**Saturday, 12th November**
Tom, can you look after Harry? Polly called towards the bedroom, adjusting her scarf in the mirror. Ill be back by six. Dont forget his lunchits all ready in the fridge, just needs heating up.
The weekend had turned chaotica crisis at work, and her manager had begged her to come in. No one else could handle it. She agreed without hesitation. Work wasnt just about money; it gave her purpose.
Five-year-old Harry was happily playing in his room with toy cars, muttering engine noises. A normal Saturday morning. Polly checked her bag, found her keys, and then Tom stepped out.
No, he said flatly.
She froze, hand on the door. Turned to stare at him.
What?
Im not watching him today. He moved past her to grab his coat. Ive got plans.
Polly stood dumbstruck. Six years of marriage, and nevernot oncehad he refused to watch their son. Hed always been a devoted father. Or so she thought. As he slipped on his shoes, she finally managed, Tom, whats going on?
Nothing, he muttered, walking out without a glance.
The door clicked shut. Polly stood in the hallway, gripping her bag strap, her chest tight. She had an hour before work. One hour. Fumbling with her phone, she rang her mum.
Mum, pleaseI need help. Can you come watch Harry?
Thankfully, her mother didnt ask questions.
Polly did the mathsher mum wouldnt make it in time. Desperate, she knocked on Mrs. Thompsons door next door. The elderly woman sighed but agreed. Polly rushed back, explained to Harry hed be with Mrs. T for a bit, then bolted.
The entire commute felt surreal. What just happened? Had they argued? Last night, theyd eaten dinner, watched telly, even discussed next weeks plans.
Work was a blur. Her mind kept circling back. She messaged Tom:
*Where are you?*
*Whats wrong?*
*Why did you do that?*
No response. Nothing.
That evening, she thanked her mum and let her go.
Everything alright? Wheres Tom?
No idea. He left this morning.
The flat was too quiet. She checked on Harryasleep, hugging his teddy. So small, so trusting. She kissed his forehead and slipped out.
Tom returned two hours later. Calm, like nothing had happened. Polly blocked his path.
What was that?
He looked at her with indifferencethe kind reserved for strangers.
Im done pretending, he said.
Her pulse roared. She sank onto the sofa. Pretending what?
This. The marriage. You. The kid.
She searched his face for any hint of a joke. There wasnt one.
Then why stay six years?
His jaw clenched. I didnt want to marry you, Polly. My mum pushed me into it. Said you were kind, decentthat Id regret letting you go. So I waited. Put up with it. But I cant anymore.
Polly laughed, sharp and bitter. How noble of you.
You should be grateful! he snapped. I never cheated. I stayed faithful. Do you know how hard that was?
Grateful? She shot up. You proposed to me, Tom. You said you loved me. Or was that your mums idea too?
He flinched. She pressured me! Said Id regret it if I didnt.
And do you?
I regret all of it! He gestured to Harrys room. I wanted a different life. Not this.
Polly went cold. Harry was a mistake?
Thats not what I
Get out.
His eyes widened.
Take your things and leave. Never come back.
For once, he had nothing to say. He packed in silence. When he walked past her, she didnt look at him. The door slammed.
Alone, she collapsed onto the bed, face buried in the pillow. The tears came thenugly, wrenching sobs. She cried until she had nothing left.
But as dawn crept in, she dragged herself up. Splashed water on her face. Stared at her reflectionpuffy-eyed, exhausted. But alive.
Harry needed her. Shed manage.
Theyd be alright. Just the two of them.
