The Choice “Turns Out Freddie Is Deeply Married…” sighed Sue, sitting on a park bench and clutching in her pocket the referral for her appointment. Her flatmates from the uni halls used to envy her, seeing her with that dashing, clean-shaven, blue-eyed dark-haired bloke—convinced she’d landed a real gentleman. But, really, there was nothing to envy. Sue shuddered, recalling her first and last meeting with Freddie’s wife, who ambushed her outside the factory gates to lay things out clearly. “Well, hello there! You must be Susan?” the woman began. “And you are…?” Sue stammered, feeling uneasy under the gaze of this tall, elegant lady with ash-blonde hair. “I’m Olga—Freddie Minsden’s wife.” “Sorry… what?” “You heard me.” “Another plain Jane,” the woman continued calmly. “So how many of you are there? There’ll always be women chasing after someone else’s happiness.” “What gives you the right…?” “Listen,” Olga said, gripping Sue’s elbow, “what gives you the right? I’m his legitimate wife. I saw you with my husband, and you still try to stand your ground, when really you should be ashamed, mortified. Well, that’s what decent people do, but clearly, that’s not you. “Women like you,” she continued, “he’s had so many of you, you’d run out of fingers and toes to count. Getting involved with a married man, shame on you! He’s a man—a hunter, get it? To him, you’re just a fling. He’ll have his fun with you and then you’re gone from his memory. Stay away from him. “By the way, we’ve got two daughters. I can show you a family photo,” she said, fishing one from her handbag and handing it to the stunned Sue. “See? Proof of real, pure love. This was us in Brighton two months ago…. So, why the silence? “What do you want from me? Sort out your husband yourself!” “Oh, I will, don’t worry! He only just started at this factory. The pay’s decent, and now you turn up and start all this. Walk away, love. Don’t be taken in by promises. Freddie’s not leaving his family for anyone. Don’t waste your time. How old are you, thirty?” “Twenty-five!” Sue protested, wounded. “All the more reason. You’ll find someone and start a family. Just leave Freddie be.” Sue didn’t listen anymore. On shaking legs, she walked away from the woman who’d crashed into her hopes and dreams, shattering them in a moment. “Traitor…” Sue muttered, a lump in her throat, but she wouldn’t show her tears to the world. She didn’t want office gossip. That evening, as if nothing had happened, Freddie turned up at her place with flowers. But, puffy-eyed, she showed him the door, despite his vows of everlasting love and his talk of separating from his wife, claiming they’d long since become strangers. For two weeks Sue put herself back together. Freddie didn’t bother her again, acting like he no longer knew her at all. Bad luck comes in threes. Sue first thought the morning sickness and dizziness came from her stress, but soon realised her naïve, passionate fling with Freddie had consequences. “Six weeks,” the words sounded like a sentence. Sue panicked at the thought of being a single mum. She felt everyone knew, that all eyes were judging her, shocked at her trusting a man she barely knew. Freddie had hidden his marriage. What could she have done—asked to see his ID on the first date? He wasn’t wearing a ring—some married men don’t. Why hadn’t she been suspicious when he insisted their relationship stay secret at work? He’d deceived her, and she didn’t feel any better for her ignorance. Worse, the office was abuzz with gossip about Olga’s visit. “I’m pregnant,” Sue told her ex-lover during lunch, knowing she had no choice. “I’ll give you money—just take care of it,” he muttered. The next day, Freddie quit and disappeared from her life for good. Sue knew she couldn’t put things off. Ignoring the doctor’s warnings, she took the referral for the “procedure.” So here she sat, on a park bench, clutching the appointment slip as if it might slip away. “In a hurry?” said a besuited stranger with a giant bouquet of deep red chrysanthemums, dropping onto the bench next to her. “Sorry?” she looked at him with empty eyes. “Your watch,” he nodded at her gold wristwatch, “it’s running fast.” “It always runs ten minutes ahead… I reset it all the time but it’s hopeless,” she replied listlessly. “Beautiful day, isn’t it? An Indian Summer, proper golden autumn. My mum loves this season—says she made the right choice in her life on a day just like this, and she’s never regretted it. You know,” he rattled on, the unexpected chatter forcing its way past Sue’s gloom, “My mum’s a legend,” and he gave a big thumbs-up. “I’m so grateful to her.” “And your dad?” Sue heard herself ask. “Oh, she never talks about him, and I never ask. It upsets her… I’m just back from an interview, can you believe they chose me out of ten for a top spot? I’m their only real pick, even though I’ve no work experience. Honestly, I can barely believe it… “My mum gave me confidence in myself… First thing I’ll do with my first paycheck is buy Mum a trip to the seaside. She’s never seen it. Have you?” “No,” Sue replied, suddenly noticing his deep red tie. “That’s from Mum,” he said, fondly stroking the tie where she was looking. “Sorry if I’m going on, but I had to share my happiness… you look so sad… Maybe you just need someone to listen? Am I bothering you?” Sue silently shook her head. The stranger, odd as he was, wasn’t irritating. In fact, his pride in his mum was touching. “What devotion,” she thought, watching and listening with unexpected interest. “His mother is so lucky… If only I had a son like that….” “Right, best be off. Mum will be waiting for me, worrying if I’m late… But don’t you rush!” “Sorry?” “I meant your watch,” he grinned. “Oh,” she smiled back. A moment later, he was gone, and Sue tore up the referral she had been scared to let go of, scattering the shreds in the wind. She sat for a long time, breathing in the autumn sunshine. She didn’t feel alone anymore. That woman had raised a wonderful son, all on her own—and Sue hadn’t even asked his name. But it didn’t matter. Her choice was made. *** Twenty-three years later… “Mum! I’m late!” Stan stood at the mirror while his mum patiently tied the deep red tie she’d bought him for his big job interview. “Maybe forget it all—” “It’s a confidence boost. Trust me, it’ll all be fine. They’ll pick you… There, that’s perfect!” Sue said, stepping back to admire her grown-up boy. “It’s nerve-racking, what if—” “This job’s yours. Don’t stress, just answer questions clearly and remember to smile. You’re irresistible!” “Okay, Mum,” Stan kissed her cheek and dashed out. Sue watched from the window as her dearest person in the world walked jauntily towards the bus stop. Suddenly, she shivered—where had she seen this scene before? That young stranger in the park, more than twenty years ago… Stan in his suit now looked just like him. She’d forgotten the moment for years—now it all came flooding back. Could it be, all those years ago, that fate had shown her exactly who she might have lost, giving her a glimpse of what her choice would really mean? Why hadn’t she spoken to that young man or found out his mum’s name? But it didn’t matter now. Everything had turned out beautifully. That afternoon, Stan came home with a giant bouquet of deep red chrysanthemums to match his tie and announced that he’d got the job. He promised Sue that they’d finally go to the seaside together—she’d never been. Now was the time when he would start looking after his beloved mum. He’d move mountains for her, turn rivers back. That’s the kind of son Sue had. No matter what troubles came their way all those years, whenever she hugged her precious boy, the world felt right. They’d coped, endured, and never lost hope. Sue never once regretted having him. She knew she’d made the right choice. And that’s how it was meant to be.

A Choice

So, turns out Freddie is thoroughly married Beth let out a heavy sigh, gripping the crumpled doctors letter in her coat pocket as she perched on a bench in the city park.

Her flatmates at the university halls used to envy her every time they saw her with that dashing, clean-shaven, blue-eyed, dark-haired man. They thought she’d struck gold with such a courteous beau. But in the end, there was little to be jealous of.

A shiver ran down Beths spine as she recalled the only time shed met Freddies wifea tall, elegant woman with pale ash-blonde hair whod intercepted her outside the factory gates to set the record straight.

Well, hello there! You must be Bethany, the woman began coolly.
And you are? Beth stammered, unnerved by the sharpness in those steely eyes.
Im Olivia. Olivia MitchellFreddies wife.
What?
You heard me.
Another of the plain ones, the wife continued, almost pitifully. How many of you are there in the world, I wonder? Always after someone elses happiness.

How dare you
Listen, Olivia said, tightening her grip gently on Beths elbow. Who do you think you are? Im his lawful wife. Ive seen you with my husband. And here you are, putting on airs as if youve done nothing wrong. Any decent woman would have found some shame, an apology perhaps. I suppose that’s not in your nature.

She gave Beth a long, cold look. Youre one of many. There are enough of you to count on both hands and feet. Getting yourself mixed up with a married manshameless!

Hes a mana hunter, you know? Youre just a fleeting amusement. Hell drop you soon enough, just like all the others. Best stay away. Oh, and by the way, we have two daughters togetherwould you like to see a picture? Olivia fished a family photo from her handbag, holding it out to the stunned girl. There. Proof of real love. Taken in Brighton, just two months ago.

Well? Cat got your tongue?
What do you want from me? Sort out your business with your own husband, Beth replied in a brittle voice.

And I will, dont worry. He only started at your factory recently. Good pay and allthen you come along and confuse things. Leave it be, love. Dont be temptedFreddies not going to get a divorce. Dont waste your time. How old are you? Thirty?

Im twenty-five, Beth muttered, stung by the accusation.

All the more reason. Youve plenty of time to find someone decent and have a family of your own. Just leave Freddie alone.

Beth didnt wait to hear more. Legs like jelly, she turned and stumbled away from the woman whod appeared out of nowhere, shattering all her rosy dreams in a single conversation.

Traitor Beth bit the word out beneath her breath, a knot choking her throat. She refused to cry in public, not wanting her troubles to become fuel for office gossip.

That evening, as if nothing had happened, Freddie appeared at her place with a huge bouquet of lilies. But her eyes still swollen with tears, Beth shut the door on him, despite his oaths of eternal love and false promises to leave his wifeWe havent been close in years, hed insisted.

For two weeks, Beth struggled to regain her footing. Freddie never bothered her again; if they crossed paths, he acted like hed never seen her.

But trouble never comes alone. Morning nausea and dizziness, first blamed on heartbreak, soon forced her to face a new realityher brief, naive affair with Freddie had its consequence.

Six weeks, the doctor had said, and for Beth the words were a sentence.

She had never wanted to be a single mother. Fear overwhelmed her. It seemed everyone at work knew, staring at her with judgment, as if she had willingly stepped into disgrace, believing a man shed loved but hardly known.

Freddie had hidden his marriage from her. What could she have donedemanded his divorce papers? There hadnt even been a ring on his finger; not every married man wears one.

Why hadnt the alarm bells sounded when hed insisted they keep their relationship secret at work? Hed lied, and though none of this was her fault, Beth felt no easier for it. Her colleagues whispered now, dissecting each detail of her humiliation after Olivias visit.

Im pregnant, Beth finally confessed to Freddie during a lunch break, desperation overcoming her pride.

Ill give you money. Just deal with it, he muttered, not meeting her gaze.

The next day, Freddie quit. She never saw him again.

Beth knew she couldnt stall for long. Despite the doctors gentle warnings, she eventually accepted the referral for a procedureand now she sat on the cold bench, gripping that letter as if letting go would send her spinning into nothing.

In a rush, are you? The crisp voice belonged to a young man in a sharp navy suit, arms full of deep red chrysanthemums, whod just flopped beside her.

What? Beth stared blankly at the stranger.

Your watch, he explained, pointing at the gold bracelet timepiece on her wrist. Isnt it running fast?

Oh. Yesalways ten minutes ahead. No matter how I fix it, cant seem to make it keep time, she replied, turning away.

The weathers gloriousproper Indian summer, isnt it? My mum loves this time of year. Says she made the right choice on a day just like this, never regretted a thing.

He was chatty, unexpected warmth in his voice. You know, Ive just come from an interview. Ten people were up for the jobsomehow, I got it. Can hardly believe it, really. My mum always believed in me, gave me all her confidence. Ive already decided how to spend my first pay packetbuying a ticket to the seaside for her. Shes never seen the sea.

Have you ever been? he asked suddenly.

No, Beth replied, studying his maroon tie as if it was suddenly the most fascinating thing in the world.

Gift from Mum, he beamed, smoothing it with pride. I probably sound like Im rambling, but I just wanted to share my joyyou seem awfully sad. I thought perhaps you just needed a bit of company. Am I bothering you?

Beth shook her head silently. Oddly, his chatter eased the gloom, his devotion to his mother stirring reluctant admiration.

What a loyal love, she thought, watching him with curious new interest. “His mothers lucky. I wish I had a son like that

Ill be off, then. Mums waiting for meshell be worrying if Im late. Dont rush, all right?

Sorry, what?

He grinned and pointed at her watch. Telling your timepiece, not you.

She managed a weary smile back.

A moment later, the young man vanished down the tree-lined path. For a long time, Beth sat there, crumpling the referral in her fistthen tearing it into tiny scraps, letting them fall like confetti at her feet.

She sat back, breathing in the sun-drenched autumn air. Something inside her felt lighter, a hesitant warmth chasing out the chill. The strangerfriendly, unexpected, almost like fate itselfhad left her less alone.

She never learned his name, and that didn’t matter now. A choice had been made.

***

Twenty-three years later

Mum, Im running late! Stan called, fidgeting with his collar as his mother fussed with the maroon tiethe one shed bought him for his big job interview.

Perhaps you should just forget the tie

Its for confidence. Dont worry, Mumeverythings going to be fine. Im sure theyll take me this time. Beth tucked the knot just right and stepped back to admire her boy.

Nerves, darling? Youll be brilliant. Just answer their questions and dont forget to smile. Youre irresistible.

Cheers, Mum. Stan gave her a peck on the cheek before heading out.

Beth watched from the living room window as her only son walked confidently towards the bus stop. Suddenly, a wave of déjà vu struck her like a bolt of lightning.

Shed seen this all before Over twenty years ago, the boy on the park bench

Stan, now in his suit, was the image of that stranger from long ago.

For years, Beth had tucked away the memory. Now, it returned, luminous in her mind.

Could it be? Had fate truly shown her, all those years before, the very child shed been about to cast aside (how awful that word sounded) if shed taken another path?

Why hadnt she spoken to the young man back thenasked his name, his mothers?

But it no longer mattered.

Everything had turned out just as it should.

That afternoon, Stan returned, arms full of burgundy chrysanthemums, matching his tie, and announced hed got the job.

He promised his mum theyd soon go to the seasideto see the ocean at last.

Now, it was his turn to care for the mum he loved most in the world. For her, hed move mountains, stop rivers. That was Beths son.

Through every hardship and heartbreak, shed found comfort in his scent, his presence.

Theyd survived, endured, and never lost hope.

Beth had never once regretted her choice. She had made the right decisionher decision.

So let it be.