne. “To the woman whos finally learned to love herself.”
They clinked glasses, laughter filling the room. And as Kathleen smiled to herself, she thought, *Yes. Now my life truly begins.*
