Oh, Eleanor, hello! Have you come to see your mother? called Mrs. Thompson from her balcony.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Thompson. Yes, to see Mum.
You might have a word with her, the neighbour sighed. Shes quite changed since the divorce, poor thing.
What do you mean? Eleanor tensed.
Ive been having trouble sleepingwaking up early. One morning, around five, I saw her stepping out of a cab. And she looked well, lets say not quite herself. Perhaps even a little tipsy. The whole neighbourhoods whispering. At her age! And why did she throw your father out? Yes, he made a mistake, but who doesnt? All those years togetherits madness to divorce now.
Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, Eleanor said stiffly, swallowing hard. Ill speak with her.
With that, she hurried inside. Her mother had indeed sent her father packing six months prior, after catching him in an affair. Eleanor had begged her not to be hastythese things could be mended. But her mother had stood firm. Strangest of all, she hadnt sunk into despair as one might expect. Instead, shed come alivenew clothes, dancing, nights out with friends, things shed never done before.
Eleanor struggled to accept it. She herself was engaged, planning a family. And here was her motherout at bars till dawn? What sort of grandmother would that make her? How could she introduce her to her future mother-in-law, when one knitted blankets and the other danced in nightclubs?
When she stepped inside, her mother greeted her with a teapot in hand and a bright smile. No worn-out dressing gown, but a smart beige suit. Manicured nails, pedicure, false lashesshe was clearly relishing life.
Well, hows William? she asked, setting out the cups.
Everythings fine, Eleanor replied, steadying her voice. But what about you?
Marvellous! Last night, the girls and I stayed out till morning. We danced, then sang karaoke. Such fun we had!
Mrs. Thompson told me everything, Eleanor said darkly. That you came home at five in the morning and seemed drunk.
Her mother laughed. Well, what did you expect? One doesnt sip tea at a bar.
Eleanor could hold back no longer. Mum, dont you think youre overdoing it?
In what way?
Well, to put it lightly, youre not twenty anymore. Whats all this dancing and clubbing? You ought to set an example. Youll be a grandmother!
Im a woman whos finally free. I wont live by anyone elses script.
But you spent decades with Dad! How can you move on so easily?
Her mother fell silent, then spoke calmly but firmly. Your father betrayed me. It wasnt a mistakeit was a choice. And I refuse to be just a servant anymore. I want to live. For myself. I gave years to my family. Now I do as I please.
But youre nearly fifty!
So? Must I age on schedule?
Eleanor realised shed gone too far. Im sorryI didnt mean to upset you. I just care.
If youre ashamed of me, dont invite me to the wedding. But know thisI wont hide my grey hair under a scarf or dress in shapeless frocks. Ill dance, and maybe even flirt. I feel alive.
No, Mum, I want you there. Its just
Just Auntie Thompson disapproves? Well, I dont care. Im finally living.
Back home, she told her fiancé everything. I dont know how to feel.
William laughed. I think your mothers brilliant. She didnt wallowshe chose life. Theres no crime in happiness.
That weekend, Eleanor rang her mother. Mum, lets go to the spa, then a bar with live music.
You wont be embarrassed?
Ill tell them youre my older sister, Eleanor teased.
Then its settled. But dont expect an early night.
That day marked a turning point. For the first time, Eleanor understood the strength her mother possessed. And perhaps, she thought, there was a lesson in itto be herself. To live not as one ought, but as one truly desires.
