Another Shot at Happiness
Emily woke up with a peculiar feeling in the air—today was her eighteenth birthday, and she just knew something wonderful would happen. Her heart hummed with anticipation, especially when she thought about the delicate silver ring with a tiny diamond she’d been dreaming of.
“Happy birthday, love!” Her parents stood at her doorway, her mum holding a small velvet box while her dad beamed with pride.
Emily shot up, flipped open the box, and slipped the ring onto her finger, barely breathing. “It’s perfect… But it must’ve cost a fortune!”
“Nothing’s too much for our girl,” her dad chuckled, ruffling her hair.
“And that’s not all,” her mum teased. “Since we’ve got holiday time and you’re off school, we’re off to Brighton! Suitcases are already packed in the car!”
Emily could hardly believe her luck. The seaside! Sunshine! New swimsuits! Her best mate Lucy would be so jealous—especially considering how often she bragged about her own trips.
The rain had cleared by the time they set off, motorway humming with traffic. Emily leaned against the window, imagining how tanned and happy she’d be when they returned…
Then—darkness.
She woke in a stark white hospital room, every inch of her body screaming in protest. A nurse adjusted her pillow with gentle hands.
“Easy now, sweetheart. The doctor’s on his way.”
Emily tried to move—then froze in terror. “Mum? Dad?! Where are they?”
An older doctor with round spectacles sat beside her, stern but kind. “Emily… There was an accident. Your car collided with a lorry. Your parents… didn’t make it. I’m so sorry.”
The world shattered. Not pain—just hollow agony. Emily refused to believe it. Her dad was always so careful behind the wheel…
But the truth was inescapable.
Days blurred together. Drips and drugs, restless sleep filled with silent cries for her parents. Then one evening, the doctor returned with heavier news.
“Emily… The surgeries saved your life. But you’ll never be able to have children. I’m sorry.”
A second blow—deeper than the first.
After discharge, reality set in. Her only family was Gran, frail and alone in a Yorkshire village. As for friends? Just Lucy, who only visited out of obligation, dragging along Tom—a bloke Emily had fancied after a few park walks. But he vanished soon enough.
Then one day, Lucy brought James.
He noticed Emily instantly—the quiet strength in her eyes. When he heard her story, he made it his mission to stand by her.
Soon, he visited alone. They strolled through town, and for the first time in forever, Emily laughed. Guilt nagged at her—should she say something to Lucy?
“Lucy… I don’t want you upset over James,” she finally murmured.
“Would you dump him if I was?” Lucy scoffed.
Emily faltered. “No! I just… don’t want to lose you.”
Lucy’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “That cripple… And James falling for it. Never would’ve introduced them if I’d known.”
But James only saw Emily—scars and all. He brought flowers. Whispered how much he adored her.
Yet fear lingered. One evening, Emily confessed to Lucy in a weak moment:
“The doctor said I can’t have kids. How do I tell James? He’ll leave—”
“Oh, absolutely tell him,” Lucy said, all fake concern. “He deserves to know.”
Then she sprinted straight to James.
“Emily’s barren. Doubt she’ll tell you herself, but… you should know what you’re signing up for.”
James stared her down. “Thanks. Now shut it.”
When he arrived at Emily’s flat, she was pacing, trembling. “I need to tell you something—”
He pulled her close. “I know. And I don’t care.”
She never asked how he knew. It didn’t matter. He stayed.
Their wedding was small but bursting with joy. Years later, he said the words that saved her:
“Let’s adopt.”
She wept. Their daughter, Lily, became their world.
Emily spoiled her rotten—best clothes, best toys. But when Lily started school, James grew uneasy.
“She’s not studying. She’s playing you.”
“All girls her age wear makeup,” Emily dismissed. “Stop nitpicking.”
Lily lied. Hid her phone. Pretended to revise. James snapped.
“She’s conning you. Open your eyes!”
“I trust my daughter!”
Lily listened. Later, she whispered: “Mum… Dad hit me. Three times.”
When James came home, Emily blocked the door.
“Get out. I won’t let you hurt my child.”
“Emily, that’s rubbish! I’d never—She’s lying!”
“I believe Lily.”
He packed his bags. Left.
Lily smirked in her room. Now she had everything.
Years passed. Emily grew weary of the lies, the demands, the vanishing money. Lily always wanted more. Nights were filled with regret—James’ voice, his warmth, the love she’d thrown away.
“Forgive me…” she whispered in the dark.
She dreamed of knocking on his door again. Coffee brewing. Arms open. One more chance.
Maybe fate would grant it. After all, she’d been given a second chance once before… and let it slip.
