Today, she finally understood what happiness meant.
Walking home, Marianna silently thanked fate—at least her eldest daughter, Emily, would have a happy life. Her own luck had run dry long ago, but she bore no regrets. Everything had unfolded as it was meant to, she believed.
*Destiny led me to Edward—I met him, loved him, married him. Emily came first, but he wanted a son. I wanted to make him happy, so I tried again and gave birth to Daniel. But after Daniel, everything fell apart.*
The boy had been born disabled, condemned to a wheelchair for life. Marianna sighed heavily as she pushed open the door to their flat.
Years ago, when Edward had learned of their son’s condition, he’d packed his things without a word. His final words still haunted her:
*”Don’t expect any help from me.”*
After he left, Marianna had nearly broken. Emily was only six, and Daniel—so fragile. She’d wept into her pillow at night, certain she couldn’t bear it.
*Why me? What did I do to deserve this?*
But one day, she steeled herself.
*”Tears won’t raise children. No one’s coming to save us. This is my life, my pain.”*
Emily went to school, then later helped with Daniel. The boy adored his mother and sister, thriving under their care. Marianna found remote work to stay close, and Emily grew into a devoted young woman. They made it work—three of them, bound by love.
Now, as Marianna unlocked the door, she froze. Emily stood before the mirror in a wedding dress, radiant. Tears welled in Marianna’s eyes. Her little girl—grown, beautiful, educated—was about to marry Oliver, a good man with a steady job and his own flat.
*”Emily, you look stunning! Oliver won’t believe his eyes. But isn’t it too soon to buy the dress? They say it’s bad luck.”*
*”Mum, don’t spoil the moment! Oliver knows people at the registry office—we won’t have to wait long.”*
*”Alright, just an old superstition. But promise me—no peeks before the wedding!”*
Marianna checked on Daniel, then moved to the kitchen, lost in thought.
*She’s grown so fast. And Oliver… He seemed decent. A mother’s heart knows.* She smiled, remembering his earnest vow: *”I love your daughter. I’ll give her everything. The wedding will be grand—my treat.”*
*At least she’ll be safe.*
But days before the wedding, Marianna fell ill. Weakness, dizziness. The doctor’s face darkened after her tests.
*”We need further examination.”*
Fear clenched her chest.
*What if it’s serious? Emily’s grown, but Daniel—he can’t be left alone.*
Emily reassured her. *”Mum, stop worrying. I’ll take care of Daniel while you’re at the hospital. Oliver can postpone the wedding.”*
And he did.
Days later, Marianna sat in the hospital, dreading the results.
*What happens to Daniel if I—?*
The doctor strode in, smiling.
*”Relax, my dear. It’s benign—no surgery needed. Just regular check-ups. You’ll live a long life.”*
Relief flooded her—but doubt lingered.
*Is he hiding something?*
At home, Emily waited eagerly.
*”Well? What did they say?”*
Marianna shared her fears, but Emily hugged her. *”Mum, stop. Everything’s fine.”*
Yet the gnawing fear remained.
*What if I die? Who takes Daniel?*
Days later, she called Emily back.
*”We need to talk.”*
*”Mum, what now?”*
*”Promise me—if anything happens, you won’t abandon Daniel.”*
*”I’ve told you a thousand times—I’d never leave him!”*
*”Then let’s make it official. Legal guardianship—for my peace of mind.”*
Emily agreed. *”Oliver knows a solicitor.”*
*”What if he objects?”*
*”He won’t. He loves me—and Daniel.”*
But Oliver did.
*”Are you mad? Taking on a disabled brother? What about our children? Our life? Hire a carer—I’ll pay!”*
Emily recoiled. *”He’s my family! I won’t dump him in some home!”*
*”I won’t have my wife shackled to an invalid!”*
Silent, she packed her bags.
*”Emily, think this through,”* Oliver pleaded as she left.
*”I don’t need time. I have a brother.”*
At home, Marianna wept. *”I’ve ruined your life! Go back to him!”*
*”If he loved me, he’d accept all of me—including Daniel. I don’t want a selfish husband.”*
*”But men need attention! How can you give him that with Daniel?”*
*”Mum, I’ve made my choice.”*
That night, Oliver lay awake, anger fading into shame.
*Would she have left me if I were in Daniel’s place?*
He remembered defending a disabled boy at school—just like Daniel, full of warmth despite his struggles. Guilt twisted in his chest.
*What kind of heartless man have I become?*
At dawn, he stood at their door, eyes downcast. Marianna’s tears fell as Emily appeared.
*”Forgive me. I was wrong—so wrong. I’ll make this right.”*
He knelt beside Daniel’s chair. *”Do you believe me?”*
The boy smiled. *”Yes.”*
*”Tea, everyone!”* Marianna called, her heart light at last.
As they gathered, laughter filling the room, she finally understood—*this* was happiness.
