A Message from the Wife “Darling, will you pick me up from work?” — Jane called her husband, hoping she’d be spared forty uncomfortable minutes on the crowded bus after a gruelling day. “I’m busy,” he replied curtly. Yet in the background, the TV was blaring — so Tom was clearly at home. Jane could have cried from the hurt. Their marriage was falling apart, when just six months earlier, her husband would have carried her in his arms. What had changed so quickly? She had no idea. She kept fit, spending plenty of time at the gym. She was a fantastic cook—no wonder, with her job at a popular restaurant. She never asked him for money, never made a scene, and was always there to fulfil his every wish… “You’re just too easy for him,” her mum would say, shaking her head as Jane confided in her. “You shouldn’t spoil a man in everything.” “I just love him,” Jane would reply helplessly, managing a weak smile. “And he loves me…” ****************************** “So I really am too much for him,” Jane muttered as she scrolled through her husband’s browser history. Apparently, Tom spent all his free time chatting with multiple women on dating sites. “Why couldn’t he just talk to me? I would have understood and let him go. Why make us both miserable with this charade?” So—divorce. She was strong. She could survive this. But she wasn’t going to let him off so easily. A little payback was warranted… That evening, Jane made an account on the same dating site, found Tom and sent him a message. She used a photo from the Internet, photoshopped it a bit, and was certain Tom would take the bait. He did. They started a spirited conversation. Tom insisted he wasn’t married, wanted a serious relationship and children, and endlessly praised his supposedly perfect character—which made Jane stifle laughter. She knew very well what it was like to live with him. “Let’s meet up,” Jane typed, holding her breath as she awaited his reply. “Absolutely!” he wrote seconds later. “But my sister’s staying with me at the moment—preparing for exams. Let’s meet somewhere neutral, and then maybe continue the evening at a hotel?” “You what?” Jane blurted as she read it. “What makes you think any respectable woman would go to a hotel with you straight away? Maybe that’s to my advantage…” “How about you come to mine? I live alone in a cottage just outside of town—no one to bother us,” she suggested, wondering whether he’d go for it. “Brilliant idea!” Tom was obviously thrilled—probably saving himself some money. “Send the address and time. I’ll sweep you off your feet.” “25 Willow Lane, ten o’clock. That work?” “Perfect! See you then.” An hour before, Tom pretended he’d been called urgently to work. He couldn’t find his car keys and reluctantly asked Jane if she’d seen them. “They were on the sideboard,” Jane replied with innocent eyes, while clutching the keys in her pocket. “Maybe the cat’s run off with them?” “Never mind, I’ll get a taxi. Don’t wait up, just go to bed.” But Jane had no intention of waiting up. Why should she? She used the time productively—packing her things. Luckily, she owned her own flat—left to her by her gran. The only thing she left behind was the divorce application, placed in plain sight. Tom arrived home the next morning, seething. Not only had the journey taken forever, but there’d been no sign of “Angela” from the website at the address. The house existed, but the woman who answered the door was nothing like the photos—she was easily three times his size, in a barely-there dressing gown, and Tom would have paid anything to erase the sight from his memory. He barely escaped the encounter—and had to call a taxi again. He shivered in his jacket, waiting ages for a ride, and even the driver took him the wrong way round. All in all, it had been quite the night. Only when he returned to the flat and saw the divorce papers—with a note in lipstick scrawled across the table—did he realise who had masterminded the evening’s events. Sweet revenge…

Author Wanda MirandaReading 7 minViews 1

Hey, let me tell you what happened to my friend Jessica its honestly something straight out of a soap opera!

So, after a lousy shift at the restaurant, Jess rang her husband, Mark, hoping hed give her a lift home. It was pouring outside and the thought of jostling for forty minutes on the bus wasnt appealing at all.

But Mark sounded distracted. Im busy, he replied curtly. And in the background, Jess could clearly hear the TV blaring so he was obviously just lounging at home.

She felt awful, almost ready to burst into tears. Their marriage was hanging by a thread, and yet just a few months ago, Mark treated her like an absolute queen. She had no idea what had changed.

Jess took care of herself, hit the gym regularly, and cooked amazing meals (thanks to her job at that trendy London bistro). She never nagged about money, never threw fits, and would bend over backwards to make Mark happy.

Her mum would shake her head whenever Jess complained. You spoil him, love, shed say. Youre letting him walk all over you. Men get bored if you make life too easy for them!

Jess would just shrug and give a sheepish grin. I love him, Mum. And he loves me… Im sure he does.

***

Then one evening, after another tense dinner, Jess glanced at Marks laptop screen and felt her stomach drop. There it was his entire browsing history packed with dating sites. Apparently, while she was at work, Mark spent all his free time flirting with other women online. Why couldnt he just talk to me? Jess thought miserably. If he doesnt love me anymore, Id understand. Why drag this out and make us both miserable?

So she made up her mind. Fine: divorce, then. She knew shed get through it. But if Mark thought hed walk away unscathed, he had another thing coming. He deserved a little taste of his own medicine.

That same night, Jess created a profile on the exact same dating site, found Marks page, and sent him a message. She picked a stunning photo off the internet, tweaked it just enough to be untraceable, and waited to see if hed take the bait. And would you believe it he absolutely did.

Soon, they were deep into a flirty back-and-forth. Mark insisted he was single, ready for a real relationship and kids, waxing lyrical about his wonderful character which honestly made Jess laugh so much she nearly cried, because she knew better than anyone how unpredictable he actually was.

Eventually, she suggested, Lets meet up? and waited, heart pounding.

Yes, absolutely, came his eager reply in seconds. Only, my sisters staying with me at the moment for her uni entrance exams, so maybe we meet somewhere else and move on to a hotel later?

Jess nearly snorted at the cheek of him. Really? You think women are just falling over themselves to jump into bed with you? But to be honest, it actually worked out better for her plan.

She replied, Why not come to mine? Ive got a cottage just outside the city and I live alone. We wont be disturbed Though inside, she wondered if hed go for it.

Mark was delighted. Probably happy not to have to splash out on a hotel room. Brilliant! Send me the address and time, Ill be there faster than you can say cup of tea.

25 Holly Lane, ten oclock sharp. That work for you?

Perfect. Cant wait.

Around nine oclock, Mark pretended hed been called in to work suddenly. Shuffling around the house, he made a big show of looking for his car keys, then turned to Jess: Have you seen my keyring?

Cool as anything, she replied, I think I saw it on the bedside table, while secretly clutching the keys in her pocket. Maybe the cat dragged it off somewhere?

Oh, never mind. Ill grab a cab. Dont wait up.

Of course, Jess had no intention of waiting up. Why should she? Instead, she spent the time packing her things. Luckily, shed inherited a small London flat from her gran, so she had somewhere to go. The only thing she left behind was the signed divorce papers, right there on the kitchen table for Mark to see.

As for Mark, he returned late in the morning, furious. Not only had the taxi across town cost him nearly eighty quid, but when he arrived, there was no sign of the stunning girl from the photos. The address was real, the house was real, but the door was answered by a woman at least three times his size, wearing nothing but an old, sheer dressing gown. Mark honestly would have paid every penny in his bank account just to erase that memory. Even worse, she wouldnt let him leave! He had to call another taxi to get away and while waiting outside, shivering in his thin jacket, he started questioning all his life choices.

That nightmare of a journey ended only when he walked through the front door and spotted the divorce papers laid out for him, Jess favourite red lipstick scrawled across the note:

How sweet revenge isThe next morning, Jess sipped her coffee in her grans old kitchen, sunlight pouring through gingham curtains. Her phone buzzed: a string of frantic texts from Markaccusations, confusion, apologies, even a pitiful declaration of love. She read them all, smiling just a little at his panic, then blocked his number with a single tap.

She took a deep breath, feeling lighter than shed felt in years. Outside, London pulsed with fresh promise. A blank page. Jess thought about all the things shed always postponedtravel, late-night art classes, spontaneous road trips to the coast. Maybe shed grow herbs on the windowsill, adopt that tabby kitten from the rescue, or finally wear the red lipstick she loved.

That afternoon, she went for a walk in Hyde Park, feeling the world brimming with possibility. Each footstep was its own small victory, every laugh of a stranger a melody she hadnt heard in so long.

And back at Holly Lane, with nothing left but an unclaimed set of keys and the echo of her departure, Mark stood blinking in the empty kitchen, realizing too late that the best thing in his life had quietly, brilliantly slipped away.

Jess never looked back. And for the first time in forever, she was the heroine of her own storywriting the next chapter on her own dazzling terms.

That’s Not Up for Debate — Nina will be living with us, and that’s not up for debate, — Zak said, setting his spoon aside, without touching his dinner, clearly bracing for a serious conversation. — We’ve got the room ready, just finished the renovations. In two weeks, my daughter is moving in. — Have you forgotten something? — Ksenia asked, silently counting to ten. — Like the fact that the room was meant for our FUTURE child together? Or that Nina actually has a mother she’s supposed to be with? — I remember that we talked about having a child, — Zak replied, frowning, hoping his wife would just go along with it and further discussion wouldn’t be necessary. — But we can put that off for a couple years. You’ve got studying to finish, there’s no time for babies! Besides, Nina doesn’t want siblings. As for her mother… — Zak smirked, — I’m taking away her parental rights. It’s just not safe for Nina to be around that woman! — “Baby”? — Ksenia raised her eyebrows. — Nina’s twelve. Quite grown up, actually. Where’s the danger? Because her mum doesn’t let her wander about after ten? Or because she makes her do homework, threatens to take her phone or cut off the internet? Your ex is a saint, frankly, if she hasn’t grabbed the belt yet! — You don’t know anything, — Zak ground out. — Nina’s shown me bruises and let me read messages full of insults and threats! I won’t let my daughter’s life be ruined! — But that’s exactly what you’re doing, just giving in to her every whim. Ksenia quietly left the table, her soup barely touched. Her appetite gone, her husband’s sour face giving her a headache. She’d been told — don’t rush into marriage! Live together first, test the waters… But she’d thought she knew best! And oh, she’d wanted to get married before all her friends… Why were her friends against a rushed wedding? Simple: Zak was on marriage number two, fifteen years older than her, and he had a nearly grown-up daughter whom he doted on. The three reasons, small on their own, together — nearly a disaster. The first two reasons hadn’t really bothered her. She liked that Zak was older and experienced, and she knew from Alla, Zak’s ex, that the divorce was mutual and amicable. But the third reason… Nina. Spoiled and unruly, raised mostly by her grandmother while her parents worked constantly for her future. Their divorce barely fazed the girl; she knew Zak would never abandon her, not even for a new wife. But her mother’s new marriage… That, Nina wasn’t ready for. Not only was her stepdad serious about discipline, but her mum—working more hours at home—fully supported him. Curfews, homework, tutors (since Nina was behind in most subjects)… It infuriated a girl used to endless TV and computer time. So she started making up stories, winding up her father. Nina wanted to live with dad, knowing his job meant she’d pretty much be left to herself. She didn’t care about her stepmum, especially since Ksenia was barely nine years older. She’d do anything for a “free” life. ************************* — Nina’s coming tonight. Get the room ready and don’t upset her, she’s been through enough, — Zak announced, choosing a tie for his new suit. — If I’d known Alla would treat Nina so badly over some bloke… But there’s no turning back time. — So you’re not changing your mind? You really want her living with us? — Ksenia had hoped Zak’s plan would fall through. — Who’s going to look after her? You’re home at best by eight. — You will, — Zak shrugged. — She’s not three, she’s pretty independent. — My exams are coming up, you said yourself I need to focus, — Ksenia smirked. — Nina can keep quiet and let me study. I hope she can wash dishes and mop floors, because for the next two weeks, that’s her job. — She’s not a cleaner… — Neither am I, — Ksenia shot back. — But if she’s living here, she can help with chores. You’d better go over the house rules with your daughter. ************************* — Dad, are you just going to let her bully me? I can’t even go out with my friends, your wife’s dumped all the housework on me, and she sits there happily watching TV. Ksenia, overhearing, smirked. Sure, make her do anything — it’ll snow in July first! — I’ll talk to Ksenia, I promise. But you should try to get along. Nina, I know it’s tough, but I physically can’t keep an eye on you. Find some common ground with Ksenia, show her you’re a good girl. — Fine, I’ll try, — Nina muttered, realising she’d get nothing more from Dad. — By the way, is it true you bought her a car? — Yeah, I did. Why? — Oh, nothing! Meanwhile, you told me there’s no money for me to go abroad for the holidays! I’ve dreamt about that! — You can’t travel alone, you’re twelve, and I work. We’ll go in summer, as a family. — But I don’t want to go as a family! You don’t love me! Why did you take me from Mum? Your wife hates me and you’re always busy… Ksenia stopped listening. She knew Nina would get her way, in more than just holidays. The clever little girl was already playing to cut down any new rival for Dad’s money. And it would probably work. Fed up with Zak’s complaints, Ksenia made up her mind — one more row and it’s divorce. And before leaving, she’d spoil Nina’s victory a bit: even after the split, Zak would have to pay child support. ********************* Ksenia was right — the evening began with endless grievances. She calmly told them she was filing for divorce. — I want to live in peace, not constantly be the target of insults. And I warned you that giving in to your daughter would end badly, — spotting Nina’s triumphant grin, Ksenia quickly brought her down to earth. — And don’t get too happy; who knows how your life will turn out? I might give your dad an ultimatum — if he wants to see our child, — she stroked her belly, — he’ll have to send you back to your mum. Or something like that. While Nina struggled to reply, and Zak tried to process, Ksenia picked up her ready-packed suitcase and walked out. She wasn’t really pregnant — she just wanted to give the brat a taste of nerves. And teach Zak a lesson: he really doesn’t understand kids at all… That’s Not Up for Debate

011

A Belated Gift The bus jolted and Mrs. Anne Peterson gripped the rail with both hands, feeling the rough plastic bend slightly beneath her fingers. The shopping bag bumped into her knees; apples thudded softly inside. She stood near the exit, counting stops until her own. Headphones hissed quietly in her ear—her granddaughter had asked her not to switch off her phone: “Just in case, Grandma, I might call.” The heavy phone weighed down her coat pocket. Even so, Anne checked whether the zip was fastened. She could already imagine herself stepping into her flat, putting the bag on the kitchen stool, changing her shoes, hanging up her coat, draping her scarf on the shelf. Then she’d unpack groceries and start the soup. Her son would drop by tonight to collect containers—after a long shift, he had no time to cook. The bus braked and the doors sprang open. Anne Peterson carefully stepped down, clutching the handrail, and made her way past clusters of children kicking a football on her estate. A girl on a scooter nearly grazed her, but swerved away at the last moment. The block of flats reeked of cat food and cigarette smoke. Inside, she settled the bag down, removed her boots and, with a familiar nudge, lined their toes against the wall. Coat on the hook, scarf on the shelf. She unpacked food: carrots with the other vegetables, chicken into the fridge, bread into the bread-bin. She took out a pot, pouring in enough water to cover the bottom. Her phone buzzed on the table. She dried her hands and brought it closer. “Yes, Alex?” she said, leaning in—it always helped her hear. “Hi Mum, how are you?” Her son’s voice was rushed; someone was asking him something in the background. “I’m fine. Making soup. Will you come by?” “Yeah, I’ll swing by in a couple of hours. Listen, Mum, the nursery has another fundraiser, repairs this time—could you… do as you did before?” Anne Peterson was already reaching for the document drawer with her grey notebook of expenses. “How much do you need?” she asked. “If you could, three hundred pounds. Everyone’s chipping in, you know… times are tough.” “I understand,” she said, quietly. “Alright, I’ll give it.” “Thank you, Mum, you’re a star. I’ll come by this evening—pick up the soup and the money.” When the call ended, water was already boiling. She dropped in the chicken, salt, a bay leaf. She sat and opened her notebook. ‘Pension’ at the top—neatly inked. Underneath, ‘bills’, ‘medicine’, ‘grandkids’, ‘for emergencies’. She wrote ‘nursery’ and the amount, hesitated for just a moment. The figures shifted, crowding up from below—less than she’d like left, but not disastrous. “We’ll get by,” she thought, shutting the notebook. On her fridge, a magnetic calendar—a slice of advertising: “Community Theatre. Season tickets: classical music, jazz, theatre. Senior discounts.” The magnet was a gift from her neighbour, Mabel, along with a birthday cake. Anne had often caught herself reading the ad as she waited for the kettle. Her eyes always caught on ‘season tickets’. She remembered how, before she got married, she and a friend would queue for hours at the concert hall. Tickets were pennies, but the queue was long. They’d shiver in the wind, chat and share a laugh. She’d had long hair then, always worn in a bun, her best dress and her only pair of heels. She imagined the hall—hadn’t seen a stage in years. The grandkids dragged her to nativity plays, but those were all shouting and cap guns. This was different. She didn’t even know what concerts were on nowadays—or who went to them. She took the magnet down, turned it over: a website and a phone number. She put it back, but the idea lingered. “Silly,” she told herself. “Better to set something aside for my granddaughter’s coat. She’s growing up—everything’s so dear.” She turned down the heat under the soup. Back at the table, instead of opening her notebook again, she pulled out her old envelope marked ‘rainy day’. A few notes, saved up over the months. Not much, but enough for washer repair or blood tests. She counted and recounted. The advert’s promise still whirled in her mind. Her son arrived in the evening, offloaded containers from his bag, delighted at the borscht. He urged her to record what was left after their recurring asks—she assured him she always did. “You’re our accountant,” he smiled. “Could you help with the grandkids again this Saturday? We need to shop, no one else can look after them.” She agreed. “What else do I have to do?” As he put on his shoes, he looked over. “Mum, do you ever buy yourself anything? It’s always for us, for the grandkids.” “I’ve got everything I need,” she replied. “What would I want?” He shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’ll pop by in the week.” When he left, the flat went quiet again. Anne Peterson washed up, wiped down the table, glanced again at the fridge magnet. His question echoed: “Do you ever buy something for yourself?” The next morning, she lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The grandkids were in nursery and school, her son at work. Her day was empty, but brimming with tiny chores—watering plants, mopping, sorting old newspapers. She exercised as the doctor said—slow stretches, neck rotations. She filled the kettle, spooned loose tea into her cup, and while the water simmered, she took down the magnet again. ‘Community Theatre. Season tickets…’ She punched in the number. Her heart was beating faster. “Community Theatre, box office.” “Hello,” she croaked, mouth dry. “I wanted to ask about… season tickets.” The woman listed their series: the orchestra, chamber music, “evening song”, children’s programmes. “Senior rate,” she added, “but it’s still a fair sum. Four concerts.” “How about just one?” Anne asked. “You can, but it’ll cost you more. Season ticket’s better value.” Anne pictured her sums in the notebook, the envelope in the drawer. She asked the price. It landed in her mind with a heavy thud. She could do it, but ‘for emergencies’ would be very thin. “Think it over,” said the woman. “They do go quickly.” Anne hung up. Her kettle was whistling. She made tea and wrote “Season Ticket” and the amount in her notebook, and then, after a moment, “Four concerts.” She divided it by months. Not too scary. She slashed out a few little treats mentally—less sweet stuff, skip the hairdresser, she’d trim it herself. She thought of the grandkids: the youngest wanted a new building set, the eldest needed dancing trainers. Her son and daughter-in-law muttered about the mortgage. Her own wish felt inappropriate, almost indecent, as if she were planning something forbidden. She put away the notebook and set about her chores. But the thought of the concert hall wouldn’t leave her. After lunch, the intercom buzzed: it was Mabel with a jar of pickles. “Take it—no room at mine. How are you?” “I’m well,” Anne smiled. “Just mulling something over…” She hesitated, feeling foolish to confess. “What’s on your mind?” Mabel asked, pulling out her knitting. “A concert,” Anne admitted. “Season tickets at the Community. I used to go before. But it’s expensive.” Mabel raised her eyebrows. “Why ask me, Anne? If you want to go—go.” “The money…” Anne started. “Money, money—don’t start. You’ve always helped everyone. Look at you! Did you lend your son again? Grandkid presents? Always. And for yourself? That same old shawl, same old coat. Why not treat yourself to music for once?” “It’s not once, though,” Anne objected. “I used to go before.” “Back when ice-cream was fifty pence,” Mabel scoffed. “That was another era. You’re not asking them for it—it’s yours, your money.” “They’d only say it’s daft,” Anne murmured, “should give it to the grandkids.” “Don’t tell them, then. Say you went to the doctor instead. Actually, why should you hide? You’re not a child.” ‘Not a child’ stung unexpectedly, mixing shame and a flicker of pride. “I’m always at the clinic anyway…” Anne said. “But I’m still scared—what if I can’t make it, stairs, my heart and all.” “There’s a lift,” Mabel scoffed. “You’ll sit through it, not run laps. I went to the theatre last month. Survived—my feet ached, but it was worth it.” After Mabel left, Anne picked up her phone and, before her nerves failed her, called the box office: “I’d like a season ticket. For the ‘Evening Song’ series, please.” The woman explained she’d need to come in with her ID; Anne wrote down the address and opening times, stuck them to the fridge. Her heart thudded as if she’d run for a bus. That evening, her daughter-in-law rang. “Anne, you’re still fine to watch the kids Saturday? We need to catch the sales at the retail park.” “Yes, I’ll manage.” “Thank you so much. We’ll bring you something. Tea? Towels?” “No, thank you,” said Anne. “I don’t need anything.” After hanging up, she looked at her fridge. The box office closed at six—she’d leave early, no need to rush. That night, she dreamed of the concert hall—plush seats, soft lights, people in smart clothes. She sat in the middle, clutching her programme, scared to move in case she distracted anyone. When morning came, a familiar weight pressed on her chest. “Why did I bother? So much fuss…” But the scrap of paper on her fridge hadn’t vanished. She dusted off her best coat, checked for loose buttons, chose a warm scarf and comfortable boots. In her bag went her ID, purse, glasses, blood pressure pills, a bottle of water. She sat for a minute on the hall stool, taking stock. No dizzy spell, legs steady: “I’ll manage,” she told herself, and closed the door. The bus stop wasn’t far, but she walked slow, counting steps. The bus came quickly—a young lad offered her his seat. The Community Theatre was two stops from the town centre, a grand old building with columns and bright posters. At the entrance, two women chatted animatedly. Inside, it smelled of dust, old timber, and something sweet from the snack bar. The box office was on the right—a kind voice at the window. Anne handed over her ID, chose her concert series. “We have a senior rate,” said the cashier. “Good seats left in the centre.” She tried to make sense of the seating plan, but just nodded. When she heard the price, her hand trembled. For a moment she nearly said she’d changed her mind, but the queue shuffled behind her and, quickly, she counted out the banknotes. “Here’s your ticket booklet,” the woman smiled, handing her a thick card with concert dates. “First show’s in a fortnight. Do come early to find your seat.” The season ticket was beautiful—a photo of the stage on the cover, neat lines inside. Anne tucked it carefully in her bag, between her ID and her recipe book. Outside, her legs were wobbly. She sat on a bench, sipped water. Beside her, two teens smoked and debated music she’d never heard of. She caught herself listening as if it were a foreign language. “Well, there you are. Bought it. No turning back.” The next two weeks blurred as usual—the grandkids were ill, she nursed them, made stewed fruit, checked thermometers. Her son brought more shopping, whisked away supper. A few times she almost told him about the concert ticket, but changed the subject at the last minute. On the morning of the first concert, she rose early, gut clenching as if for an exam. She made supper in advance, rang her son: “I won’t be home this evening—call ahead if you need me.” “Where are you off to?” he asked, surprised. She hesitated. She didn’t want to lie. “The Community Theatre,” she said. “A concert.” Silence. “What concert? Mum, do you need that? Crowds, noise, it’s all young people.” “It’s not a nightclub,” she said, keeping calm. “It’s a song recital.” “And who asked you along?” “No one. I bought the ticket myself.” A longer silence. “Mum,” he said at last, “you sure? You know things aren’t easy for us. You could have used that money for…” He trailed off. “I know,” she replied firmly. “But this is my money.” She surprised herself with her own certainty. She tightened her grip, waiting for a fight. “Alright,” sighed her son. “Yours to spend. Just don’t come crying if you run short. And don’t catch cold. At your age—” “At my age, I can sit in a hall and listen to music,” she said. “I’m not climbing Everest.” He sighed again, gentler now. “Okay. Just call me when you get home, so I don’t worry.” “I will,” she promised. Afterwards, she sat, staring at the ticket. Her hands shook—it felt reckless, almost improper. But no turning back. By evening, she dressed up in her best: deep blue dress, proper collar, ladderless tights, comfy low shoes. She spent extra time brushing her hair. It was nearly dark outside. She clutched her bag—inside, the note for the concert, her ID, tissues, pills. The bus was crowded. Someone stepped on her foot, apologised. She held the rail, counting stops. At last, she squeezed out. At the Community Theatre, people of all ages stood at the entrance. Older couples, younger women, a few lads in jeans. Anne felt her tension ease. She wasn’t the oldest. She checked her coat in, hesitated, then followed the “Auditorium” sign, gripping the handrail. Inside, the lights were low—only the rows gently lit. An usher checked her booklet. “Row six, seat nine. This way.” Anne edged past knees; found her seat, lowered herself carefully. Her heart pounded, not from fear now, but excitement. Around her, people chatted, leafed through programmes. So did she: the song names unfamiliar, but one composer’s name glowed with distant memories. The lights dimmed. The compère said a few words—Anne barely listened. The thrill was just being there, among others, not slaving over a stove at home. As the first chords played, chills ran down her spine. The singer’s voice was deep, smoky, yearning. Songs about love, loss, journeys far away—suddenly not so alien. She remembered another concert hall, another city, a different her, next to someone long gone. Her eyes prickled, but she didn’t cry. She just sat, clutching her bag, and listened. Gradually, she felt her body soften, her breath steady. Music filled the hall—and, for once, her life seemed bigger than savings and responsibilities. During the interval, her legs ached, back stiff. She stepped into the foyer. People chatted, some munched cakes; Anne bought a tiny chocolate, something she’d normally scold herself for. “Tasty,” she murmured, breaking off a corner. A woman her age in a light suit turned. “Lovely concert, yes?” “Yes,” Anne nodded. “It’s been so long.” “Me too,” the woman smiled. “Always something—grandchildren, garden. Then I thought, if not now, when?” They chatted about the programme, the singer. The bell rang; they returned for the second half. It flew by. Anne no longer thought about the cost, or pennies per act. She just listened. When the concert ended, applause thundered; she clapped until her hands tingled. Outside, the air was cool and lively. She walked slow, tired but warmed by something new. Not euphoria, not bliss—just the sense that she’d given herself something, no matter how small. At home, she called her son. “I’m home now, all fine.” “How was it? You didn’t get cold?” “No,” she answered. “It was… lovely.” He paused, then said, “Alright. If you’re happy. Just don’t overdo it, Mum—we do need to save up for the kitchen.” “I know,” Anne replied. “But I already have my ticket. Three more left.” “Three?” he echoed. “Well, if you’ve paid, go on then. Carefully.” Later, she filed away her coat, put her bag aside. In the kitchen, she poured tea and opened her ticket booklet, lightly battered at the corners. She copied the concert dates into her wall calendar, circling each one. The next week, when her son asked for another contribution, she opened her notebook and eyed the numbers for a long time. Then said: “I can give you half. I need the rest.” “What for?” he asked automatically. She looked at him, at his drawn face. “For myself,” she said calmly. “I need a little, too.” He started to protest, then sighed. “Alright, Mum. As you wish.” That evening, alone, Anne found her old photo album. There she was, young, in a light dress outside another concert hall, clutching a programme, with a shy smile. She studied that face, trying to connect it with her reflection. Then she closed the album and put it away. On the fridge, beside the magnet, she pinned up a new note: “Next concert—15th.” Below, in neat script: “Don’t forget to leave early.” Her life didn’t transform. She still made soup, did laundry, waited at the GP, babysat the grandkids. Her son still asked for favours, and she gave what she could. But somewhere deep, there was now a sense she had her own time, her own small plans—she didn’t need to explain to anyone. Sometimes, passing the fridge, she’d touch the note. Each time, she felt a stubborn, quiet certainty: she was still alive, still allowed to want. One evening, flicking through the local paper, she spotted an advert for a free English class for older adults at the library. Registration required. She tore the page out, slid it next to her concert booklet. Then poured herself a tea and wondered—was that too daring? “I’ll finish my concerts first,” she resolved. “We’ll see after that.” She tucked the newspaper into her notebook, yet the thought—that she could still learn—no longer seemed impossible. Before bed, she peered out at the orange-lit estate; a teenager with headphones passed, a boy bounced a ball. Anne Peterson stood by her window, hand on the sill, feeling peace pool quietly in her chest. Life outside went on: routines, limitations. But now, among them, she had made room for four musical evenings—and, perhaps, new words in a new tongue. She switched off the kitchen light, headed for bed, and pulled her blanket up neatly. Tomorrow would be the same: shopping, calls, cooking. But on the calendar, a small circle was marked. And that, even if only she noticed, changed everything. A Belated Gift

I’ll Make a Proper Man of Him – “My grandson will not be left-handed!” Tamara Margaret huffed with indignation. Denis turned to his mother-in-law, his eyes darkening with irritation. “And what’s wrong with that? Elijah was born left-handed. That’s simply who he is.” “A ‘quirk’!” Tamara Margaret snorted. “It’s not a quirk, it’s a defect. It’s not how things are done. The right hand has always been the right hand for a reason – the left is from the devil.” Denis barely stifled a laugh. The twenty-first century, and still his mother-in-law reasoned like a medieval villager. “Mrs. Margaret, modern medicine has proven—” “I don’t care about your medicine,” she interrupted. “I retrained my own son and he’s perfectly normal. Retrain Elijah, before it’s too late. Trust me – you’ll thank me one day.” She swept out of the kitchen, leaving Denis alone with his cooling coffee and a sour aftertaste from their conversation. At first, Denis dismissed it. His mother-in-law and her outdated views—so what? Every generation clings to its baggage of prejudice. He watched Tamara Margaret gently correct her grandson at the table, shifting Elijah’s spoon from his left hand to the right, thinking, It’s no big deal. Children are resilient. Granny’s oddities can’t do lasting harm. Elijah had been left-handed since birth. Denis remembered, even as a toddler of eighteen months, his son always reached for toys with his left hand. As he grew, he started drawing—awkwardly, clumsily, but always with his left. It just felt right, part of who Elijah was. Like his blue eyes or a birthmark on his cheek. But Tamara Margaret saw it differently. In her worldview, left-handedness was a flaw—a mistake of nature to be quickly fixed. Every time Elijah picked up a pencil in his left hand, his grandmother pursed her lips as if he were committing something indecent. “Right hand, Elijah. Use your right. No lefties in our family and none will start now.” “I retrained Roger and I’ll retrain you too.” Denis overheard her telling Olga the story of her “accomplishment”—how little Roger was “wrong” too, until she took matters into her own hands: tying his left hand down, policing every movement, punishing disobedience. The result? A “normal” man. The pride, the unshakeable confidence in her method made Denis feel uneasy. He didn’t see changes in Elijah immediately—only small things, at first. Elijah began hesitating before picking up something, his hand hovering uncertainly as if he faced a tough puzzle. He started glancing sideways—quick checks to see if Granny was watching. “Dad, which hand am I meant to use?” Elijah asked at dinner, fearfully eyeing his fork. “Whichever’s comfortable, son.” “But Granny says—” “Don’t mind Granny. Do what’s comfortable for you.” But comfort was gone. Elijah grew fumbling, hesitant, freezing mid-action. The self-assuredness of childhood was replaced by a painful awkwardness, as if he no longer trusted his own body. Olga saw it all. Denis noticed her lip bitten every time her mother shifted Elijah’s spoon. The downward glance whenever Mrs. Margaret launched into her lectures about “proper upbringing”. His wife, who’d grown up under her mother’s steamroller will, had learned to survive by not arguing—by simply waiting the storm out. Denis tried to talk about it. “Olga, this isn’t right. Look at him.” “Mum only wants what’s best.” “Is this really best? Can’t you see what’s happening?” Olga just shrugged and deflected. The lifelong habit of yielding ran deeper than motherly instinct. Each day it got worse. Tamara Margaret, emboldened, didn’t just correct Elijah—she narrated his every motion. Praised him when, by accident, he used his right hand. Sighed extravagantly at any slip to the left. “See, Elijah? You can do it! You just have to try. I made your uncle a proper man, and I’ll do just the same for you.” That’s when Denis decided to confront his mother-in-law. He waited until Elijah was off playing, then spoke directly. “Mrs. Margaret, please leave the boy alone. He’s left-handed. It’s perfectly normal. Don’t try to ‘fix’ him.” Her reaction was even stronger than expected. She puffed up as if gravely insulted. “Are you lecturing me? I raised three children, and you dare instruct me?” “I’m not instructing. I’m asking you: leave my son be.” “Your son? He’s Olga’s son too, isn’t he? That makes him my grandson, and I won’t let him grow up… like that.” The disgust she put in those two words stung. Denis knew there’d be no peaceful resolution. The next days became a cold war. Tamara Margaret ignored Denis, addressing him only through Olga. Denis responded in kind. Silence hung over the house, splitting occasionally into pointed little quarrels. “Olga, tell your husband there’s soup on the stove.” “Olga, tell Mum I’ll sort it myself.” Olga dashed between them, pale and exhausted. Elijah retreated to a lonely spot on the sofa with his tablet, trying to disappear. Denis’s idea struck on a Saturday morning as Tamara Margaret prepared her legendary roast. She sliced potatoes with her usual experienced efficiency. He positioned himself behind her. “You’re cutting them wrong.” She didn’t even look up. “Excuse me?” “The slices should be thinner. And cut lengthwise, not across.” She snorted and kept going. “I’m serious,” Denis pressed. “Nobody does it the way you do. You’re doing it wrong.” “Denis, I’ve been making roast like this for thirty years.” “And doing it wrong for thirty years. Let me show you.” He reached for the knife. She pulled her hand away sharply. “Have you lost your mind?” “No, I just want to help you do it the right way. Look—too much water, too much heat, the carrots go in at the wrong time—” “I’ve always done it this way! It’s how I like it!” “That’s no argument. You need to retrain yourself. Let’s start from scratch.” She paused, knife held mid-air, now visibly confused and offended. “What are you on about?” “The same thing you tell Elijah every day,” Denis leaned closer. “Retrain yourself. This way is wrong. It’s not how things are done. Use your other hand.” “That’s not the same thing at all!” “Isn’t it? Looks identical to me.” She set down the knife, face reddening with fury. “You dare compare my cooking to—! I’ve always done it this way because it’s comfortable!” “And Elijah finds it comfortable to use his left hand. But you still insist on changing him.” “That’s different! He’s a child, he can still change!” “And you’re a grown woman with stubborn habits. If no one changes you now, surely you’ll be as you are forever. So what right do you have to change him?” Her lips thinned. Anger flashed in her eyes. “How dare you? I raised three children! I retrained Roger, and he turned out just fine!” “And is he happy? Confident? Sure of himself?” Silence. Denis knew he’d hit a nerve. Roger, Olga’s elder brother, lived in another city and phoned their mother only twice a year. “I just wanted the best,” Tamara Margaret’s voice trembled. “Always.” “I believe you. But ‘the best’, in your eyes, means ‘what I decide is best’. Elijah is his own person. Small, but his own. With his own ways. And I won’t let you crush those out of him.” “Don’t you lecture me!” “I will, if you don’t stop. I’ll comment on every move you make—every habit, every little thing. We’ll see how long you last.” They faced off in the kitchen, mother-in-law and son-in-law—both at the end of their patience. “That’s petty and childish,” she bit out. “It’s exactly what you’re doing.” There was a crack in her composure. Denis saw it—a core of certainty fractured. Suddenly, Tamara Margaret seemed older, smaller, human, vulnerable. “I just… wanted to help.” She couldn’t finish her sentence. “I know. But it’s time to stop helping like this, or you won’t see your grandson anymore.” The roast started to boil over. Nobody moved. That evening, with Tamara Margaret in her room, Olga joined Denis on the sofa, curling up quietly by his side. “No one ever fought for me like that as a child,” her voice wavered. “Mum always just knew best. I… just accepted it.” Denis put his arm around her. “Not anymore. Not in our family. Your mother doesn’t get to force her views on anyone here. Ever again.” Olga nodded, squeezing his hand gratefully. From the children’s room, the soft sound of pencil on paper drifted in. Elijah was drawing. With his left hand. No one told him that was wrong ever again.

German Concert Pianist Called British Folk Music “Noisy and Unskilled”… Until a Young English Woman Made Him Weep The Grand Theatre of London sparkled beneath the city’s evening lights. It was the opening night of the International Festival of Classical Music, where the world’s most prestigious musicians gathered. Among the elegantly dressed audience, murmurs in several languages filled the air with anticipation. On stage, organisers had planned a night devoted exclusively to European classical music—Bach, Mozart, Beethoven. Klaus Friedrich Simmerman, a celebrated 60-year-old German pianist, had just concluded his masterful performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. Thunderous applause echoed through the theatre. Klaus, dapper in his impeccable black suit and perfectly combed grey hair slicked back, bowed with the confidence of a man who’d conquered the world’s greatest concert halls—Vienna, Berlin, Carnegie Hall. But in the last row, almost hidden in the shadows, sat Lucy Bennett, a young 25-year-old woman from Devon. She wore a traditional English white dress with colourful embroidery, and in her hands she held something that seemed quite out of place in this temple of classical music. A tiny English mandolin—the heart of British folk tradition. No one could have imagined that tonight, perceptions about real music would be forever changed. Lucy had come to the theatre at the invitation of the local organisers, who wanted to include a brief tribute to England’s folk music at the end of the event. It was more a political gesture than an artistic one—a token 5 minutes after three hours of ‘serious’ music to show that Britain had culture too. Lucy had grown up in a small village on Dartmoor, where folk music wasn’t just entertainment—it was the way people lived, loved, celebrated, and grieved. Her grandfather, Mr Arthur Bennett, was one of the region’s most respected folk musicians. He had taught her to play since she was a toddler sitting on his lap, guiding her fingers over the strings. “You don’t play the mandolin with your fingers, my dear,” he’d always say, “you play it with your heart.” Each strum tells a story—a story of our people, our land, our ancestors who came from Africa, Europe, and the British Isles. Arthur had passed away six months ago, and on his deathbed had handed Lucy his mandolin—the very one she now gripped with trembling hands. “Take it out into the world, sweetheart. Show them our music isn’t lesser. It’s different, but just as worthy.” Lucy watched Klaus Friedrich Simmerman greet the crowd again and again… German Concert Pianist Called British Folk Music “Noisy and Unskilled”… Until a Young English Woman Made Him Weep