Diana wakes at half past four. We need to pack up and leave before everything gets too lively. Shes never felt shame like this before. How could it happen? She curses her foolishness.
Ever since her daughter moved into a rented flat, Diana stopped cooking at home. She has lunch every day at a cosy café near her office. One afternoon, while shes eating, Mark slides into the seat opposite. They start chatting, and soon enough, an affair begins. Mark is a bit younger than Diana, but his distinguished grey hair makes him seem both rugged and older.
Mark courts her with styledinners in restaurants, bouquets of flowers, and moonlit strolls in the park. Dianas quickly swept off her feet and finds herself daydreaming about Marks calls. She never misses a chance to visit the beauty salon before their dates. Shes hopelessly infatuated, imagining what their future together could hold.
She even fantasises about their wedding and imagines jetting off to a sunny country for the honeymoon.
Just over a week ago, Mark suggests a weekend getaway at a countryside lodge. They agree to leave on Friday evening and return Sunday. Diana eagerly pictures a romantic weekend, imagining Mark would propose to her beside a tranquil lake.
On Friday afternoon, Mark calls: Had a drink or two, so well take your car. Alright, she agrees.
After work, they meet. Diana notices Mark is rather tipsy. She thinks hell be sober by the time they reach the lodge. An hour later, they arrive and check into the cabin Mark had booked. He opens the door dramatically, as though inviting her into a new life. Diana feels like royalty.
After settling in, they head to a coffee shop nearby. Soft music plays. Mark orders food and then requests brandy. Fancy a glass? he asks. Lets just relax. Everything will be fine, Mark reassures her.
Dianas late husband had died from alcoholism, so shes utterly intolerant of drinking. Mark knows this. Within an hour, hes completely blotto. Mark tries to lead Diana to the dance floor, but she refuses. He starts dancing alonesoon, a girl joins him. At first, its just dancing; then, things turn indecent. Eventually, a security guard approaches and asks them to leave the café.
Mark and the girl return to Dianas table, polish off the bottle, and Mark blurts out, Darling, dont wait up for me tonight. Hes better off with me, youre ancient compared to him, the girl jeers, and the pair swagger out together.
Diana is shaken, unable to respond. Humiliation burns through her. A waiter snaps her from shock, offering her an ice cream cone: Compliments of the house!
She sobs quietly as she eats. She considers heading home straight away but decides to wait until morning. Once home, she immediately stuffs their clothes in the wash, determined not to smell him again. Opening her bag, she finds her blouse smeared with Marks blood. She panics, worried that if Mark is dead, shell be the prime suspectshe had motive.
The only person she can think of is her neighbour, who works in the police department as a clerk. She calls her. Diana, have you lost your mind? It’s six oclock in the morning.
Diana can barely explain, crying into the phone. Im coming overlet me in, her neighbour insists.
After a muddled explanation, her neighbour dials a number. Morning! Whos the forensics specialist on duty? I’ll be there in half an hour. Turning to Diana: Im worried youll get arrested. Now, give me your blouse and Marks mobile number.
An hour later, her neighbour calls: Dont fretits pigs blood on your blouse. And your Mark is a conman. Ill fill you in when I get there.
Diana cant figure out what kind of scam Mark is running. As soon as her neighbour bursts into the flat, she asks, You sold your family housewheres the money? Is it on your bank card? Is your card linked to your phone? The cards in the cupboard and my phone isnt connected. Mark knows the PIN, doesnt he? Yes, we were talking about the year on the card. You need to block it immediately.
Diana checks and sees her card was used at a diner only moments ago. They staged the blood on your blouse to keep you distracted while they emptied your account. Lets head to the station and file a report before they realise youve blocked your cardDiana stares at her phone, chest tight, her heart pounding faster than fear. Her banks hotline rings; a robotic voice asks for her details. She reads them out, voice trembling, and then hears, Your card has been blocked. Any further suspicious transactions will be flagged.
She sinks onto the kitchen floor with relief, tears streaming. All that love, all those dreamshollowed out by a man she barely knew. The pain surges through her, an ache of betrayal and shame.
Her neighbour sits beside her, squeezing Dianas hand. Youre not ancient. Youre smart. And you didnt lose everything. Diana nods, faintly smiling. The weight liftsnot entirely, but enough.
Later that afternoon, Diana wanders down to her café. Sunbeams dance through the windows as she orders coffee and a slice of cake. She takes in the warmth and gentle chatter, a world away from deceit. A waiter, the same who gave her ice cream, spots her. Rough day? he asks.
Diana glances up, her hair pulled back, face pale but composed. You know what? I survived it, she says. And tomorrow, Ill bake a cake myselffor me.
She takes out her phone and deletes Marks number. The feeling is cathartic, a clean break. She sits quietly, swaying to the café music, no longer wishing for moonlit strolls or bouquets, but for honesty and kindnessstarting with herself.
When she steps out, the sky is scattered with sunlight. Diana breathes deeply, and for the first time in weeks, she feels the world opening up, inviting her to live, love, and trust againon her own terms.
