Is the Orchid to Blame? “Polly, take this orchid or I’ll just throw it out,” Kate said offhandedly, handing me the clear pot from the windowsill. “Oh, thanks, love! But what’s wrong with this orchid?” I wondered aloud, since there were still three gorgeous, well-tended orchids on her windowsill. “This one was a wedding gift for my son. And you know how that ended…” Kate sighed heavily. “I know your Dennis got divorced less than a year into the marriage. I won’t pry about the reasons—I can imagine they were serious. After all, he adored Tanya,” I replied, not wanting to reopen old wounds. “I’ll tell you one day, Polly, I promise. For now, it’s all just too painful,” Kate said thoughtfully, wiping away a tear. I brought the “banished” and “rejected” orchid home. My husband glanced at the forlorn flower with pity. “Why do you want that runt? That orchid’s got no life left. Even I can see that. Don’t waste your time.” “I want to bring it back to life. I’ll give it love and care. You’ll see—you’ll be admiring this orchid in no time,” I said, determined to nurse the drooping, dying plant back to health. He grinned and winked at me. “Who can say no to love?” A week later, Kate rang. “Polly, can I come by? I can’t keep this bottled up anymore. I want to tell you everything about Dennis’ disastrous marriage.” “Of course, Kate, just get yourself here. I’m waiting,” I said immediately. She’d stood by me through my own messy divorces—a friendship spanning many years. Kate arrived within an hour, settling into my kitchen with a glass of dry wine, a cup of proper British tea and some dark chocolate. The conversation stretched on, a long tale of heartache and life’s twists. “I never thought my ex-daughter-in-law could do something like that,” Kate recalled. “Dennis and Tanya were together for seven years. He left Annie for Tanya, and I adored Ann. She was so homely, cozy—I even called her my daughter. And then, suddenly, this glamorous Tanya showed up, and Dennis lost his head. He fluttered around her like a bee to a bright flower—such a consuming love. Annie was quickly forgotten. “To be fair, Tanya looked like a model. Dennis loved the way his mates would take notice of her, and people would turn for a second glance. But I found it odd they never had kids in all those years—they said they were waiting to do it all properly after marriage. Dennis never shared much and we didn’t pry. “Then one day, he tells us, ‘Mum, Dad, I’m marrying Tanya. We’ve put in the paperwork. The wedding will be the event of the year. No expense spared.’ We were thrilled—finally, at thirty, our boy would have an official family. “But we had to postpone the wedding twice—Dennis fell ill, then I got delayed on a work trip. I felt uneasy about it, but told Dennis nothing—he was so happy. He even wanted to get married in church, but the vicar was away and nothing seemed to line up. It felt like signs were everywhere… “We finally had the big day—just look at these photos! See the orchid? It was so lush and proud back then, the leaves all standing tall. Now it’s just limp leaves left. “After the wedding, they were meant to honeymoon in Paris. But at the airport, they got stopped—turns out Tanya hadn’t paid off a huge fine and they couldn’t leave. Dennis didn’t let it get to him—he was floating on hopes of a happy family. “But then Dennis got seriously ill, ended up in hospital, and things were grim. The doctors had little hope. For a week, Tanya visited, then told him: “‘Sorry, but I can’t handle a disabled husband. I’ve filed for divorce.’ “Imagine, Polly, how Dennis felt, stuck in that hospital bed? He answered her calmly: ‘I understand, Tanya. I won’t fight the divorce.’ “They split up. “By some miracle, Dennis recovered—thanks to Dr. Bogdan, who brought him back in six months. Through him, we met his lovely 20-year-old daughter, Maisie. At first Dennis was not interested at all—‘Too short, not my type.’ “But I told him, ‘Look closer, son. There’s more to love than looks. Better to drink water in joy, than honey in sorrow.’ “He couldn’t forget Tanya, but Maisie absolutely adored Dennis, called all the time, followed him everywhere. “We tried to bring them together, family picnic and all, but Dennis just moped about, lost in memories. Maisie hung on every word, but he didn’t notice her. “I told my husband, ‘Our matchmaking’s wasted. Dennis is still haunted by Tanya.’ “Three or four months went by. Doorbell rings—there’s Dennis, holding the infamous orchid. “‘Here, Mum—this is all that’s left of my former happiness. Do what you like with it. I don’t want this exotic thing any more.’ “I barely accepted the orchid. I hated it—as if it had brought all my son’s misfortune. Hid it away, didn’t water it. “Not long ago, a neighbour asked me, ‘Kate, I’ve seen Dennis out with a Thumbelina—your ex-daughter-in-law was prettier.’ “I didn’t believe it—but soon Dennis and Maisie showed up, married. “‘Meet my wife,’ Dennis said, beaming, holding her hand. “My husband and I stared. ‘Wait—where was the wedding? What about a party?’ “‘No need for all the fuss. We just went quietly to the registry, the vicar blessed us. Maisie and I are together, for good,’ Dennis said. “I took my son aside and asked if he really loved Maisie, or was it just revenge on Tanya. “‘No, Mum, not revenge. I got over her. As for love… well, Maisie’s world matches mine, perfectly.’ “That’s the story, Polly.” Kate had poured out her heart. …After that, we didn’t see each other for two years—life got in the way. But the orchid, under my care, bloomed more beautifully than ever—a silent thank you for the attention. When I finally met Kate again, it was outside the hospital. “Hey, old friend! What brings you here?” “Maisie just had twins—getting discharged today!” Kate beamed. Nearby stood Dennis and her husband, waiting with a bouquet of red roses. Then out came Maisie, tired but glowing, with two tiny, sleeping bundles in arms. My own daughter stood behind her, cradling my newborn granddaughter. Tanya, meanwhile, was begging Dennis to forgive her and take her back. You might be able to glue a broken cup, but you’ll never drink from it the same way again… Is the Orchid Really to Blame?

IS THE ORCHID TO BLAME?

Emily, take this orchid with you, or Ill just toss it, Sarah said brusquely, snatching the transparent pot from her kitchen window and thrusting it into my hands.

Oh, thank you, love! But what did this orchid ever do to you? I asked, genuinely puzzled. There were three other glorious, well-tended orchids on her sill.

That flower was a wedding present to my son. And you know how that all ended Sarah sighed heavily.

Yes, I know that your James got divorced less than a year into marriage. I wont ask for details; I bet the reason was a weighty one. He adored Laura, after all, I murmured, not wanting to agitate my friends still-fresh pain.

Ill tell you the whole story one day, Em, but its hard to talk about right now. Sarah drifted into thought and dabbed at her eyes.

I brought the exiled and rejected orchid home with me. My husband glanced at the forlorn flower with a soft pity in his eyes.

What do you need that sorry thing for? Theres no life left in it even I can see that. Dont waste your time.

I want to bring it back to life. Ill give it all the care and tenderness I have. Trust me, youll be singing this orchids praises yet! The idea of reviving its weary spirit filled me with resolve.

He winked, a smile lurking: Well, who could ever refuse a bit of love?

A week later, Sarah rang.
Emily, may I come round? I cant keep holding all this inside. I want to finally tell you what happened to Jamess marriage.

Of course, come over, please. You know youre always welcome. I couldnt refuse her Sarah had stood by me through my own stormy divorce, and again with my second rocky relationship and our friendship stretched back decades.

Sarah arrived an hour later, settling comfortably at my kitchen table. Over dry white wine, fresh-brewed coffee and shards of dark chocolate, her confession spilled out, drawn from the well of her heart.

Emily, I never wouldve guessed my former daughter-in-law was capable of what she did. James and Laura had been together seven years. James was so cautious before marrying her; he left Alice for Laura. I always loved Alice she was so warm and homely, I called her my daughter. Then in swept beautiful Laura. James lost his senses, pursued her as if bewitched. He orbited Laura like a bumblebee round a summer blossom his love for her was all-consuming. Poor Alice was promptly pushed aside.

I grant you, Laura was like a fashion model. James enjoyed how his friends practically stared, and passers-by gawped at such rare beauty. But it was odd that after so many years together, there was no talk of children. Eventually I figured James wanted to do things by the book: wedding first, then kids. Hes always kept his feelings close. We never pried into his private affairs.

One day, he simply declared, Mum, Dad, Im marrying Laura. Weve registered at the town hall. Im throwing a wedding to remember, no expense spared. Well, we were thrilled. Finally, our lad settling down at thirty

Would you believe, Emily, the wedding date had to be postponed twice? First James was unwell, then I was away with work. It felt all wrong I never voiced my worries; James was too happy to spoil it for him. To top it off, James wanted a church blessing with Father Simon, but he was away visiting family up North. So many signs, Em

But the day came: big, boisterous wedding. Here, see look at this photo. See that orchid, all blooms and glossy leaves, a picture of health? Now? Nothing left but drooping rags.

James and Laura planned a honeymoon in Paris. And wouldnt you know, Laura was stopped at the airport some unpaid monumental fine, they said. Trip ruined. But James ignored every mishap, head in the clouds, dreaming of their perfect future Until James fell gravely ill, ended up in hospital. The doctors were hopeless, hands thrown up.

Laura hung around for a week, then declared, Sorry, but an invalid husband isnt for me. Im filing for divorce.

Can you imagine, Emily, what James must have felt, flat on his hospital bed? He only said, I understand, Laura. I wont fight the divorce. They separated then and there. And then, against all odds, James recovered. We found a miracle doctor Peter Wallace who pulled him back on his feet within six months. Hes young, hell be fine, Dr. Wallace said. We grew close with his family hes got a sweet daughter, Molly, just turned twenty. At first, James just scoffed at her: Shes a bit of a midget, plain as you please.

Look closer, son, I told him. Pretty faces dont last. Better joy with tea than misery with honey. After all, hed already had a wife who was a knockout

But James couldnt let Laura go, even as her betrayal ate away at him. Meanwhile, Molly fell for him completely calling him, following him about. We decided to throw the two together and went for a countryside picnic. But James sat there moping, immune to the crackling fire, the smell of sausages, our lively chatter. Molly hung on his every glance; he never once looked her way.

I said to my husband, Our matchmaking is wasted. Hes still hung up on Laura shes lodged like a thorn in him.

Months passed three, maybe four. Then a knock at the door. James stood on the step, that infamous orchid in his hands. Here, Mum, the last vestige of past happiness. Do what you will with it; Ive no need of this exotic thing. I took the plant grudgingly, resenting it as though it had cursed my son. I shoved it from sight and refused to water it.

The other day, I bumped into the neighbour: Sarah, saw your James with a tiny, elfin girl. His old wife was far grander and prettier. I hardly dared believe James and Molly were now a thing

Introducing you properly: Molly and I tied the knot, James said, holding his new wifes slight hand. My husband and I exchanged stunned glances.

But what about the wedding? The guests?
We skipped the fuss. Signed at the registry office. Father Simon blessed us finally. Molly and I are together forever now.

I pulled my son aside. James, do you even love this girl? You wont hurt Molly, will you? Or is this just payback to Laura?
No, Mum. Im done with her. He stopped calling Laura by name. As far as love goes Molly and I just fit, heart and soul.

Thats the story, Emily. Sarah poured it all out, leaving nothing unsaid.

After that, Sarah and I didnt see one another for nearly two years. Life swept us along with its busy current.

The orchid revived, even flourished. Flowers can return gratitude for kindness.

We finally met again in the maternity ward.
Hello, love. What brings you here? I asked.
Mollys had twins theyre being discharged today, Sarah beamed.
Nearby, James stood with Sarahs husband, clutching a bouquet of red roses, both glowing with expectancy. Molly appeared at the wards entrance, tired but radiant, a nurse behind her carrying two tiny sleeping bundles.

Just then, my own daughter arrived, cradling my newborn granddaughter.

Meanwhile, Laura begged James to forgive her weakness and start again.

You can glue a teacup back together but youll never drink as you did before.