Harlan Covington

Who Slept in My Bed and Left It in a Mess… A Story My Husband’s Mistress Was Barely Older Than My Daughter — Chubby Baby Cheeks, Naive Eyes, a Nose Piercing (the Same Kind My Daughter Wanted, and He Furiously Forbade). I Couldn’t Even Be Mad at Her — As I Looked at Her Bare, Bluish Legs and Short Jacket, I Wanted to Snark: “If You’re Planning to Have Kids with that Idiot, Get Yourself a Warm Coat and Wear Tights under Your Jeans.” But I Kept Quiet. I Simply Handed Arina the Keys, Grabbed My Two Bags of Belongings, and Headed for the Bus Stop. “Mrs. Harris, What’s That Thing Under the Kitchen Counter?” the Girl Called After Me, “Is it for Storing Dishes?” I Couldn’t Resist and Tossed Back, “I Usually Hide My Husband’s Lovers’ Bodies in There, But You’re Welcome to Wash Plates.” Without Waiting for an Answer or Even Looking at Arina’s Frightened Face, I Walked Down the Stairs Pleased with Myself. Well then — that’s it, twenty years of marriage down the drain. It was my daughter who first discovered that Henry was cheating. She’d skipped classes, expecting nobody to be home, and stumbled upon a young nymph sipping cocoa from her favourite mug. With barely any clothes on the nymph, and Dad splashing in the shower, my clever daughter, Ellie, quickly put two and two together and rang me: “Mum, I think Dad’s got a mistress, and she’s wearing my slippers and drinking from my mug!” Just like in a fairy tale, I thought, remembering Ellie was more upset about her things being touched than Dad’s betrayal. Who slept in my bed and crumpled it… Unlike my daughter, I took it all in stride. Of course my pride was wounded — the girl was young and beautiful, while I had extra pounds, cellulite, and all the not-so-kind badges of a forty-something woman. But really, I felt relief — after all those years of mysterious late-night calls, erratic schedules, coffee shop receipts (never for me!), and not once had I caught him red-handed. Henry was so slick that I ended up feeling guilty for suspecting him. “It’s the first time,” Henry brazenly lied. “I don’t know, some eclipse, like a comet fell out of the sky.” The “comet” turned out to be a hotel worker from Henry’s business trip. She was twenty, with nothing to offer but a pretty face — and apparently not much sense, because she chased Henry to London and rented a grim bedsit with her savings. That’s why they met at our flat — with hot water and the washing machine. No wonder my quick wash was always on instead of “mixed fabrics!” The flat belonged to Henry, left to him by his father before marriage, and since I’d decided to file for divorce, my daughter and I moved out to my grandmother’s old council flat on the outskirts. Ellie was appalled — how would she get to college? “Well, why don’t you stay with us then?” Henry suggested, earning fresh insults. At least my daughter could tell him what she really thought now. At first it was a pain — new routes, shops, an hour’s journey to work and school. But we got used to it — I found a new job, Ellie applied to a nearby college, halving her commute. There wasn’t time to dwell on sadness — everyday problems and exams kept us busy, and when life settled down, we didn’t feel like mourning at all. Arina called me several times — to ask about baking settings and the dishwasher tablets. Once, she even came round carrying forgotten photos needed for graduation. Henry couldn’t manage it (or was afraid), I was out with a cold, and Ellie flatly refused to enter the old flat, sure it would wreck her mental health (she still had computer science exams). “It’s rather cosy,” Arina murmured, surveying the faded wallpaper and dated lamps. I smirked — yes, cosy, what else can you say? There, everything was modern and convenient. I spent twenty years building up that home. Let them have it. That visit, though, would come back to bite me. About a year after the infamous day, one night, the door lock clicked. “Expecting anyone?” I asked Ellie. She just stared. Arina stood in the doorway, mascara streaked down her cheeks, clutching a sports bag. “Has something happened with Henry?” I worried. “Something did!” Arina sobbed. “I caught him with the secretary! Wanted to surprise him since he said he was working late…” She broke down, crying like a child, hidden in her hands. “So what do you expect from me?” I asked, eyeing the bulky bag. “Could I stay here tonight? I haven’t any money. I’ll take the train to my mum’s in the morning.” “How will you travel if you’ve no money?” “I hoped you’d lend me some.” I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. Ellie made the choice for me. “Why don’t you get out!” she sneered, adding a string of words she’d never used in front of me before. I gave her a stern look. “Come in, Arina,” I said. “It’s late. I’m not about to turn you out on the street.” From there, things got worse. Ellie was so furious she declared — it’s her or me. I shrugged, her choice, she’s an adult now. If she wanted, she could go to her father. “Oh, as if! I’ll stay at Nat’s!” We got her a taxi to her friend’s. Then I played host to a regretful mistress who had no friends, no job, just another piercing — in her tongue this time. I lent Arina money for the train, what else could I do? Even drove her to the station so she wouldn’t get lost. Arina thanked me for ages, asked forgiveness, and promised to sort her life out, go study, stop messing with married men. “Mum says I’m hopeless. She was right, I guess.” I didn’t see her off at the train — it was unnecessary. I reconciled with Ellie soon, though she couldn’t fathom how I could let “the homewrecker” stay. I stroked her soft hair, smiled and said: “When you’re older, you’ll understand.” Henry rang a week later. Said he’d seen the error of his ways, kicked out Arina, and was ready for a happy reunion. “Run out of clean shirts?” I asked, biting back. “Well, yeah…” my ex sighed. “Besides, she can’t wash — I’ve spent a year in greasy ones.” Obviously, I didn’t go back. Nor did I gloat. But I couldn’t help noticing that, after all this, my spirits had lifted: I felt lighter in head and heart, smiled more often. I got a dog, walked him in the evenings. Met a nice neighbour — so what if he’s ten years older, I’m not a girl myself. And life rolled on as it should.

Whos been lying on my bed and crumpled it A Story. My husbands lover was barely older than our daughterround

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The Waiter Rushed Over and Offered to Take the Kitten Away, But the Six-Foot-Tall Man Gently Picked Up the Crying, Fluffy Baby and Set It on the Next Chair: “A Plate for My Feline Friend! And the Finest Meat, Please!” “Let’s wear something bold, almost nymph-like, and go to an exclusive restaurant—just to show off and size up the men…” declared one of the three friends, a confident headmistress of a prestigious and pricey private school. These “nymphs” were thirty-five, the very age—so they believed—for short skirts and stylish blouses that revealed more than they hid: plunging necklines, flawless makeup—the full power look. They picked a fitting restaurant: posh, top-tier, seriously expensive. Booking a table was easy for them. Seated comfortably, they immediately soaked up admiring glances from men and openly jealous ones from their dates. Predictably, all conversation revolved around what mattered most—men. Dreams, expectations, and strict criteria: tall, fit, attractive, well-off, devoted but never dull, someone who would spoil them and take care of everything. Royal lineage? Absolute perfection. “Just not like them…” they exchanged glances and nodded toward three cheerful, slightly portly, balding men. Beer, chips, and mountains of steak filled their table; the talk was football and fishing, and laughter—loud and sincere—filled the room. “Awful.” “So tacky.” “Ugh.” Their verdict was unanimous: rough, unrefined, totally unsuitable for such glamorous ladies. But then, everything in the restaurant changed in an instant. He walked in—a man arriving in a brand-new scarlet Ferrari. “Lord Coburg Cold Saxon!” announced the maître d’ at the entrance. The friends perked up, hunting-dog alert for opportunity. Tall, fit, salt-and-pepper hair, dressed in a bespoke suit worth a fortune. Diamond cufflinks; crisp, immaculate shirt. The whole package. “Oh…” “This is it…” “Mmm…” Their necklines dipped a bit deeper, eyes growing bolder. “Now that’s a man,” whispered one. “A lord, a millionaire,” sighed another. “I’ve always dreamed of the Bahamas—since I was a little girl.” The third’s eyes said what words could not. Within ten minutes, the ladies were invited to the lord’s table. They swept over, oozing regal indifference, especially toward the trio of beer drinkers. The lord was charming, fielding witty social conversation, sharing stories from his ancient lineage, ancestral castles, and art collections. But tension rose—all knew only one would be invited to continue the evening. The mood broke as dishes arrived: lobster, luxury seafood platters, antique wine. The ladies dined, sending longing glances and dreaming far beyond the restaurant. Flushed, radiant, alluring. The lord glowed too—joking, dazzling, the centre of upper-class tales. At that point, no one cared where the night would go. There was a small garden near the restaurant. The mouthwatering aroma had spilled outside, attracting a skinny, hungry little grey kitten who slunk between tables and settled at the lord’s feet, begging for attention. To no avail. The lord’s face twisted in disgust; he kicked the kitten, sending it flying into the leg of the table where the three men sat. Silence fell. “I can’t stand dirty, mongrel animals,” the lord declared loudly. “My estate is for pedigree hounds and the finest horses.” The waiter hurried to smooth things over: “We’ll sort this out right away, apologies…” He walked toward the beer table, but one man—a giant, nearly six feet tall, face red and fists clenched—had already risen, friends trying to restrain him. Without a word, he lifted the kitten and set it into a chair. “A plate for my furry companion!” he boomed. “The finest meat. Now.” The waiter paled and rushed to the kitchen. From the tables came a round of applause. One of the “nymphs” silently stood, walked to the giant, and said, “Move over—order a lady a whisky.” The lord was speechless. Moments later, the other two joined them, shooting the lord a disdainful look. People left the restaurant in new groups—three together: man, woman, and kitten. Time passed. Today, the first friend is married—to that gentle giant, owner of a major investment firm. The other two married his friends, renowned lawyers. All three weddings celebrated together. Now life for the former “nymphs” is all nappies, cooking, cleaning—and daughters, born almost at once. And to escape to their favourite restaurant, they send their husbands off to football or fishing, call the nanny, and reunite for a proper girls’ night: to chat about the big topic…men. A year later, Lord Coburg Cold Saxon was arrested—a notorious con artist preying upon naive women. Real men, thankfully, are nothing like that. I mean those three—paunchy, balding, no glamour or pretence, but truly noble hearts. That’s how it is. There’s no other way.

The waiter dashed over and offered to take the kitten away. But a towering man scooped up the whimpering

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Julia Steps Off the Bus, Arms Full of Heavy Bags, and Walks Towards Her Childhood Home—“I’m Home!” She Calls Out as She Opens the Door, and Her Whole Family Rushes to Greet Her, Saying, “We Knew You’d Come!” That Evening, Gathered Around the Large Family Table, There’s an Unexpected Knock at the Door—“Must Be the Neighbours Come to Say Hello,” Her Mum Shrugs, and Goes to Answer It, But She Returns Not Alone, Accompanied by Guests Who Leave Julia Staring in Shock, Unable to Believe Her Eyes

Julia stepped off the coach, her hands aching from the weight of her shopping bags, and made her way

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“So is he living with us now?” he asked his wife, glancing at their son…

And so, is he just going to live with us now? John asked his wife, looking at their son Margaret Smith

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The farmer was out riding with his fiancée… and froze in shock when he saw his pregnant ex-wife struggling with firewood… James rode peacefully through the countryside beside his new fiancée, when he saw her—his ex-wife—hauling firewood, a massive seven-months-pregnant belly straining with every step. In that moment, as he did the mental maths, his blood ran cold: that baby, that baby was his, and he’d had no clue. There was a time when divorce was a scandal, when leaving a marriage meant disgrace for both families—when women were shamed on the streets, and men eyed with suspicion. Yet there were rare exceptions, divorces not born from violence or betrayal, but from two decent people wanting different things out of life. James and Emily were one of those rare cases. They’d married young—he was 26, she was 23. They’d been in love, or at least believed so, working together on Emily’s inherited plot: 25 acres of lush English soil dotted with ancient apple trees, a small cultivated field and a modest, welcoming cottage. Emily adored that land—she rose with the sun, worked with her hands, knew every tree, every stone, every hidden corner. For her, it was enough: ground to tend, a roof over her head, food from her own labour. But James dreamed bigger: more property, more business, expanding into town, hiring staff, building something that could last generations. Emily wanted none of it. “We have enough, James. Why chase more?” “Because I want to build something that lasts, a true legacy.” “This land can last for generations if we care for it.” But James wouldn’t listen, and Emily wouldn’t bend. Arguments became frequent, never violent but always painful, pulling in opposite directions—until, after eight heartbreak years, they sat at the kitchen table and accepted the truth: “We can’t keep going,” James said tiredly. “I know,” Emily replied, tears in her eyes. “You want one thing, I want another. Neither of us can change.” “No, neither can.” “So what do we do?” Emily breathed deep. “We divorce—amicably, with no bitterness. We still respect each other, enough not to destroy each other.” So they did. The divorce was decent. James let her keep the little property she loved, took his share of savings, and they went their separate ways. Emily stayed, working her land as she’d always wanted. James moved to the nearby market town, expanded his ventures, bought properties, hired people, lived his dream—and three weeks after the divorce, he met Charlotte: wealthy, refined, beautiful, ambitious, and shared his vision of grandeur. They were engaged six months post-divorce. James believed he’d finally found someone who understood him. But he didn’t know that three weeks after the split, Emily discovered she was pregnant. He didn’t know she’d tried to tell him, only for Charlotte to answer the door, coldly saying, “James doesn’t want to see you. He’s starting a new life—without you.” With heart broken and pride bruised, Emily decided that if he could move on in three weeks, she could raise her child alone. So she did. Eight months working her land, her belly growing. Villagers looked on—some with pity, some with judgement. She held her head high. She had help, though: Mr. Brown, her kindly widowed neighbour, aided with heavier chores; the village midwife, Mrs. Carter, checked her regularly. Both she and the baby were healthy. Then, one warm spring morning, as the scent of apple blossom drifted through the air, James rode the old lane near Emily’s property. He was with Charlotte, both on fine horses, showing her the land he’d soon buy. And then he saw her—Emily, carrying firewood from her cottage, belly enormous. James pulled the reins up short, horse halting abruptly. Charlotte looked confused. “What’s wrong?” But James didn’t answer—his eyes fixed on Emily, intent on getting to the barn without tripping. As he did the quick maths—eight months since the divorce, a belly nearly eight months gone—he felt time stop. That baby was his, and he’d had no idea… If stories like this touch you, subscribe and share where you’re joining from. Together, let’s walk the paths that shaped our souls.

The farmer was riding with his fiancée when he froze upon seeing his ex-wife, heavily pregnant, carrying

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Not Giving Her Up to Anyone: A Story

Stepfather never mistreated us. At least, he never begrudged us a sandwich or scolded us over school.

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German Piano Virtuoso Mocked Latin Folk Music as “Noisy and Unskilled”… Until a Young Mexican Woman Made the Audience Weep in the Heart of the Main Theatre of Veracruz at the International Classical Music Festival

The Grand Theatre in Brighton gleams beneath the citys evening lights. Tonight is the opening of the

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How I Pretended to Be Happy for Nine Years, Raised Another Man’s Son, and Prayed My Secret Would Never Come Out — Until the Day My Child Needed His Real Father’s Blood, and I Saw My Husband Cry for the First Time

How I pretended to be happy for nine years, raised another mans son, and prayed that my secret would

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A Belated Gift The bus jolted suddenly, and Mrs. Anna Peterson gripped the rail with both hands, feeling the rough plastic flex beneath her fingers. Her shopping bag knocked against her knees, apples shifting quietly inside. She stood near the exit, mentally counting the stops to her own. Soft static whispered in her earphones—a request from her granddaughter: “Granny, just in case I call.” The phone, heavy as a stone, lay zipped in her outer bag pocket. Still, Anna double-checked to be sure the zip was closed. She pictured the homecoming: set the shopping on the kitchen stool, change her shoes, hang up her coat and scarf just so. She’d unpack the groceries, start soup. Later, her son would stop by—he was on shift, no time to cook. The bus braked, the doors swung open. Anna Peterson made her way down the steps cautiously, gripping the rail, stepping out in front of her building. Children were racing across the court with a football; one girl nearly clipped her on a scooter, swerving at the last moment. The air by the front door was thick with cat food and cigarette smoke. Inside, she set down her bag, unwound her scarf, arranged the purchases: carrots with the vegetables, chicken in the fridge, bread in the tin. She filled a saucepan, palm over the base, hearing the kettle whir. The phone on the table vibrated. She wiped her hands on a towel and drew it closer. “Yes, Sasha?” she said, bending slightly as if it would bring her son’s voice nearer. “Hi Mum. How are you?” His voice was brisk; someone was speaking in the background. “All fine. Soup’s on. Will you be coming in?” “Yes, in a couple hours. Listen, Mum, we’ve got that fundraiser for the nursery again, for the group’s repair. Could you… you know, like last time?” Anna was already reaching for the drawer with her grey accounts notebook. “How much?” she asked. “Three hundred, if you can. Everyone’s chipping in, but… well, you know. It’s tough right now.” “I understand,” she said. “Alright, I’ll sort it.” “Thanks, Mum. You’re a gem. I’ll pop by later for it—and some of that soup of yours.” By the end of the call, the pot was nearly boiling. Anna dropped in chicken, salt, bay leaf. Seated at the table, she opened her notebook. Under “Pension” was the neatly written sum in biro, and underneath—utilities, medicines, “grandchildren,” “emergencies.” She wrote “nursery” and the amount, pausing as her pen hovered. The numbers edged together like they’d been nudged from below. Not as much left as she’d like—but not a disaster either. “We’ll manage,” she thought, closing the book. On the fridge, a calendar magnet dangled with the advert: “Village Arts Centre. Season passes. Classical, jazz, theatre. Pensioner discounts.” A gift from neighbour Tamara, who’d brought cake for her birthday. Anna had found herself lingering on that word, “passes,” whenever she waited for the kettle. She remembered long ago, before marriage, queueing with her friend for the Philharmonic on winter evenings. Tickets cost pennies, but came with hours in line, shivering and giggling. She hadn’t seen a real stage in years—grandkids now dragged her to Christmas pantos, all clatter and noise. This was different. She didn’t even know what concerts the centre held anymore, or who went. She peeled off the magnet, checked its back: a website she didn’t recognise, but a phone number—she replaced the magnet, mind circling. “Silly,” she told herself. “That money’s better put aside for Sophie’s coat; she’s outgrowing everything, and prices are up.” She turned to the stove, lowered the heat. At the table she didn’t reopen her accounts, but instead pulled out her “rainy day” envelope, stowed with careful notes and coins. Not much, but enough for an emergency, if need be. Her fingers sifted the notes as that magnetic advert nagged her. That evening her son came by. He hung his coat, collected soup containers. “Ooh, borscht!” he grinned. “Typical you, Mum. You eaten?” “I have, I have. Sit down, help yourself. The money’s ready,” she said, passing him the counted notes. “Mum, at least jot down what you’ve got left,” he chided, pocketing the cash. “You don’t want to run short.” “I do, always,” she replied. “Everything’s in order.” “You’re our family accountant,” he smiled. “By the way, you free to watch the kids Saturday? We’ve got shopping to do.” “Of course,” she said. “Not much else on here.” He nattered about work, new rules, his boss. Pulling on his shoes, he said, “Mum, do you ever buy yourself anything? It’s always for us, for the grandkids.” “I’ve got all I need,” she replied. “What more do I want?” He waved, “Alright, you know best. I’ll drop in next week.” When he left, quiet settled anew. Anna washed up, wiped the table, and glanced at the magnet. In her head, his voice echoed: “Do you get anything for yourself?” Morning found her staring at the ceiling for some time. No visitors were due; the day should have felt free, though her list teemed with chores. She did her physio as the doctor directed, boiled the kettle, set the tea to steep. As it bubbled, again the magnet drew her gaze. “Village Arts Centre. Season passes…” Anna picked up the phone, dialled the small-printed number. Her heart fluttered as the dial tone whirred. “Village Arts Centre, box office—how can I help?” “Hello,” Anna said, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’m calling about… your season passes?” “Yes, love. Which programme interests you?” “I… I’m not sure. Which ones do you have?” Patiently, the woman listed them: symphony or chamber music, romance evenings, children’s series. “Pensioners get a discount,” she added. “But the pass is a decent sum. Four concerts.” “And single tickets?” Anna asked. “Possible, but costs a little more per show. The season’s better value.” Anna pictured the sums in her notebooks, the envelope in her drawer. She asked the price—and the figure landed heavy in her thoughts. Doable, if she used up most of her “emergency” money. “Have a think, love. Passes go quickly,” the woman said. “Thank you,” Anna replied, hanging up. The kettle whistled. Anna poured her tea, sat, pulled her notebook close. She wrote on a blank page: “Season pass,” and alongside it: the price. Four concerts. She divided the amount in her head—less daunting monthly. She could buy fewer sweets, trim her hair herself. Faces of her grandchildren floated up. Ben wanted a new Lego. Molly, dance shoes. Her son sighed endlessly over mortgage repayments. And yet, this small, stubborn wish for herself felt nearly shameful. She closed the book undecided, scrubbed the floors, sorted the laundry. But the image of the hall stuck fast in her mind. After lunch, the intercom rang. Tamara, with a jar of homemade pickles. “Here you go,” she bustled in. “Now tell me, how are you?” “I’m alright,” Anna smiled. “Just… thinking.” “About?” Anna hesitated, embarrassed. “A concert,” she blurted. “There’s season passes on offer. I used to go, in my youth… It’s quite expensive.” Tamara raised her eyebrows. “What are you asking me for? It’s for you. If you want, go.” “But the money—” Anna began. “Money, money,” Tamara waved. “Haven’t you spent your whole life on your family? Gave your son a loan, got the grandkids presents. You’ve worn the same coat since God-knows-when. Of course you can buy yourself music, for once.” “Not for once; I did, before—” Anna protested. “That was when ice cream was tuppence,” Tamara snorted. “It’s different now. Your money—spend it how you like.” “They’ll only say it’s foolish,” Anna whispered. “That it should go on the kids.” “So don’t tell them,” Tamara shrugged. “Say you were at the surgery. Or—no, why hide? You’re not a child.” Anna flinched at that: not a child. She was half insulted, half ashamed. “I go to the surgery plenty,” Anna said quietly. “But it’s daunting—the walk, the stairs, my heart—” “There’s a lift,” Tamara dismissed. “And you’ll be sitting, not dancing! I went to the theatre last month, didn’t die of it—left with a year’s memories.” After Tamara left, Anna picked up the phone and dialled: “I’d like to book a season pass—for the romance evenings, please.” She was told to come in with her ID. She wrote down the address and pinned it by magnet to the fridge, her heart racing. That night her daughter-in-law called: “Saturday—are you sure you can watch the little ones?” “Yes, absolutely,” Anna replied. “Thank you—could we bring you something? Tea? New towels?” “No thanks,” said Anna. “I’ve all I need.” After hanging up, Anna eyed the note on the fridge. The box office closed at six; she’d need to set out early. That night Anna dreamed of the concert hall: plush seats, spotlights, the hush of a crowd. She sat halfway down, programme in hand, hardly daring to move lest she bother others. She woke the next morning tense. “Why did I start all this—so much fuss,” she thought. But the note on the fridge didn’t vanish. After breakfast, she dressed in her best coat, shook it free of dust, picked a warm scarf, her comfortable shoes. She packed her passport, wallet, glasses, blood pressure tablets, a small bottle of water. She sat on the hall stool before leaving, checking herself for dizziness, trembling. “Right, I’ll be fine,” she told herself, shutting the door. The bus was busy, but a young lad gave up his seat. Anna thanked him and sat by the window, clutching her handbag. The Arts Centre was two stops from the centre—pillared, poster-lined, the scent of dust and polish inside. The box office woman greeted her, took her ID, and explained options. Pensioner discount—still a hefty sum, but good seats remained. Anna listened as the explanation went over her head, just nodded. When asked for the money, her hand shook slightly. She counted out the notes, nearly saying she’d changed her mind, but the person behind her was fidgeting, and she handed the cash over. “Here’s your pass, love. First concert’s in a fortnight. Come early to find your seat.” The pass itself was beautiful: photograph of the hall on the front, neatly printed dates inside. Anna slipped it carefully into her bag, with her passport and her battered recipe book. She sat outside on the bench for a moment, catching her breath, as teenagers nearby debated bands she’d never heard of. “Well,” Anna thought, “I’ve done it. No going back now.” Two weeks flew in a blur of daily tasks—grandkids ill, soup on, thermometer checks. Her son fetched groceries, took home Tupperware. Several times Anna almost told him about the pass, but always changed topic. The morning of the first concert, she woke early, jittery as before an exam. She prepped supper, rang her son: “I won’t be home this evening. If you need me, call early.” “Where are you off to?” he asked. She hesitated—she hated to lie. “The Arts Centre,” she said. “A concert.” A pause. “Seriously, Mum? You know things are tight. That money could have—” “I know,” she replied, firmly. “But it’s my money.” He sighed. “Alright, yes, it’s yours. Just don’t complain if you run short later. And wrap up warm, alright? At your age—” “Even at my age, I can sit in a hall and listen to music,” she said. “I’m not climbing Everest.” A second sigh, softer. “Fine. Just let me know you’re home safe?” “I will.” She sat for a long while, hands shaking. What she’d done felt brazen, a little shameful. She didn’t care to retreat. In the evening she put on her best dress, navy blue with a neat collar; ladder-free tights, low-heeled shoes. She brushed her hair extra carefully. Dusk was falling as she stepped out, reflected shopfront lights, crowds at the bus stop. She hugged her bag with the pass, passport, handkerchief, tablets. The bus was packed; someone stepped on her foot and murmured an apology. She counted stops, squeezed through at hers. Outside the Arts Centre people milled—older couples, middle-aged women, even a few students. Anna felt nerves ease a little. She wasn’t the eldest. She checked her coat, took her ticket, stood unsure. The arrow for “Auditorium” pointed onwards. She followed, steadying herself on the rail. The hall was half-dark, lights twinkling over the rows. A lady checked her ticket: “Row six, seat nine, love.” Anna edged along, apologising as people stood for her. She sat, bag on knees, heart loud but now with anticipation. People murmured, flipped through programmes. Anna did likewise, tracing the song titles. At the bottom, the name of a composer she’d listened to in wartime crackled from old radios. The lights dimmed further, the host stepped out. Anna half-heard the words, lost in the quiet thrill of being here, not just in her kitchen. When the first notes sounded, a shiver prickled up her back. The singer’s voice was low, husky, singing of love, parting, journeys—suddenly close to Anna’s own memories: another hall, another city, another life. She did not cry, but sat tightly holding her bag, listening. Slowly, muscles uncoiled, breathing evened. Letting the music fill her, life seemed, for a time, not just a string of duties and economy. During the interval, her legs ached; she walked the foyer, saw people discussing the programme, nibbling cakes, sipping tea. Anna bought herself a tiny chocolate, something she’d once considered an extravagance. “Tastes good,” she said aloud. A smart woman of similar age smiled at her. “Lovely concert, isn’t it?” “Yes,” Anna answered. “It’s been a long time.” They compared notes, chatted about the singer. Then the bell; everybody filed back. The second half felt shorter. Anna no longer dwelt on the cost, simply listened. When the concert ended, applause thundered. Anna clapped until her palms stung. Outside, the air was brisk. She made her way to the bus feeling a quiet warmth—not elation, nor pride, just a deep sense of having done something for herself at last. At home she phoned her son. “Home safe,” she reported. “It was lovely.” He asked if she was cold. She said, “No, it was… just right.” He hesitated, then said, “I’m glad if it made you happy, Mum. Just—don’t go mad with the spending! We still need to save, after all.” “I know,” she replied. “But I’ve the pass already—three concerts left.” “Three?” he echoed, surprised. “Well, as you’ve paid, you might as well go. Take care, though.” She hung up, slipped off her coat, set down her bag. In the kitchen, tea steaming, she laid out her concert pass, ran a finger along its edge, and copied the dates neatly into the paper calendar—circling each one. Next week, when her son again asked for a loan, she checked her notebook and said, “I can only give you half. The rest I’ll need.” “For what?” he asked automatically. Looking at his tired face, the dark rings beneath his eyes, Anna replied gently, “For myself. There are things I need, too.” He made to protest, but stopped. “Alright, Mum. If you say so.” That evening, alone, Anna fetched down the old family album. There she was: a young woman, pale frock in front of a concert hall, clutching a programme, coy smile. She studied the old face, tried to reconcile it with the mirror’s. Slipped the album away. On the fridge she pinned another note: “Next concert—15th.” Underneath, “Leave home early.” Her life didn’t change overnight. She still made soup, scrubbed floors, visited the surgery, sat with grandchildren. Her son still borrowed, and she helped, as she could. But now, threaded through the days, was a sense of time reserved for herself, small plans to keep, justified to no one. Sometimes, passing the fridge, she’d touch the date on the note—a quiet, stubborn reminder: I am alive, and I am allowed to want. One evening, flicking through the local paper, Anna found an advert for free English classes for seniors at the library—book early, the notice read. She tore out the slip, tucked it by her concert pass. Made her tea, debated if this was too bold. “I’ll finish my concerts first,” Anna decided. “Then we’ll see.” She slipped the paper into her notebook, but the thought of learning again didn’t seem impossible anymore. At bedtime, she drew her curtains, watched as streetlights shone outside—boys in tracksuits, a lonely football. Standing in the window’s glow, Anna felt a calm spread in her chest. Life ticked on, full of chores and limitations, but somewhere in the cracks was space for four evenings in the concert hall—and maybe, soon, a handful of unfamiliar words. She clicked off the kitchen light and settled into bed, smoothing her quilt. Tomorrow would be another ordinary day: shopping, calls, cooking. But the calendar bore a circle now—a small one, quietly shifting everything, whether anyone else noticed or not.

A Belated Gift The bus jerked to a stop, and Anne Thompson grabbed the rail with both hands, feeling

La vida

The Bench in the Courtyard Victor Stevens stepped out into the courtyard just after one. His temples were throbbing—he’d finished off the last of the salads yesterday, and spent the morning packing away Christmas decorations. The house felt too quiet. He pulled on his hat, shoved his phone in his pocket, and headed downstairs, habitually gripping the rail as he went. On a January afternoon, the courtyard seemed like a set from a play: cleared walkways, untouched drifts of snow, not a soul in sight. Victor Stevens brushed off the bench by the second entrance. The snow fell away softly from the wooden slats. This was a good spot for thinking, especially when it was deserted—you could sit for five minutes and head home again. “Mind some company?” a man’s voice asked. Victor turned his head. Tall, navy jacket, about fifty-five. The face was vaguely familiar. “There’s plenty of room,” he replied, sliding over. “Which flat are you in?” “Forty-three, second floor. Just moved in three weeks ago. Michael.” “Victor Stevens,” he said, shaking the offered hand automatically. “Welcome to our quiet corner.” Michael pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “Is it alright if I smoke?” “Go right ahead.” Victor hadn’t smoked in ten years, but the whiff of tobacco oddly reminded him of the newspaper office where he’d spent most of his life. He caught himself wanting to inhale the scent, then pushed the urge aside. “How long have you lived here?” Michael asked. “Since ‘87. The whole estate had just gone up back then.” “I used to work nearby at the Metalworkers’ Community Centre. As a sound engineer.” Victor started. “For Valery Zakharov?” “That’s the one! How do you…” “I wrote a feature on him. Back in ‘89, when we put on that anniversary concert. Remember, when ‘August’ played?” “I could go through that concert start to finish!” Michael grinned. “We dragged in this giant speaker, the power supply was sparking…” The conversation flowed on its own. Names and stories resurfaced—some funny, some bittersweet. Victor found himself thinking he really ought to head back, but there was always another twist: musicians, equipment, backstage secrets. He’d long since fallen out of the habit of long talks. In recent years at the paper he’d only written urgent stories, and after retirement he’d withdrawn completely. He’d convinced himself it was easier not to depend on or get close to anyone. But now, something inside him felt as if it was thawing. “You know,” Michael stubbed out his third cigarette, “I’ve got all the archives at home. Posters, photos. Concert tapes I recorded myself. If you fancy having a look…” Why would I do that, Victor wondered. Then he’d have to socialise, his usual routine would get upended. And what would he really see that’s new? “I think I would,” he replied. “When would suit?” “Tomorrow’s fine. Around five? I’ll be back from work by then.” “Let’s do it,” Victor took out his phone and opened his contacts. “I’ll give you my number. If anything changes, we’ll sort it out.” That night he couldn’t sleep, replaying the conversation and recalling details from old times. More than once, he reached for his phone—to cancel, to make an excuse. But he didn’t. The next morning, he woke to the phone ringing. On the screen: ‘Michael, neighbour.’ “Not having second thoughts, are you?” Michael’s voice sounded slightly unsure. “No,” Victor replied. “I’ll be there at five.”

The Bench in the Courtyard Edward Thompson stepped outside just after one oclock. His temples throbbedhed