You cant keep living like that, Emma. Youre thirty, yet you act like an old woman, her mother said, settling beside her.
Emma trudged home from the office, exhausted as usual. The kitchen already smelled of potatoes and onions, the stew bubbling in an old iron pan. Margaret muttered under her breath, then, as always, placed a plate in front of her daughter.
Eat, love, itll cool down.
Mum, later, okay? I need to change out of my coat first.
Emma slipped off her jacket, pulled off her boots and headed to the bedroom. Little Tommy was on the floor, stacking blocks into a tower, humming to himself. When he saw his mother, he cheered:
Mum, look! My castle!
Emma smiled, kissed the boys forehead.
Wow, a real fortress. Maybe Ill be a princess there?
No, Tommy replied seriously youll be the commander.
She laughed, and for a heartbeat her heart warmed. It was the tiny moments like these that kept the emptiness that had settled in her chest for almost six years at bay.
After Igor left, Emma swore she would never allow herself to be weak again. From then on it was work, home, and Tom. Sometimes, when Tommy drifted off to sleep, she would sit by the window, watching the occasional streetlamp flicker, and feel the sting that life had slipped past her.
Margaret had watched all of this, and at times the sight of her daughters weary routine became almost unbearable.
You cant go on like this, Emma. Youre thirty and you live like a pensioner, she repeated, sitting close.
Im fine, Mum. Im not complaining.
Fine Margaret mimicked. From work to home, from home to work. And then what?
Then Tommy will grow up, finish school
And he’ll leave, Margaret added calmly. Who will you be then? Im not forever.
Emma sighed, saying nothing. Her mothers words werent cruel; she simply understood how quickly life slipped through ones fingers.
Late that evening, over tea, Margaret changed the subject again.
I saw a flyer on Mrs. Clarkes noticeboard. A new dating club has opened. People meet, have coffee, go to the cinema together. Maybe you should give it a go?
Mum, are you serious?
Whats wrong with that? Normal women sometimes want a bit of male attention.
I dont want to, Emma snapped.
Dont want, or scared?
Emma quietly washed her cup. The very thought of such conversations always made her throat tighten.
Lets drop it, Mum. Ive been burned before. I dont want to try again.
You havent even tried a second time to see if your other half is out there, Margaret sighed.
She fell silent, seeing Emma wasnt ready to listen. Inside, however, a storm raged: Emma used to be lively, smiling, loving. Now she was a shadow of a woman who simply ran on a timetable.
On the weekend they took Tommy to the park; the snow crunched underfoot, children swooshed down slides. Margaret waved at the neighbour who was organising a childrens fête at the local community centre.
Go on, Emma, dont just sit at home, she urged. Tommy will have fun, and youll get a break.
Emma hesitated, then agreed.
The hall was noisy. Kids ran in packs, adults clustered by the refreshment tables. Tommy bolted for the toy table. Emma stood apart, watching him, when a tall man in a khaki jacket appeared beside her.
Excuse me, could you tell me where the childrens changing room is? he asked politely.
Down the corridor, first door on the right, she replied.
Thanks. My daughter keeps getting lost in these corridors.
He smiled, open and warm.
Youre local, arent you? he asked.
Yes, Emma blushed. I live just nearby.
Lucky, I keep worrying Ill lose my way.
He extended his hand.
Alex.
Emma.
They exchanged a few words, then he went off to his daughter, only to return moments later and help carry a box of gifts to a car.
It must be hard handling everything on your own, he said gently.
Ive managed, Emma replied curtly.
He didnt press further, just wished her luck and smiled once more.
When Emma got home, Margaret was waiting.
How was the party?
Fine.
And the man? He seemed nice.
Emma frowned.
How would you know?
You looked different, love. You actually smiled for real.
Emma brushed it off, but deep down something shifted. The brief encounter left a faint afterglow, like a small ember breaking through a thick wall of solitude.
Later, as Tommy slept, she whispered his name, Alex, tasting it as if it were a new flavor.
A week passed. Emma slipped back into her routine: work, house, caring for Tommy. Alex faded into the background, a fleeting passerby, though sometimes, when snow fell at night, she remembered his steady, reassuring smile, as if it promised that life might still hold surprises.
Then work surged. A new boss took over the accounts department, demanding endless overtime. Emma stayed late, coming home to a tired Tommy and a mum still muttering.
Emma, youre wearing yourself thin. Your face is gaunt, those circles under your eyes
Its just monthend, Mum.
One evening, on the bus home, her phone buzzed. An unknown number.
Hello?
Emma? Its Alex. We met at the party. Remember?
She froze, recognizing his voice.
Yes hello.
I saw you get off near the Rainbow Shop. I tried to catch up, but you left quickly. Thought Id give you a ring. Is that alright?
Emma hesitated. Part of her felt awkward; another part felt oddly pleased.
No problem, she said finally. What did you have in mind?
How about we meet? Im passing through your area tomorrow.
The next day they met at a café. Alex arrived in a fireengine crew uniform, a folder under his arm, still in a hurry, yet he bought two coffees.
Have a sit, itll warm you up, he said.
Emma smiled.
They took a bench in the park. Conversation flowed as if theyd known each other for years. Alex talked about his divorce, raising an eightyearold daughter on his own.
Youre a single parent too? Emma asked, surprised.
Yes. It was rough at first, but I learned it isnt the end of the world. Its actually a reason to keep going.
He spoke without selfpity. Emma felt a calm settle around her, a sense that he wasnt judging, just understanding.
When she got home, Margaret was already at the kitchen table, as if waiting.
So? she asked, barely pausing her tea.
Mum
Dont tell me it was him from the club.
Which club? Emma laughed, a little nervous.
Come off it, love. I saw you chatting with him at the bus stop.
Emma sighed, this time not arguing.
Hes a nice guy. Just a friend.
A friend Margaret smirked. Before you start dating, youd better know the man.
Days went by. Alex called now and then, asking about Tommy, bringing over tools, a spare kettle, or a loaf of bread. Margaret spotted everything, but pretended not to mind. One evening, after Alex left, Margaret muttered under her breath:
Thats what I call a friend. I told you good men dont just drift in.
Emma flushed, but said nothing. Inside, shame, confusion, and a longforgotten warmth tangled together.
One night Alex invited Emma and Tommy to the ice rink.
My daughter Natty often goes. Your Tommy looks like hed love it too. Let them have fun together.
Emma hesitated, then agreed.
The rink was quiet, the air crisp, music playing softly. Alex held Nats hand, coaxing Tommy onto the blades.
Come on, dont be afraid. he encouraged.
I havent skated in years
Perfect, well start from the top.
She took his hand; a jolt of electricity ran through her. The simple touch held so much warmth that Emma felt tears welling up.
When they said goodbye at her door, Alex whispered:
Emma, Im not trying to rush anything. I enjoy being with you and Tommy. I havent felt useful in a long time.
She could only nod, eyes meeting his honest gaze.
Late that night, Margaret slipped in, finding Emma by the window, a faint smile on her lips.
Feeling a bit warmer inside? she asked gently.
I dont know, Mum I just want to believe somethings still possible.
Margaret sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Keep believing, love. If you can smile for no reason, theres still life ahead.
Spring arrived early, rain pattering against the panes, and for the first time in ages the house felt light.
Alex started turning up more often: bringing pies for Tommy, apples from Nat, fixing a leaky tap. Margaret, watching from the kitchen, softened her tone, no longer teasing Emma, but offering quiet encouragement.
I never planned any of this, Emma said, clearing dishes.
You dont need to plan, love. Things come and go. Just dont scare them away, Margaret replied, pouring tea. Hes decent, you can tell his hands arent in his pockets.
Emma only smiled. She liked that Alex never pressed, never demanded. He was simply there, and her heart began to race each time his phone buzzed.
One Saturday Alex suggested a countryside outing.
Nat will come, well grill sausages, get some fresh air. Kids need a break from screens, right?
The day was perfect: sun, laughter, smoke from the grill, fresh grass. Tommy and Nat chased a ball while Margaret, relaxed, rode in the back seat. Emma and Alex stood by the fire, silent.
He turned, his voice low.
I think Im getting used to you to you and Tommy.
To us? Emma asked.
Yes. Its a little scary.
She smiled, feeling everything shift inside. She didnt need words, just the presence.
The peace was shortlived. A week later, the front door burst open and Tommy shouted:
Mum, someones here! He says hes Dad!
Emmas blood ran cold. In the hallway stood David, her exhusband, the man who had walked out when she was pregnant.
Hi, Emma, he said, eyes downcast. We need to talk.
Time seemed to rewind ten years. The same cologne, the same apologetic stare.
What do you want? Emma asked.
I I was a fool. Ive been thinking about you. My second marriage fell apart. I just want to see my son.
Margaret, hearing the commotion, peeked in, hands on hips.
Oh, wonderful! The prodigal son returns! Where were you when our girl was crying at night?
David stood, shoulders slumped, yet refused to leave.
Ill make it right, I promise
Emmas voice was steady, though weary.
Leave. Dont turn our home into a stage for your drama.
He left, the door closing with a thud that echoed through the house.
That night Emma lay awake, replaying old betrayals, the smell of cheap tobacco on Davids coat, his hollow claim, I never cheated! The phone buzzed again a message from Alex: How was your day? Thought Id drop by but didnt want to disturb you.
She typed a brief reply: All good, were just resting. Alex didnt push, but the next morning he appeared with a building set for Tommy, a cake for Margaret, and a bouquet of three roses for Emma.
You look sad. Something happen? he asked.
She forced a grin.
Just the past resurfaced.
Ex? he guessed.
She nodded.
He showed up, said he wanted to be a father again.
Alex fell silent, eyes drifting to the window.
If you decide to go back, Ill understand. Dont lie to yourself. Sometimes the past knocks not because it misses you, but because it feels cold.
His words cut deep. Emma wanted to reply, but could only stare.
Later that evening David returned, this time with a toy for Tommy, trying to talk. Emma held back a surge of irritation until her son slipped into his room.
Why are you here? she asked.
I want my family back.
Which family, David? Its long gone.
He stepped closer, pleading.
Ive changed, I swear.
Its too late.
She moved to the window, the street lamps reflecting on the glass, and saw Alex leaning against the gate, a cigarette dangling, as if keeping watch. Her heart fluttered.
David, go, she whispered. Dont tear what weve started to rebuild.
He lingered, then slipped away without a word. A knock sounded at the door.
May I come in? Alex asked softly, entering. I saw him leave. All good?
Yes, everythings fine, she answered.
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
No rush. Just know youre not alone. Im here whenever you need a shoulder.
She looked into his steady eyes and finally allowed herself to believe: life could hand out a second chance.
The summer turned sweltering, the air heavy with dust, yet the house glowednot from sunlight, but from a calm that had slowly seeped in. Since David finally stopped turning up, everything fell into place. Tommy smiled more, Margaret still grumbled now and then but seemed less haunted, and Emma lived without the dread that tomorrow would collapse everything.
Alex became part of their routine without fanfare. He never tried to replace David, never forced himself on Tommy; he simply showed up with potatoes from his garden, repaired a broken iron, drove the boy to school.
Mum, Uncle Alex took me fishing today! Tommy announced, backpack swinging. Can I go again?
Of course, Emma replied, reminding him not to forget his hat.
Sometimes it felt surreal, as if she were dreaming, fearing shed wake up back in that cold marriage where every word from her husband was a wound, the house haunted by strangers, and fatigue was a permanent shadow.
Then she saw Alex, in a dustcovered shirt, fixing the boys bike, and Margaret bringing him tea, and realized this was real life gentle, ordinary, and hopeful.
One evening they all sat on the balcony; Margaret knitted, the children played inside, and Alex tuned a clock that hadnt ticked in years.
How do you manage it all? Emma asked.
I just dont rush, he chuckled. After the army I learned haste kills happiness.
She regarded him thoughtfully.
Alex arent you scared to let someone else in again?
I was, Ill admit. But solitude is scarier. What about you?
Emma paused.
Im not afraid it will repeat. Im afraid I wont believe it if its different.
He set the clock down, gently brushed her hand.
Then we try, step by step, and learn to trust.
She smiled, feeling a weight lift from her chest as if years of burden were finally exhaling.
Weeks later Alex suggested a weekend at his mothers cottage.
Big garden, children can run, we just relax, he said.
The drive was long but easy. Nat and Tommy laughed in the back seat, Margaret dozed, and Emma watched the rolling fields, thinking how a single chance encounter could steer life where she never thought to look.
That night, gathered around a fire, Alex spoke softly.
I came here to help, but Ive realised I need you. Not because Im lonely, but because youre strong. Being with you feels right.
Emma was silent for a moment, then answered quietly:
I never imagined hearing words like that. Not about romance or passion, but about peace. Thats where true happiness lives.
He embraced her, and they sat listening to the crackle of the flames and the distant laughter of children by the water.
Autumn found them in a modest cottage outside town. Margaret insisted they stay for a while.
Come, live here while Im still breathing. Fresh air does wonders, love.
The move was smooth. Alex helped haul boxes, Tommy adopted a stray kitten he found on the lane, and Nat gathered a bouquet of wildflowers for the table.
Later, on a moonlit night, Emma stepped onto the porch. The scent of grass hung in the air. Alex joined her, laying his hands on her shoulders.
Whats on your mind?
That maybe, for the first time, everything feels right. No strain, no fear. Just life.
So youre not looking back? he asked.
She shook her head.
Nothing of mine remains there.
He pulled her close; the gesture held tenderness, gratitude, and a quiet certainty that the past was finally released.
And for the first time in years, Emma felt the future was hers to shape.
