Today marks my 60th year, and I find myself living alone in my flat here in Manchester. I never had children, nor am I married now, although once, many years ago, I was. At 25, I walked down the aisle for love.
But my marriage crumbledmy husband betrayed me and brought his mistress into our home. It was unbearable. I packed my bags and returned to my parents house. Just two months after the divorce, I discovered I was pregnant.
Honestly, I couldnt bring myself to inform my ex-husband. I avoided all contact. I resolved to bring up my child alone. When my son was born, the doctors delivered heartbreaking news: Your baby is very weak, and sadly, he suffers from a condition that cant be cured. Hed be fortunate to reach eleven or twelve.
I felt lost and powerless. Still, I nursed him every day, yet the one persistent thought in my mind was the certainty that my boys life would be far too short.
Remarkably, my son lived until he was fifteen. Then, fate dealt another cruel blowhe and my father passed away within a week of each other. I lost the two people dearest to me.
Dad left me his spacious flat in central Manchesterso much room, so centrally located. All these years, Ive lived alone with few men entering my life. I longed for another child, but the fear of reliving that heartbreak stopped me from even tryingso I never took the risk. At forty-five, I bought myself a laptop, simply to keep in touch with relatives and stay up to date with the news.
Word spread among my family that I was living by myself. They began visiting in turns, often bringing gifts and trinkets. More than once, theyd ask if Id made a will, and when I said I hadnt, theyd launch into complaints about money troubles. Some would even jostle or flatter others, hoping to seem more generous or worthy in my eyes. Truthfully, I know precisely who should inherit my flat: my best friends daughter, who always helps me selflessly.
My family, though, only had the flat in mind. Eventually, I stopped connecting with them, but that hardly discouraged their persistence.
One afternoon, my cousin rang and, without any tact, asked if I was still alive and who Id leave the flat to. I was so hurt that I blocked every family membernow none of them can call or message me.
