“What are we doing here? Why are we breaking into someone else’s house?”
“It’s over, Emily. I want a real familychildren. You cant give me that. Ive waited long enough. I need a son. Ive already filed for divorce! Youve got three days to pack. Call me when youre gone. Ill be staying at my mums. Hurry upI need to get the flat ready for the baby and its mother. Oh, and dont look so surprisedmy future wife is already expecting!”
Emily stayed silent. What could she say?
Children had never happened for her. William had waited five long years. Three failed attempts.
The countless doctors shed seen all said she was healthy. So why had it never worked?
Emily had always lived rightate well, exercised, avoided stress.
This time, shed collapsed at work. An ambulance was called, but everything happened so fast…
…The door slammed behind William, and Emily sank onto the sofa, drained.
She had no energy to pack. And where would she even go?
Before marriage, shed lived with her auntnow gone, her flat sold by her son. Back to her grans cottage in the countryside? Rent a place? What about her job?
Too many questions. Too little time.
…Early the next morning, the door opened. Her mother-in-law walked in.
“Still awake? Good. Im here to make sure you dont take anything that isnt yours.”
“Your sons old boxers arent exactly on my list. Want to count my knickers?”
“Cheeky cow! You were always so polite before. Knew this would happentold my William after the first time youd never have kids.”
“Is that why youre here? Sit quietly and watch, then.”
“Why are you taking the china?!”
“Its mine. Left to me by my aunt. A keepsake.”
“Now the place will look empty without it!”
“Not my problem. At least youll get a grandson.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“My laptop. My coffee maker. My microwavegifts from colleagues. My car, bought before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“Youve got everythingexcept the ability to have children!”
“Thats none of your business. Maybe God had other plans.”
“You dont even seem sorry! Did you do this on purpose?”
“Dont be ridiculous. I cant even think about it.”
Emily scanned the flat. Her things were gone. Toothbrush, makeup, slippers…
Something was missing. Her mother-in-laws glare made it hard to focus.
Then she rememberedthe old figurine, a cat. Inside was a secret: earrings and a ring, not valuable but preciousher grans. William always called it junk. Had he thrown it out? He stored unwanted things on the balcony. Emily opened the door…
“Whats out there? Pack and go!” her mother-in-law snapped. “Saying goodbye to the flat? Well, say it. Youll never have anything like this again.”
The cat was there, untouched. Now she could leave.
“Here are the keys. Goodbye. Hope I never see you again.”
Emily stopped by the office. Still on sick leave, she requested holiday instead.
“Were so sorry, butthree weeks enough? Just stay in touch. Half our projects rely on you.”
“Fine. I need the distraction. Thanks.”
“Need help with anything?”
“No.”
“Ill sort your holiday pay and bonus.”
“Thanks. Thatll help.”
Emily didnt even look for a flat. She drove straight to the village. No one waited thereher gran had passed three years ago, and shed never known her mother, who died in childbirth.
Now, somehow, she couldnt have a child either…
An hour later, she pulled up to the house. The apple tree. The tulips.
Last autumn, she and William had barbecued here, laughing.
She parked on the drive. The garage key was inside.
She unlocked the door. Silence. Dirty cups on the table. Hadnt she cleaned last time?
Noshe had. Someone else had been here.
Two mugs. Plates. Juice cartons. Bottles of Williams favourite sparkling wine. Not from autumn.
So hed been here. With whom?
Didnt matter now.
Only she had a key. He mustve copied it. Time for new locks.
New life. Cleaning. Then a hot bath, washing away the past.
As she dried off, a knock at the door. Then the window.
“Whos there?”
“Everything alright?”
“Yes…” She frowned.
A stranger stood outside.
“Sorry if I scared you. Im your neighbour. Saw smoke from the chimneythought something might be wrong.”
“Thanks, Im fine.”
“You related to William? He was here recently with his wife… Sister?”
“Ex-wife. Almost.”
“House yours?”
“Mine.”
“Im your temporary neighbour. Staying at a mates. Divorce pendingfree tomorrow. If youre alright, Ill go. Need help, just ask. Names John.”
“Emily. Waitcan you change a lock?”
“Sure. Tell me when.”
“Soon as possible.”
“Ill check whats needed. Save you the trip.”
“Thanks.”
Two weeks passed. One more before work. She didnt want to leave. William hadnt calledjust a text with the divorce date. Better this way.
Saturday morning. Early as always. John invited her for a walk by the lake.
No plans for a new romance, but a stroll couldnt hurt. They laughed, talked, returned for lunch.
Williams car stood outside. Just arrived. He stepped out, then helped a pregnant woman from the passenger seat.
Emily and John reached the gate as William jiggled the door.
“Whats this?”
“What are we doing here? Breaking into someone elses house?”
William froze.
“This is ours!” the woman snapped.
“Oh? Who told you thatWilliam? My house. Leave.”
“William, who is she?! Your ex?! Get rid of her!”
Emily and John laughed. William wordlessly bundled his wife into the car and drove off.
“Fun life hell have.”
“But shell give him a child. I couldnt. Three failures. Sorry.”
“My marriage ended because my wife didnt want kids…”
Four years later, a chance meeting with her ex-mother-in-law at the supermarket.
“Emily? Barely recognised you. Been watching you. Youre glowingpregnant?”
“Yes.” She rested a hand on her bump.
“Williams not well. The boys weaksomething wrong on his side. His wife left us with the baby. You doing this alone?”
“No. Got a family waiting.”
“Oh? Sorry for everything…”
“Hope you cope.”
As Emily walked away, her ex-mother-in-law watched. John held her arm, their little girlthe image of her motherskipping beside them.
