Jack and Mary: A Countryside Love Story with a Twist of Fate Jack had never wanted to leave his village for the city. He loved the open spaces, the river, the fields and woods, and the camaraderie of his neighbours. He decided to become a farmer, raising pigs to sell the meat, and if he got lucky, to expand his business. He dreamed of building a big house; he had a car—old and modest for now—and had invested the money from selling his gran’s house into the business. Jack had one cherished dream: to marry Mary and make her the lady of his new house. They were already seeing each other, and Mary could see Jack’s business hadn’t taken off just yet, nor did he have big money, and the house was only just going up. But Mary was a real beauty. She never planned to chase success on her own. “That’s what beauty’s for—I deserve a husband who’ll provide, I only need to find someone who’ll take care of me. My looks are worth a lot,” she told her girlfriends. “Jack’s building a house, and he’s got a car,” said her friend Lucy, “You just have to wait, he might not take off right away.” “But I want it all, and I want it now,” Mary pouted, “Who knows when Jack will make it? He’s got no money.” Jack loved Mary, but he knew her feelings weren’t as deep as his. Still, he hoped in time she’d grow to love him. Things might have turned out all right, if it weren’t for Tom showing up in their village. Tom and his mate were visiting Tom’s nan for the holidays. He looked down his nose at the local girls, bored at the village dance, until the stunning Mary appeared. At first, Mary ignored the newcomer, but when she learned that Tom came from a wealthy family—his dad was an influential councilman in the city—she shifted her attention quickly. Tom, older than Mary and experienced with women, knew how to charm her, bringing impressive bouquets—flowers never sold in the village, ordered by special delivery. Jack saw the flowers and fumed. “Don’t take bouquets from him, why are you trying to upset me?” But Mary simply laughed. “They’re just flowers! What’s the big deal?” Jack confronted Tom: “Don’t give Mary your flowers, she’s my girl, and I have plans for her!” But Tom just shrugged it off. The two nearly came to blows, and Jack’s friends pulled them apart. After that, things soured between Jack and Mary; she avoided him, and he felt hurt. Mary knew Tom was only in the village for a month, but she began plotting to win him over and head to the city—there was nothing left for her in the village. She moved quickly. Getting Tom alone at her house was easy enough when her parents were away. She timed things perfectly so her folks would find them together. She threw on a dressing gown, and Tom barely managed to get his trousers on before he was caught. “What’s going on here?” her father barked. Mary dropped her gaze. Tom shuffled awkwardly. “Well, Tom, you have to marry our daughter now—otherwise, you’ll answer to me. Get in the next room.” What was said is anyone’s guess, but the next day Tom and Mary went to register their marriage, driven by her dad while her mum helped them pack to move to the city. The news spread through the village at lightning speed. Jack was heartbroken, though he tried not to show it. Tom cursed himself. “Why did I even come out here? She’s clever and calculating, not simple at all.” But Mary dreamed of happiness and a glamorous life in the city. “I’ll love him, give him children—he’ll thank his lucky stars. But what will his parents think of me?” To her surprise, Tom’s parents were delighted. They were tired of the superficial city girls Tom brought home who only wanted money. Mary was different—homely, practical, she’d look after their son. “Come in, Mary, make yourself at home,” said Tom’s mum, Anna. His dad, Michael, smiled. Mary put in real effort to be a good wife. Their big four-bedroom flat was comfortable, and his parents were kind. Tom started to think maybe Mary wasn’t so calculating after all. “She certainly trapped me into marriage, but she seems sincere—even if I still don’t believe we’ll be happy together,” thought Tom. “She asks no awkward questions, probably feels bad, but she has no intention of going back to the village.” Tom started lining up some fun after the wedding—he had plenty of friends in the city. But Mary shocked everyone at dinner one evening: “I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby…” “Congratulations, Mary! We’ve been waiting for grandchildren,” said Anna, while Tom realised that talking about bad timing was pointless now. The wedding followed, and Tom’s parents gave them a furnished flat. Afterward, Mary saw that Tom wasn’t thrilled about becoming a dad. “He’ll change once the baby’s here,” she told herself. She didn’t understand that Tom’s heart wasn’t in it. Tom started staying out late, telling Mary he was away on business trips. She believed him, not dreaming what he was really up to. She never told his parents that her husband was never home. She cooked, cleaned, and waited. She missed the village, her friends, her parents—more and more she thought of Jack. Was this really the right choice? When asked if he loved her, Tom dodged the question. Anna saw her daughter-in-law was unhappy and knew her son wasn’t the best husband. The birth of their son brought joy to the family. Tom was touched at first, but soon the crying, nappies, and sleepless nights got on his nerves. Mary struggled to keep up, no longer able to cook special meals, while Tom wanted to escape. He noticed most of his girlfriends had no time for him now. “What’s the point of a married man?” He told no one about his wife—she was from the country and had no education. “What job could she possibly get once our son is older? I don’t want my wife working as a cleaner or on a market stall. It’d ruin our family’s reputation. I’ll have to work for us alone. Probably alimony would be cheaper.” Tom had a steady lover, Kate—she had her own flat, money, and no desire for kids. With her, he could let off steam—partying, drinking, trips away. “Kate, if only you knew how fed up I am with the chaos at home. I don’t love my wife, my son irritates me. Sure, Mary’s pretty, but she’s a country girl—how can I take her anywhere with her village ways?” Mary realised her dream of family life with Tom was over. She knew he had someone else—he came home smelling of someone else’s perfume, sometimes with lipstick marks. He barely looked at their son, shouted at her, even raised his hand. She called her mother to complain, but was told: “We never forced you to marry Tom. That was your decision. We thought you’d marry Jack. You made your choice—now live with it. When you’re done, come back for good, but don’t expect to return halfway.” Mary was crushed. She checked Tom’s phone while he slept—and what she read between him and Kate left her speechless. She turned to her mother-in-law who warned: “If you ever think about divorce, remember—we could take your son. You know what connections my husband has. Whatever kind of father Tom is, he’s still the real dad, and he can give your child more than you can with no job or education.” Their son was teething with a fever. Tom was fed up with the crying, desperate to get to Kate. He messaged that he’d leave as soon as the baby was quiet and Mary was asleep. Kate replied: “Just give them a sleeping pill, they’ll be out in no time—the one I gave you.” Terrified, Mary saw the message. Would he really drug them? While Tom showered, she phoned Jack and explained. “I’ll come pick you up,” he said. “Tom’s parents threaten to take my son.” “They’re just scaring you,” Jack reassured her. “Try to stay calm. Let your son sleep, and when Tom leaves, call me. I’ll wait nearby.” Mary rocked her son to sleep, then lay down next to him, pretending to doze. She heard Tom peek in, then leave. As soon as he was gone, she packed a bag and called Jack. He was there swiftly and took her and the baby home with him. When Tom returned the next evening, his wife and son were gone. He phoned his parents. “No, son, Mary’s not here. Has she run off? I’ll call the police,” Anna worried. “Mum, don’t—don’t call them. I’m glad she left. I’m sick of both of them. Please, Mum,” he begged until finally she agreed. Time passed. Jack and Mary married after her divorce. They lived in a big house and were expecting another child. At last, Mary realised Jack was her true happiness.

Author Harlan CovingtonReading 11 minViews 1

Jack and Emily

Jack never wanted to leave his village for the city. He loved the countrysidethe rolling meadows, the river, the fields and forests, and his fellow villagers. He chose a life of farming, raising pigs to sell the meat, hoping that, with a bit of luck, he might expand his business one day. Hed dream of building a big house for himselfeven though for now, his car was humble and rather old. The money from selling his grandmothers cottage had gone straight into his farm.

Yet there was another, special dream in his heart: to marry Emily and make her the lady of his future home. They were already seeing each other, but Emily could see that Jacks business was still in its early days. There was little money, and the house was only just rising from its foundations.

Emily was beautiful. She never really planned to chase goals of her own in life.

My looks arent for nothing, shed tell her friends. A husband ought to provide. All I need is to find one wholl take care of everything. My beauty is my fortune.

Jacks building that house and at least he has a car, said Lucy, her friend. He just needs some time, hell get there eventually.

But I want it all, and I want it now, Emily would pout, lips pursed. Who knows when Jack will stop scraping by? He hasnt any real money.

Jack cared for Emily deeply, though he knew her feelings werent as strong for him as his were for her. Still, he hoped shed come to love him in time. Things might have worked out, had it not been for Tom visiting the village that summerhed come to stay with his mate at his grandmothers during the holidays. Tom looked down on the village girls and was bored stiff at the local hall, until Emily appeared in all her graceful charm.

At first, Emily gave this stranger no attention. But as soon as she found out Tom was from a wealthy familyhis dad a well-known councilman in the cityshe quickly shifted her focus. Tom was older and knew how to win girls over, with smooth words and proper courtship rituals. He often brought Emily flowers. She knew her village didnt sell such bouquets, realised he ordered them in specially, and appreciated his effort.

Jack saw Emily accepting the flowers and grew angry.

Dont take his bouquets, he told her. Why are you trying to wind me up?

Oh, dont be silly, shed laugh. Theyre just flowers. Whats the harm?

Once, Jack even confronted Tom:

Stop giving Emily your flowers. Shes my girl. I have plans for her.

Tom didnt much care for what Jack had to say, and a fight broke out. Friends pulled them apart before it went too far. From that day, though, a wedge was driven between Emily and Jack. Emily started avoiding him, and Jack, wounded, avoided her as well. Emily soon came to realise Tom would only spend a month in the village before hed be off.

I need to think fast, snag Tom, and get out to the city, she reasoned. Theres nothing for me here. The quicker I act, the better.

Getting Tom to her house wasnt hard. Her parents were off in town at the market. Emily had set it up just so, knowing her fatherstern and persistentmight intervene. They were lying together, all flustered, when her mum and dad returned. With her hair tousled and a dressing gown thrown on, Emily barely had time to prepare herself. Tom scrambled to pull on his trousers, found standing awkwardly as her parents burst in.

Whats going on here? her father demanded, glare fixed on the pair.

Emily looked down, embarrassed, and Tom shifted uncomfortably.

Right. Well, Tom, youll marry our Emily, her father said sternly, or youll have me to answer to. Come through, lets talk.

Whatever was said, no-one knows, but the next day, Tom and Emily went to register their marriage at the registry, driven by her father. Emilys mother started to get her ready to move to the city. Gossip swept through the village in no time. Jack was gutted, though he kept a brave face.

Inside, Tom cursed his fate. Why did I come here? Why did I fall for this country girl? Shes not so simple after allshe cornered me, shrewd as anything.

But Emily longed for the city and a beautiful life.

Itll be fine. Ill love him, bear him childrenhell thank his lucky stars for how things turned out, she dreamed. Only will his parents accept me?

To her surprise, his parents were delighted that Tom brought home a brideone who seemed down-to-earth and wholesome. Theyd grown sick of all the polished city girls Tom had paraded through, who only cared about money. Emily was kind and practicalshed feed Tom and care for him, anyone could see shed make a good wife.

Come in, Emily, dont be shymake yourself at home, Toms mother Anne greeted her warmly. His father, Michael, smiled as well.

Emily did her best to play the good wife. The flat was spacious, with four bedrooms. She felt at ease with Toms parents, who treated her kindly and with warmth. Even Tom began to appreciate her, convincing himself maybe she wasnt as scheming as hed once suspected.

Yes, she certainly caught me out with the marriage business, Tom thought. But she really seems to believe well be happy. Maybe thats enough. She doesnt dig with awkward questions, perhaps feels a bit guilty herself, but shows no sign of wanting to go back to the village.

Tom planned to make the most of life after his wedding, imagining the fun hed have out in the city with his many friends. But then, Emily dropped a bombshell during supper with his parents.

Im pregnantwere going to be parents.

Congratulations, Emilyweve long wanted a grandchild, said Anne. Tom realised there was no point in claiming it was bad timing.

The wedding followed soon after. His parents gifted them a furnished flat. Before long, it was clear Emilys pregnancy didnt delight Tom as it did his parents.

Itll be all right, she told herself. Once our baby comes, Tom will see what joy it bringssurely hell change. She hadnt realised just how troubled her husbands soul was.

After the wedding, Tom sank into his old ways. He told her, My job keeps me travelling, and Emilyunaware of what he really didbelieved him. She never complained to his parents that he was barely home, sometimes gone all night. She just waited, made nice meals for his returns, tidied up, and grew lonelier by the day. She pined for her village, her old friends, her parentsand, strangely, found herself thinking of Jack more and more.

Doubts crept inhad she made the right choice? Whenever she asked Tom if he loved her, his answer never quite satisfied. Anne saw her daughter-in-laws struggles and suspected her son was no ideal husband.

The birth of a son made everyone happyeven Tom was moved at first, but the mood didnt last. He quickly became irritated by the babys crying, lack of sleep, nappies and all. Emily, exhausted, could no longer prepare special meals, nor keep up at home. Tom only wished to escape it all.

He soon discovered that most of his city flings had lost interest.

Who wants anything to do with a married man?

Tom never told anyone about Emilyshe had no qualifications, she was a country girl.

How am I supposed to get her a job someday, when the boys older? he wondered. What if she ends up a cleaner or selling fruit at a stall? Cant have that for the familys reputation. Ill just have to provide for us all. Probably wouldve been cheaper to pay her maintenance.”

Tom had a mistress, Kateshe had her own place, was well off, and didnt care for children in the least. He felt at ease at her flat, where they had fun, drank, and escaped the city.

Kate, if only you knew how mad my home life is. I dont love my wife, and our boy gets on my nerves. Sure, Emilys pretty, but shes utterly countryIm sick of it all. How do I go out in society with someone whose whole life has been cows and the village green?

Emily realised her dream of marriage with Tom would never be what shed hoped. She suspected he had someone else. He came home smelling of unfamiliar perfume, sometimes lipstick stains visible on his collar. He was often irritable, ignoring the boy, shouting at Emily, sometimes even threatening.

She confided in her mother over the phone, but was told, No one forced you to marry Tomyou made your bed, now lie in it. We thought youd marry Jack, but you chose Tom. Get on with it, and if you can’t hack it, come homebut dont come running back and forth.

Emily, feeling totally crushed, peeked at Toms phone while he slept. The explicit messages hed exchanged with Kate left her speechless She turned to her mother-in-law for help, but Anne replied:

If you think of divorcing, rememberwell fight for the boy. You know what contacts my husband has. Tim may not be a perfect father, but hes his father, and he can give him a good home. You? Youve nothingno degree, no job, no means to provide.

Emilys son was feverish, teething, crying constantly. Kate kept messaging Tom, who replied that hed come as soon as the child calmed and his wife was asleep. Kate sent: Give them the sleeping tablets I brought, theyll be out in no time.

Tom, popping into the shower, left his phone on the table. Emily read the message and recoiled.

What if he really drugs us? What if he tries to harm us?

As soon as Tom stepped out, she rang Jack and told him everything.

Let me come for you and take you home, he offered.

His parents say theyll take the boy.

Dont worrytheyre just threatening you. Calm yourself, settle the boy, and wait until Tom leaves. Call me when youre ready. Ill be nearby.

Emily rocked her son until, at last, he slept. She lay beside him feigning sleep. Soon she heard Tom check on them. He left the house shortly after. Quickly, Emily packed a few things and rang Jack. He arrived swiftly and drove her to his own home.

Tom only discovered they were gone late the following day. He rang his parents.

She hasnt been here, Anne replied. Do you think shes run off? Ill call the police.

No, Mum, please dont. Honestly, Im relieved shes goneIve had enough of her and the child. Let her live as she pleases. Promise me, Mum. It took a long time, but at last Anne agreed.

Time passed. After Emily divorced Tom, she married Jack. They lived in the big house in the country, and were soon expecting another child. At last, Emily understood that Jack was her true happiness.

A Chaotic Closet, Piles of Unironed Clothes, and Sour Soup in the Fridge—This Is Our Home. When I Tried to Gently Talk with My Wife About It, I Ended Up Accused Instead I Fell in Love with Mary at First Sight—Completely Smitten by Her Beauty and Charm, I Thought I Was the Luckiest Man Alive. She Was Smart, Attractive, and Immaculately Clean, So I Proposed Without Hesitation. When We Moved In Together, Mary Made It Clear She Didn’t Like Housework, Preferring to Focus on Her Career and Split Chores Evenly. That Seemed Fair to Me, So I Agreed—Unaware of What the Future Held. At First, We Managed, but Six Months Later Nothing Went as Planned. Mary’s Job Hopes Didn’t Pan Out—She Was Stuck in a Part-Time, Unstable Position, Spending Her Earnings on Herself While I Worked Relentlessly All Day. Still, Mary Strictly Remembered the ‘Equal’ Division of Labour, Sometimes Ignoring Her Share. Her Enthusiasm Faded, and Soon the House Was Overrun with Clutter and Unironed Laundry. To My Shock, She Blamed Me, Saying I Should Do More to Help, Even Though We’d Agreed on Fairly Sharing Everything. I Struggled to Juggle Work and Keeping the House Together, Hurt That the Responsibility Had Fallen on Me. I Hoped Things Would Improve After Our Baby’s Birth, Thinking Mary Would Take Care of the Home While on Maternity Leave—But It Only Got Worse. Sometimes I Wonder If I’d Be Better Off Without My Wife, Especially with Arguments Becoming Daily Life. I Try to Empathise with Her Point of View, But I Can’t Shake the Feeling That My Own Needs Are Ignored. I Work Hard at the Office and at Home, Longing for a Moment’s Rest. Now I’m Left Questioning What Mary Does All Day During Maternity Leave—Why Can’t She Make Dinner or Tidy Up When Our Two-Month-Old Sleeps Most of the Time? Sometimes I Think I Could Handle the Housework If Our Roles Were Reversed. I Worry What Will Happen If We Have Another Child. I’m Committed to Equality and Mutual Support, but It Feels Like Mary Finds That Concept Difficult to Grasp. I Love My Child and Don’t Want to Ruin Our Family, But I’m at My Wit’s End—How Can I Keep Going Like This? Whose Side Are You On?

Everyone for Themselves “Mum, you have no idea what’s happening in the housing market right now,” Mark nervously shuffled through a stack of printouts, arranging them neatly only to spread them like a deck of cards across the kitchen table. “Prices are going up every week. If we don’t put down the deposit now, we’ll lose this flat to someone else.” Lydia slid a mug of cooling tea towards her son and sat opposite. Photoshop floor plans, figures, mortgage repayment graphs all flashed up on the paper. A three-bedroom new build, room for Timothy and Sophie to each finally have their own space. “How much are you short?” “Eighty-two thousand.” Mark rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I know it’s a lot. Ann’s coming apart at the seams, the kids are growing, and we’re still stuck in rentals…” Lydia watched her son and saw the same boy who used to pick dandelion bouquets for her. Thirty-two, two children of his own, but that little frown between his eyebrows was just the same as when he’d worried about unfinished homework. “I’ve got savings. They’re in my account.” “Mum, I’ll pay you back, promise. As soon as everything settles down, I’ll start returning it.” She covered his hand with her own, worn tough by a lifetime of cooking and cleaning. “Mark, it’s for the grandkids. What’s money compared to family?” At the bank, Lydia filled out the forms in the neat script honed by thirty years as an accountant. Eighty-two thousand. Almost everything she’d set aside through the years. For emergencies. Just in case. For “you never know.” Mark gave her a tight hug right at the cashier’s window, ignoring the waiting queue. “You’re the best. Honestly. I won’t forget.” Lydia patted his back. “Off you go now. Ann’s probably waiting.” …The first months in the new flat blurred together in a carousel of crosstown trips. Lydia arrived with Sainsbury’s bags—chicken, oats, butter, kids’ yoghurts. She helped Ann hang curtains, build IKEA furniture, scrub builder’s dust off the window ledges. “Timothy! Careful with those tools!” she shouted, balancing curtain hooks and explaining to her daughter-in-law the finer points of cottage pie. Ann nodded, phone in hand. Mark appeared in the evenings, worn out, ate his mum’s dinners in minutes, vanished to his room. “Thanks, Mum,” he called on his way out. “What would we do without you?” …Half a year later, her phone lit up with his number. “Hi, Mum… there’s a thing. The mortgage is due and the car needs repairs—missing by about three and a half grand.” Lydia transferred the money without hesitating. It’s hard for young families, after all—new expenses, little children, stressful jobs. They’ll get on their feet—return it. Or not. What does it matter when it’s family? The years slipped faster than water through fingers. Timothy turned seven—Lydia bought him that Lego set he’d begged his parents for. Sophie twirled in a pink sparkling dress, just like the one she’d seen on a Disney princess. “Nana, you’re the best!” Sophie hugged her, smelling of shampoo and sweets. Every weekend Lydia took the grandkids, or took them to the theatre, theme park, skating rink. Ice cream, toys, books. Her old coat pockets were stuffed with sweets and wet wipes. Five years passed in this cheerful, willing servitude. Money for the mortgage—“Mum, it’s a tight month.” Sick days—“Mum, we can’t take off work.” Food—“Mum, you’re going to the shops anyway…” Thank-yous became less frequent. …That morning she stared at the stained ceiling. Rusty streaks creeping across the plaster—her flat had flooded, and it was uninhabitable. She called her son. “Mark, I need help with repairs. I don’t know when I’ll get the insurance—” “Mum,” he interrupted, “I just can’t right now. The kids have clubs and classes. Ann’s just started a course…” “I’m not asking for much, just to help find someone to do the work. Or maybe—” “I really haven’t got time, Mum, especially not for something like that,” Mark repeated like he hadn’t heard her. “Let’s talk about it later, okay?” The dial tone. Lydia put down the phone. The screensaver flickered—a photo from last Christmas. Herself, Timothy, Sophie. All smiling. That money he’d borrowed without a thought. Those weekends she’d given to his children. The time, energy, love—all that was “before.” Now there were “other priorities.” A drop from the ceiling landed cold on her hand. The next day Ann rang herself—a rare occurrence that put Lydia on edge before her daughter-in-law even spoke. “Mrs Parker, Mark told me about your call,” Ann sounded irritated. “You do understand, everyone needs to look after their own problems, right? We’ve got to handle our own mortgage…” Lydia almost laughed. The mortgage she’d been topping up every third month. The deposit made almost entirely from her own pocket. “Of course, Ann,” she replied calmly, “Everyone for themselves.” “Glad we agree. Mark’s just worried you’re upset. You’re not upset, are you?” “No. Not at all.” The dial tone. Lydia set the phone on the table and stared at it as if it were a strange insect. Then she went to the window, but found nothing outside to comfort her. Nights became endless hours with the ceiling pressing down, memories spinning through her mind. She revisited the last five years like counting prayer beads. She had created this herself. Raised her son to believe his mother was a never-ending resource. That morning Lydia called the estate agent. “I’d like to put my cottage on the market. Six plots, just outside London, all mains services connected.” The cottage she and her husband had built over twenty years. The apple trees she’d planted when pregnant with Mark. The veranda where countless summer evenings were spent. A buyer came in a month. Lydia signed the paperwork with no time for nostalgia. The money hit her account, and she coolly split it up: home repairs, a new savings account, a rainy-day fund. The builders moved in the next week. Lydia chose the tiles, wallpaper, taps herself. For the first time in years, she spent on herself—without saving for “bad days” or worrying who’d need help next. Mark didn’t call. Two weeks, three, a month. Lydia didn’t call either. The first phone call came after the renovations were complete. The new kitchen gleamed, windows no longer rattled, the pipes no longer leaked. “Mum, why haven’t you come over? Sophie’s been asking.” “I’ve been busy.” “With what?” “Living, Mark. My own life.” She visited the next week. Brought books for the grandchildren—nice gifts, but not extravagant. Spent a couple of hours over tea, chatting about weather and school. Declined dinner. “Mum, can you babysit the kids Saturday?” Mark waylaid her in the hall. “We’re—” “Can’t. I have plans.” She saw his face fall. He didn’t understand. Not yet. In time, he might. Months went by, and the truth dawned: without Mum’s transfers, the mortgage ate a third of their income. Without a free babysitter, there was no one to watch the kids. Lydia, meanwhile, opened a new high-interest savings account. Bought herself a proper winter coat—new, warm, not from a charity shop. Spent two weeks at a spa hotel. Took up Nordic walking. She remembered how Ann’s parents always kept their distance. Polite greetings at holidays, obligatory visits every couple of months. No money, no help, no sacrifices. No complaints from their daughter either. Maybe they’d been right all along? Rare visits with the grandchildren became formal. Lydia came, gave modest presents, chatted about school and mates. Left after a couple of hours, never stayed over, never took the kids away for the weekend. Timothy asked her once: “Nana, why don’t you take us to the park anymore?” “Nana’s busy now, Timmy.” He didn’t understand. But Mark, standing in the doorway, maybe started to get it. Lydia went back to her freshly renovated flat that smelled of new paint and new furniture. She brewed herself a good cup of tea and settled into a comfy chair, bought with the cottage money. Guilt crept up at night, sometimes. But less and less. Because Lydia had finally learned: love isn’t martyrdom. Especially when no one notices—or cares—about your sacrifice. This time, she chose herself. For the first time in thirty-two years of motherhood.