Emily Taylor

When I married my husband, Oliver was just six years old. His mother had vanished when he was four—no

**The Weight of Duty** “But it was your idea to take Mum in. I never forced you,” said Gareth to Emily.

“But you were the one who suggested taking Mum in. I never forced you,” said Oliver to Emily.

“You decided to have a baby without a husband? Aren’t you ashamed, Mum?” Lily asked accusingly.

A One-Way Ticket Little Zoe’s mother worked as a maid in a hotel and often brought her daughter along.

**Diary Entry** *July 10th, 2023* “He’s grown so handsome. If only he were a bit wealthier, worked

Years have passed since that fateful autumn evening, yet the memory remains clear as crystal—the moment

*”You decided to have a child without a husband? Aren’t you ashamed, Mum?”* Lisa asked accusingly.

“Look at how handsome he’s become. If only he were a bit wealthier, worked for some posh company—I’d

It was one of those frosty mornings when the world feels still beneath a layer of snow. The night before