Harlan Covington

Heating Up the Marriage — “Listen, Liz… what if we tried an open relationship?” Victor suggested cautiously. — “What?” Liz blinked, not quite sure she’d heard right. “Are you serious?” — “And why not? It’s perfectly normal,” her husband shrugged, trying to sound casual. “They do it all the time in Europe. Apparently, it really spices up a marriage. You always said a little treat while dieting doesn’t hurt—keeps you from binging. It’s just about variety.” Liz blinked, trying to process his words. Comparing a mistress to a chocolate bar was either spectacularly stupid, or shameless. — “Vic…” she began. “If you want to leave, just do it properly. I’ll give you your freedom, but don’t drag me into this nonsense.” — “Oh come on, Liz, why are you getting prickly? I love you. It’s just… the spark’s gone. We need a little fire, you know? Half the time we sleep back-to-back and only talk about food shopping and the energy bill. It’s all so dull—we both need a jump start. I’m not restricting you. Go have some fun, talk to other people, unwind a bit. What’s the harm?” Liz narrowed her eyes. Suddenly, she realized Victor was lying. Shifty eyes, nervous fingers tapping the table—he wanted freedom all right. And he wanted it yesterday, not tomorrow or today. — “Vic, be honest. You’ve already found someone, haven’t you? And now you want me to play along so you don’t feel guilty?” — “Here we go!” Victor rolled his eyes. “If that were true, would I even be having this conversation? Honestly, I regret bringing it up. You’re such a throwback! Forget it…” Victor stood in dignified silence and walked off, leaving Liz alone with her thoughts. Twenty-five years. She’d given him her best years, stuck through hard times, money worries, constant late nights at the office—which, with hindsight, looked very different… And now, here he was, well-fed and comfortable, inviting her to help sabotage their family. “Unwind”—what a convenient word. They slept in separate rooms that night. Well, “slept” was generous. Liz lay awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering how they’d gotten to this point. Victor used to bring her armfuls of lilacs, work overtime just to pay for a beautiful wedding, and celebrate when their daughter was born. Now… she almost wished he’d just walked out. Where was the point of no return? When she stopped bothering with makeup at home, trying to look nice for him? When he first forgot their anniversary, blaming work? Did it even matter now? Divorce was tempting—a clean break, a fresh start. But could she really throw out half her life so easily? Maybe there had never been fireworks, but there was habit, a shared home, a well-oiled routine. Victor had always seemed reliable. Their daughter had moved out; retirement was looming. They’d nursed each other through illness, once even taken out a loan to help Liz’s mum. Not every man would do that. Inside, Liz simmered with hurt, fear, and anger. “Does he think I’d never find anyone?” she wondered. “That I’m a washed-up old lady, fit only to cook his dinner, knit socks for the grandkids and wait quietly until he feels like coming home?” No chance. — “Fine,” she told Victor the next morning. “Let’s do it your way.” — “Eh?” — “I agree to your open relationship.” Victor nearly choked on his tea. Expecting a scene, he got a serene “yes.” — “Well… that’s good, then. You might even like it,” he said. “By the way, I’ll be home late tonight.” Her heart twisted. That quickly? …The evening was dull and silent, and Liz felt used up and discarded. Like she’d been appraised and rejected, an outdated phone model. She examined herself in the mirror: tired eyes, wrinkles around the corners, skin not as flawless as before. But her figure was still trim, her hair thick. Maybe she was still attractive. Maybe Victor was the problem, not her. Other men certainly noticed her. There was Andrew from the office—the new branch manager, silver at the temples, slightly gravelly voice, twinkling eyes. Right away, he’d singled Liz out, making polite conversation, holding doors, bringing her coffee, even inviting her to lunch—and last week, dinner. — “Andrew, I’m on a diet called ‘married,’” she quipped. — “Lizzie, being married’s just a stamp, not a scarlet letter,” Andrew laughed. “But I won’t push it.” Victor wanted an open marriage? Wanted her to unwind? Why not. — “Evening, Andrew. Is your dinner invitation still open? I find I have some free time—and a craving to cheat on my diet,” she messaged. It wasn’t revenge. Liz just wanted to feel like a woman again. Wanted to breathe life into a “me” her husband had squashed these last two days. …Dinner went surprisingly well. Andrew was the perfect gentleman: pulling out her chair, topping up her wine, really listening, giving her that look—the kind that makes you feel you’re the only woman in the world. Liz felt guilty but alive, excited to finally be the star in her own life, not just the housewife who catered to Victor’s every whim. — “Shall we go back to mine?” Andrew suggested over dessert. “I’ll pick up a bottle of wine, we’ll watch something… make a night of it.” She nodded. Inside, something shrieked, “Stop!” But then she saw Victor’s face again, heard his “unwind.” They’d barely arrived at Andrew’s when her phone started buzzing—her husband. She rejected the call once, then again, but he wouldn’t give up. — “Yes?” she answered, struggling for composure. — “Where are you, then?” Victor exploded. “It’s ten at night! There’s nothing to eat, house is empty! Have you completely lost the plot?” Andrew tactfully withdrew to another room. The romance instantly evaporated. — “Honestly… I’m on a date, Vic.” — “What do you mean, a date?!” — “You want it spelled out? You suggested an open relationship, told me to meet new people and have a bit of fun. Well—I’m doing it. Don’t like the taste of your own medicine?” Silence, broken only by Victor’s indignant breathing. Then his dam of feigned calm burst. — “You actually went and did it? I was joking! I wanted to test you! Get it? Test you! And you just jumped at the chance, did you? Pouted for a day and raced off to the first bloke you found?” Liz was dumbfounded. — “And where were you tonight?” — “At work! That’s it,” Victor snapped. “I don’t want any, you know, diseases from your side. Either pack your bags, or I’m out. We’re getting divorced.” He hung up. Liz stared at the wall, horrified and humiliated. — “Are you alright?” Andrew’s voice came from behind her. — “Yeah… I’ll be fine,” Liz tried to smile, but couldn’t. — “Liz… Look, I think the mood’s changed. Maybe you should go, sort things out at home.” Cinderella’s ball was over. The carriage became a pumpkin, and her charming suitor just wanted to keep out of her drama. Fair enough—he’d signed up for a pleasant evening, not a family soap opera. Maybe she should’ve just filed for divorce straight away—but good ideas always arrive too late. That night, Liz didn’t go home. She booked a hotel. Facing Victor wasn’t an option, and she needed time to accept that things would never be the same. Three years passed… In that time, life slowly chiselled away anything unnecessary—even as it hurt. Victor acquired a new girlfriend suspiciously fast—even before the divorce was finalized. She vanished as soon as they’d sold the flat, taking his half of the money. Things with Andrew fizzled out. They still saw each other at work, but nothing more than bland pleasantries. Liz realized something: men happy to play “lover” roles quickly melt away when you need a companion for the hard days or a bit of moral support. Liz wasn’t looking anymore, anyway. When she finally had a place of her own, she discovered a sudden surplus of time and energy. Life had always been about Victor, about the chores, the drama. Now she invested in herself—not for anyone else, but for her. Mornings at the pool cured her backache. English classes kept her mind sharp. She cut her hair, revamped her wardrobe. Most important—she became a grandmother. Her daughter, Mary, had a baby girl, Sophie. At first, Mary had sided with Victor over the messy breakup—he’d painted Liz as the homewrecker, the cheater, the traitor. But time set things straight. Mary came to talk—ready to confront her mum, to look her in the eye. But instead of a “scarlet woman,” she saw a tired but honest woman. Liz told her side: Victor’s idea, his late nights at the office, the loneliness that had begun to eat her alive years ago. Mary—now married herself—understood. And once Victor showed his true colours, Mary stood firmly at her mother’s side. Now, Liz was sitting in Mary’s kitchen, holding baby Sophie as the tiny girl tried to snag her finger. — “Dad called again today,” Mary said, with a scowl. “He wanted to visit and see Sophie.” — “And?” Liz asked quietly. — “I told him we were out of town,” Mary sighed. “I don’t want him here, Mum. One minute he bad-mouths you, the next he wants us to patch you up. Every time I see him I get anxious. And I don’t want him turning Sophie against you, not even a little. Let him carry on with his ‘freedom’…” Liz just squeezed her granddaughter a little closer. Victor had gotten exactly what he wanted: total freedom. No one bothered him for attention, no one interrupted his TV shows, no one waited up for him at night. And yet, when he finally tasted freedom—he discovered it had the bitter tang of loneliness. But it was too late now.

Warmed-Over Marriage “Listen, Liz… How about we try an open relationship?”

La vida

Just Hold On a Little Longer — Mum, this is for Anna’s next term. Maria placed the envelope on the faded vinyl tablecloth. One thousand pounds. She’d counted it three times—at home, on the bus, at the flat’s front door. Each time, just enough. Ellen laid aside her knitting and looked at her daughter over the top of her glasses. — Mary, you look ever so pale. Tea? — No, Mum. I’m only here for a minute—I’ve got to get to my evening shift. The kitchen smelled of boiled potatoes and something medicinal—either joint cream or those drops Maria bought for her mother every month. Forty quid a bottle, lasting three weeks. Plus blood pressure pills, plus quarterly check-ups. — Anna was so pleased about her work placement at the bank—Ellen took the envelope carefully, as though it were fragile glass.—She says there are good prospects. Maria said nothing. — Tell her this is the last money we have for her studies. Final term. For five years, Maria had shouldered it all. Every month—a cash envelope for Mum, a bank transfer for her sister. Every month—calculator in hand and relentless subtraction: minus bills, minus medication, minus groceries for Mum, minus Anna’s course fees. And what was left for her? A rented bedsit in a shared flat, a winter coat already six years old, and forgotten dreams of her own home. Once, Maria had longed for a weekend in London. Just to see the National Gallery, to wander along the Thames. She’d even started saving—then Mum had her first bad turn, and every penny went on doctors. — You should have a break, love—Ellen stroked her hand.—You look done in. — I’ll rest. Soon. Soon—when Anna gets a job. When Mum’s health settles. When she could actually breathe and think about her own life. Maria had been promising herself “soon” for five years. Anna got her economics degree in June—a first, no less. Maria took the day off work and watched her younger sister cross the stage in a new dress—a gift from her, of course—thinking: That’s it. Now everything will change. Anna will get a job, start earning, and finally, Maria could stop counting out every penny. Four months passed. — You don’t get it, Mary—Anna sat on the sofa in fluffy socks.—I didn’t spend five years studying to slog for peanuts. — Fifty grand a year isn’t peanuts. — Maybe not for you. Maria gritted her teeth. Her main job paid forty-two. Overtime and temp work—another twenty, if she was lucky. Sixty-two per annum, and if Maria kept fifteen for herself, she was lucky. — Anna, you’re twenty-two. You’ve got to start somewhere. — I will. Just not in some dead-end job for a pittance. Ellen fussed around the kitchen, clattering dishes, pretending to ignore the row. She always did this, hiding away when her daughters argued. Then, when Maria was leaving, she’d whisper: “Don’t be hard on Anna, she’s still young, she doesn’t understand.” She doesn’t understand. Twenty-two—and she doesn’t understand. — I’m not going to live forever, Anna. — Oh, don’t be so dramatic. It’s not like I’m asking you for money. I’m just looking for the right opportunity. Not asking. Technically—not asking. But Mum would. “Mary, Anna needs money for English lessons.” “Mary, Anna’s phone’s broken, she needs it for job applications.” “Mary, Anna needs a new coat before winter.” Maria transferred money, bought the things, paid the bills. Silently. Because that was just the way—she provided, they accepted. — I’m off—she stood up.—Evening shift tonight. — Wait, I’ll pack you some pasties!—Mum called from the kitchen. They were filled with cabbage. Maria took the bag and stepped out into the cold lobby reeking of damp and cats. Ten minutes’ brisk walk to the bus stop. Then an hour’s ride. Eight hours on her feet. If she got home in time, another four hours on the computer for more work. Meanwhile, Anna would be at home, scrolling through job sites, waiting for the universe to present her with a perfect position—£60k and remote working. The first real fight happened in November. — Do you even do anything?—Maria lost her patience when she saw her sister still lounged on the couch.—Sent out your CV at all? — I have. Three times. — Three CVs in a whole month? Anna rolled her eyes, glued to her phone. — You don’t understand today’s job market. The competition’s mad, you’ve got to be selective. — Selective how? You want to be paid for lying on the sofa? Ellen poked her head from the kitchen, drying her hands on a tea towel, anxious. — Girls, shall I make tea? I baked a cake… — Don’t bother—Maria rubbed her temples. Third day in a row with a headache.—Just tell me why I have to work two jobs and she can get away with none? — Mary, Anna’s still young, she’ll find her path… — When? In a year? Five years? I was already working at her age! Anna sprang up. — Sorry I don’t want to end up like you! Run into the ground, working yourself to death! Silence. Maria wordlessly picked up her bag and left. Watching the rain splatter the bus window, she thought: Run into the ground. That’s what I look like from the outside. Ellen called the next day, begging her not to be upset. — Anna didn’t mean it. She’s worried. Just, please, hold on a little longer—she’ll find a job soon. Hold on. Her mother’s favourite phrase. Hold on, till Dad sorts himself out. Hold on, till Anna grows up. Hold on, till things get better. Maria had held on her whole life. The arguments became routine. Every visit to Mum ended the same—Maria trying to reason with her sister, Anna snapping, Ellen pleading for peace. Maria would leave, Ellen would call with apologies, and the cycle would repeat. — You must understand, she’s your sister—Mum would say. — And she must understand I’m not a cash machine. — Mary… In January, Anna called herself. Her voice was bright with excitement. — Mary! I’m getting married! — What? To whom? — His name’s David. We met three weeks ago. He’s just… Mary, he’s perfect! Three weeks. Three weeks and getting married. Maria wanted to say it was madness, that she barely knew him, but held her tongue. Maybe it was for the best. If Anna had a husband, he could support her, and Maria could, at last, breathe. The hope lasted precisely one family dinner. — I’ve got it all planned!—Anna beamed.—Reception for a hundred, live band, and there’s a dress I love, on Regent Street… Maria set down her fork. — How much is all this? — Well—Anna shrugged with that disarming smile.—About twenty grand. Maybe twenty-five. But it’s my wedding! Once in a lifetime! — And who’s paying? — Well, you know… David’s parents can’t help—they have a mortgage. Mum’s on a pension now. You’ll probably have to take out a loan. Maria stared at her sister. Then her mother. Ellen looked away. — Are you serious? — Mary, it’s a wedding—Mum used her syrupy, persuasive voice.—Once in your life. Don’t be so tight-fisted… — You want me to borrow twenty grand for the wedding of someone who never bothered to get a job? — You’re my sister!—Anna slammed her palm on the table.—It’s your duty! — My duty? Maria stood up. Her mind was suddenly calm and clear. — Five years. Five years I paid for your studies. For Mum’s medicine. For your food, clothes, bills. I work two jobs. I have no flat, no car, no holidays. I’m twenty-eight, and I haven’t bought myself anything new in over a year. — Mary, don’t get upset…—began Ellen. — No, I’m done! I’ve supported you both for years, and now you want to tell me what I owe you? That’s it. From now on, I’m living for me! She left, just managing to grab her coat. It was minus five outside, but Maria didn’t feel the chill. Warmth spread within her, as though she’d finally dropped a heavy sack she’d hauled all her life. Her phone was soon buzzing with calls. Maria declined them, blocking both numbers. …Six months later, Maria moved into a tiny place of her own, which she could finally afford. That summer, she visited London—four days, the National Gallery, riverside walks, bright nights. She bought a new dress. And another. And shoes. She heard about her family by chance—from an old school friend who worked near her mum. — Hey, is it true your sister’s wedding was cancelled? Maria froze, coffee mug in hand. — What? — Yeah, apparently her fiancé legged it when he realised there was no money. Maria sipped her coffee. It was bitter and, somehow, delicious. — No idea. We’re not in touch. That evening, Maria sat by the window in her new flat, thinking how she didn’t feel the least bit spiteful. Not at all. Only a gentle, quiet satisfaction—of someone who has finally stopped living life as a workhorse. Just Hold On a Little Longer

Here, Mum, this is for Emilys next term. Harriet set the envelope gently onto the faded oilcloth that

La vida

Run Away From Him “Oh, hey, love!” Natasha dropped into the chair next to Lila. “Long time no see. How are things?” “Hi, Nat,” Lila replied, sounding a bit distracted. “Everything’s great.” “Then why won’t you look me in the eye?” Natasha studied her friend closely. “Roma up to something again? What’s happened this time?” “Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Lila rolled her eyes, clearly regretting ever coming into this café. “Everything’s fine with me. And Roma and I are perfect. Honestly, he’s a good man. Let’s just drop it, okay?” Ignoring whatever Natasha tried to say, Lila left, abandoning her half-eaten slice of cake. She didn’t want to listen to anyone, naively believing everyone was simply jealous. Roma was… well, brilliant. Handsome, successful, caring. True, his demands were sometimes odd. Like forbidding Lila to dye her hair blonde. That was their first real row. It almost ended in a breakup! And all over such a silly thing. Lila had gone to get her hair freshened up at the salon. Her stylist was convinced she was born to be blonde. Lila gave in. She came home with platinum curls. Roma turned white with rage. A book he’d been calmly reading on the sofa went flying. There were harsh words, and the demand: dye it back. Immediately. He wouldn’t tolerate blondes in his house. Choking back tears, Lila rushed to the nearest salon. They tried to talk her out of it—the colour really did suit her—but seeing her cry, quickly fixed it all. Roma simply nodded in satisfaction and said nothing more. The next morning, he gave her an expensive bracelet as compensation. And then, there was no wearing white. Red, blue, green—any other colour, but not white. She once jokingly asked what colour her wedding dress would be. The look he gave her made her drop the topic on the spot. “Run away from him,” Natasha implored her, back then. “Don’t look back, Lil. Today it’s ‘no white dresses,’ tomorrow—what next? No stepping outside? However ‘good’ he may seem, you need to find someone else. Someone normal.” “Everyone’s got their quirks,” Lila shrugged. “It’s serious, Nat. We’re even planning a baby. Roma really wants a girl. He’s already picked the name—Angela. And you’re telling me to run.” **************************************** She should have listened to her friend. Natasha, as it turned out, was spot on about Roma’s oddness. Lila would soon see for herself. There was always one room in the house Lila was never allowed to enter. Always locked. She once joked: “You’re not related to Bluebeard by any chance?” “Don’t worry,” Roma snorted, “no bodies of ex-wives in there.” That ended the conversation about the mysterious room. Until, by chance, Lila glimpsed inside. Her last class of the day had been cancelled; she came home early. She knew Roma was in, but couldn’t find him. Passing by the forbidden door, she heard a strange voice. Carefully, she pushed at the door. Through a narrow gap, she saw a scene that chilled her to the bone. A giant portrait of a girl covered the wall. Roma knelt before it. The girl in the painting smiled sweetly, arms outstretched. She looked uncannily like Lila. They’d be sisters, if not for the hair—the girl in the portrait was blonde. “Just a little longer, Angela,” Roma kept repeating. “We’ll be together soon. She’ll give me a daughter—you’ll be reborn in that little body. Then you’ll be with me. Always. I’ll take care of you, and once you grow up, we’ll love each other again.” Lila’s mind screamed, “Psycho!” She bolted for the exit. Her friends had been right. But now what? How does one escape a madman? Especially, terrifyingly, because Lila was pregnant. Who was to judge what to do—it was still so early. Her parents were far away; her only close friend was Natasha. So that’s who she ran to. “I never imagined Roma could be like this,” Lila whispered, wringing her hands. “If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d never have believed—” “Calm down,” Natasha handed her a glass of water. Lila drank gratefully. “You’ve got to decide what you’re going to do. Will you stay with him?” “Not a chance!” she shook her head wildly. “He’s mad! I’m scared for myself and for the baby.” She forced a crooked smile. “Well at least now I know why I wasn’t allowed to dye my hair or wear white—he wanted me to look less like her.” “Thank goodness you found out before the wedding,” Natasha said sensibly. “You haven’t told him about the baby yet?” “I wanted it to be a surprise…” “Well, don’t. Just tell him you’ve met someone else. Then leave. Go home, transfer to a local uni. The important thing is to stay away from him.” “I suppose you’re right.” ***************************************** The last six months were gruelling for Lila—emotionally more than physically. Moving, explaining things to her parents… She had to drop out of uni because of the baby—she couldn’t bear the thought of an abortion; after all, the baby was innocent. As it turned out, she had a daughter, just as Roma had hoped for. Surprisingly, Roma let her go without much fuss. He only hinted that loose tongues could get her in trouble, and never asked where she went—it was as though he really didn’t care. Sometimes Lila wondered if she’d made the right decision in leaving him, and never telling him about the child. That evening, after putting little Ellie to sleep, she gazed out of the window, lost in thought. The doorbell rang. It was a food delivery—Lila never did learn to cook. After a quick dinner, she sat down at her books, determined to get back to her studies. The words blurred on the page, her head spun… Lila reached for her phone to call an ambulance, but her hands wouldn’t work. She couldn’t move at all. Just before she lost consciousness, she saw Roma, gently cradling their newborn daughter. *********************************************** Lila came round in hospital. Her mother had picked the perfect moment to visit. The police tried to find the baby—but there was no trace. Roma had vanished with the little girl, as if swallowed by the earth. It would be years before the grieving mother received any word. A photograph—of Roma, holding a beautiful blonde child in his arms.

Run from Him – Oh, hello, love! Natalie slid onto the chair next to me at the cafe. Havent seen

La vida

The Unwanted, Yet Wanted Granddaughter

Useless, Useful Granddaughter Look, over there. Thats her, Im telling you! hissed a stately woman to

La vida

Another Woman’s Son – When a Stranger Claims: “Your Husband Is the Father of My Child” As Christina enjoys a peaceful lunch, an unknown woman suddenly announces, “Your husband is the father of my child.” Unfazed, Christina calmly asks about the child’s age and learns he is eight—long before her marriage to Arthur. Uninterested in the past, Christina shrugs off the revelation, suggesting Arthur would want to help, while the woman, Marina, demands child support and threatens court. A swift DNA test confirms young Egor is indeed Arthur’s son. Curious about Egor’s withdrawn temperament, Christina visits Marina’s upscale flat, noticing Egor’s lack of toys and signs of emotional neglect, while Marina claims poverty yet flaunts luxury goods. When the case goes to court, evidence and testimony from neighbours and a child psychologist reveal Egor’s mistreatment. The judge rules in Arthur’s favour—granting him full custody and the chance for Egor to finally experience a loving family. Now, Egor has a spacious room of his own, toys galore, a computer, and, most importantly, parental love from both Christina and Arthur—something he’s never known before.

Your husband is the father of my child. With this announcement, an unfamiliar woman swooped down on Sarah

La vida

I Don’t Want Your Son Living With Us After the Wedding: When My Fiancée Forced Me to Choose Between Her and My Child

I dont want your son living with us after the wedding. Auntie Jane, could you help me with my maths homework, please?

La vida

I’ll Make a Man of Him – When My Grandson Won’t Be Left-Handed, Granny Tamara Declares: A Grandfather’s Stand Against Outdated Notions, Family Tensions, and a Battle for a Child’s True Self

I wont have my grandson growing up a lefty, huffed Margaret Davies, her voice cutting across the kitchen

La vida

Three Lives, Three Broken Paths: A Mother’s Secret, a Fateful Romance, and the Choices That Shattered a Family

Three Broken Fates Well, well, what have we here? This promises to be rather curious! As Saturday cleaning

La vida

The Road to Humanity Max sat behind the wheel of his brand-new car—the very one he’d dreamed of for the past two years. He’d scrimped and saved, turning down little luxuries to get here, and now, at last, he could savour the moment. The dashboard glowed softly in the dusk, casting a cozy light across the cabin, and the steering wheel, cool and smooth, seemed to invite his touch, yearning to respond to every movement. Max ran his palm over the leather, enjoying the chill of it, and couldn’t keep from smiling. This was more than just a car—it was the result of hard work and grit. He flicked on the radio, and the interior filled instantly with a gentle, rhythmic tune. Max started to hum along, fingers tapping in time on the dash. In that moment, happiness felt absolute. He was on his way home, where his friends were waiting to throw a little party—to toast his long-awaited purchase. In his mind, Max reviewed the stories he’d tell that night: about pinching every penny, working weekends after his day job, giving up cafés, and skipping new clothes. But right now, those memories seemed far away, unimportant. Now, he just wanted to take in the drive, to feel the power of being on the road, to enjoy the fact that a dream had finally come true. His route wound through a quiet neighbourhood. Houses lined the street in neat rows, windows glowing warm and inviting against the evening. Lamp posts lit the pavement in a soft haze, sketching patterns of shadow across the tarmac. A few passers-by hurried along, wrapping themselves in coats and scarves—it was a chilly night. Max eased off the accelerator at a junction, watching the intersection closely. And then, without warning—a child darted onto the road right in front of the car. Max didn’t even register what was happening. Instinct took over—he slammed on the brakes, the car skidded, tyres shrieked across the asphalt, leaving dark streaks. Seconds stretched forever, but somehow, miraculously, the car stopped—just inches from the boy. Max’s heart thundered, trying to break free from his chest. Cold sweat stung his eyes, blurring his vision as a piercing, distracting ringing filled his ears. He gulped air, trying to steady trembling hands, finally understanding just how close disaster had come. One second more and everything could have ended in tragedy. He’d almost hit a child… Max sat frozen for several moments, struggling to breathe. His heart still pounded in his throat, his temples throbbed. His hands shook, so he clenched them into fists, making himself take control. All he could think was, “It’s okay. It’s okay.” But anger, hot and raw, welled up from inside and demanded release. He flung the door open and stumbled out. His legs felt unsteady, but he strode over to the boy, standing a few feet away, hunched and staring at the ground. Max gripped his shoulders, not realising how tightly his fingers dug in. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?!” he hissed, trying to keep his voice low but hearing it crack anyway. “You want to get yourself killed? There are easier ways, you know!” The boy didn’t try to break away. He stood with his head bowed even lower and whispered, almost too quietly to hear: “I didn’t mean to… I just…” “Just what?!” Max’s grip tightened, but he relaxed his hands at once as the boy flinched. “If you won’t think of yourself, what about your mum? How would she feel burying her own son? I could have killed you!” Max’s words shook with not just anger, but the very fear that had frozen him for an instant—the same fear of how close he’d come to disaster. The boy gulped and, staring up with teary eyes so full of confusion and desperation, began to cry. Tears rolled slowly down his cheeks, leaving glossy trails. He looked at Max again—so lost, so desperate—that Max’s anger began to ebb. “Please help me…” the boy whispered, voice trembling. “My brother’s ill. No one would stop. So I had to run into the road.” Max froze. All anger vanished, replaced by bewilderment and a kind of empty shock. He saw only a skinny, sobbing, trembling boy—not a troublemaker, not a reckless child, but a frightened brother trying to save someone he loved. “Your brother’s ill?” Max repeated, fighting the urgency rising in him. He searched the boy’s eyes for any trace of a lie, but saw only genuine fear. “Where is he?” “There,” the boy pointed with a shaking finger towards a small park across the road. “We were out walking. Then he fell and he’s in pain. He can’t move!” Max didn’t think twice about leaving his new car unattended. He slammed the door, hit the fob to lock it, and hurried after the boy, every step echoing a chorus of “What if it’s serious? What if he needs help now?” racing round his head. They crossed the street, Max quickening his stride to keep up. The boy ran ahead, checking often to be sure Max was following. “Where are your parents?” Max asked, keeping his voice calm, even as it threatened to waver, “It’s not exactly safe for kids to be out alone.” “At work,” the boy replied, barely missing a beat. “They work all the time to earn money.” Max nodded, a pang of understanding hitting him. He knew what it meant to work day and night, to count every penny, but the thought of children left without supervision unsettled him. “So you’re on your own?” Max said gently. “And, by the way, what’s your name?” “I’m Sam,” said the boy, glancing back briefly. Tears still stood in his eyes, but his voice carried a flicker of pride. “Well, our nan looks after us, but she’s old and can’t walk well. But we’re not babies; we can play by ourselves!” They reached the park. Sam scampered confidently down a narrow path, and Max trailed close behind, anxiety growing with each step. In the distance, under the spreading boughs of a tree, lay a small figure curled up on the grass. Max’s breath caught—he remembered his own childhood. His parents had always been there: dinners round the table, talking and laughing, weekends together at home or out in the park. He’d never once been left alone to care for his brother. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on differences—it was time to help. The park was quiet, sun rays flickering through the last leaves. A little boy of about six lay doubled up on a weathered bench: face pale, lips trembling, hands clutching his stomach. “There he is! Dan, you okay?” Sam ran over, voice trembling in fear, touching his brother’s shoulder as gently as possible, afraid he might hurt him. Max dropped to his knees by the bench. Grass soaked his trousers, but he didn’t care, all focus on the boy. “Where does it hurt?” he asked carefully, keeping his tone as warm and steady as he could. He met Dan’s eyes, searching for any sign of relief, but found only fear and pain. “My stomach…” Dan choked out, barely audible. Max had to lean closer to hear. “Hurts a lot…” Max felt his insides twist. He wasn’t a doctor and had no idea what was really wrong, but it was clear the boy needed real help—not a pat on the back, but a proper hospital. An ambulance would take hours at this time… “Right, we’re off to hospital then,” Max said, careful to steady his voice. He gently scooped Dan up. The boy gasped in pain but didn’t resist—he was past arguing. “Sam, can you call your parents?” Max called back. “I left my phone at home,” Sam replied, eyes dropping, fingers nervously twisting his jacket. “But my aunt works at the hospital. She can ring Mum!” “Well, that’s something,” Max nodded, feeling a wave of relief. At least one adult would know where they were. He carried Dan to the car. Opening the back door, he settled him carefully on the seat, fastening the belt as gently as possible. Dan just sighed, silent. Sam slipped in beside his brother without a word, instantly grabbing Dan’s hand and holding it tight, as if by force of will he could give him strength. Max watched Dan visibly relax at the touch, silently praising Sam for his presence of mind. Climbing into his seat, Max first switched on the heater—the car was chilly, and the boys were cold from their time outside. Then he started the engine, checked the mirrors, and eased off, heading toward the hospital. He tried to keep his voice calm and steady. “Nearly there, Dan, hold on, all right?” “Okay…” Dan murmured, so faint Max wasn’t sure he’d heard. “Good lad,” Max encouraged. “We’ll be there soon.” Sam whispered something to Dan, earning a slight smile in return—a small reassurance for Max that they were coping, for now. “You did well, Sam,” Max said as the hospital’s lights grew closer, neon signs flashing past as they approached the entrance. “You didn’t hesitate to help your brother. But can we make a deal?” He eased the car into a parking bay, turned off the engine, and turned to Sam. In the glow of the cabin light, Sam’s face looked so young, still frightened but steely beneath the tears. “No more running into roads. You could have died tonight, and that wouldn’t have helped your brother.” Sam nodded, understanding, tears streaking once more—not out of fear, but the realisation of what could have happened. “Promise,” he whispered, clenching his jacket. Max’s smile was soft; he squeezed Sam’s shoulder gently. “Good lad. Let’s look after Dan now.” Inside, Max carried Dan into A&E. A nurse in blue assessed the situation quickly and whisked Dan off for checks. Sam sat on a hard plastic bench, fists clenched, staring at nothing. Max paced nearby, glancing at the doors that had swallowed Dan. Half an hour later, a woman appeared, breathless and wild-eyed. Seeing Sam, she called out: “Sam!” He leapt up and flung himself into her arms, shaking. “Mum!” he hiccupped, voice trembling. “Dan’s really poorly… we didn’t know what to do…” “It’s all right, darling,” she soothed, stroking his hair, voice close to breaking. “You did brave. Where is he?” “He’s with the doctors,” Max said, stepping closer. “I found Sam running out onto the road—he explained about his brother and we drove here.” The woman looked at Max, fear and gratitude mingling on her face. “Thank you… I don’t know how to thank you enough. My husband and I work late, my mum usually watches them, but she’s unwell… I never thought they’d go out alone…” “Dan’s in good hands now,” Max cut her off gently, steering the conversation away from guilt. “Let’s wait for news together.” They all sat—together, but inside their own thoughts, the tension fading now that they were no longer alone. The mother hugged Sam, stroking his hair, whispering comfort. “It’ll be alright,” she murmured. “I’m here.” Sam pressed closer. He didn’t cry now, but still trembled—whether from cold or all that had happened, Max couldn’t tell. Max stood aside, watching—this was a moment for them. But he couldn’t quite leave until he knew Dan was safe. He felt the tension draining from him as the minutes ticked by, leaving only exhaustion…and a warm sense of reassurance that things were, at last, going to be okay. The mother turned to Max. Her eyes, brimming with tears, met his. “You really helped them?” she asked, stepping towards him. “I did,” Max nodded, keeping his voice even. “I saw Sam run out, pulled over, he told me about Dan, and we came straight here.” He left out the details—no need to remind anyone just how close it had all been. That was in the past. “Thank you,” she said, shaking his hand firmly. “Not many would have stopped. People just… don’t want to get involved.” “It’s alright,” Max said softly. He felt the warmth of her gratitude spread through him. “What matters is Dan’s alright.” She nodded, closing her eyes for a moment, then hurried to speak to a doctor who emerged from a doorway. Max saw her face relax with relief as the news came through—all was well. Quietly, not wanting to intrude further, Max slipped outside into the cold evening air. He paused, staring at the hospital’s glow, and took a deep breath. Then he turned back to his car, feeling a quiet satisfaction—today, he’d done something that mattered. The air was cold—he shivered, tucking his jacket closer. He took his phone out, thinking to ring his mates and cancel the party with an explanation, but stopped mid-action. He stood there, looking up at the sky, bright with pale stars, as scenes replayed in his mind: frightened Sam, pale Dan, their desperate mother, the rush down hospital corridors. Today, I made a difference, he thought, and that warmed him even as he shivered. He’d only been driving home, only saw a child in the road, only did what anyone should do—but it had become so much more. Maybe, tomorrow, someone would help him…and that thought filled him with hope. He pocketed his phone, drew another deep breath, and headed for the car. The familiar clunk of the door, the purr of the engine, the warmth rising through the seats—all signalled a return to normality. Driving home, seeing the lights, the people strolling, the shopfronts glowing, he realised—life went on, always with room for small, vital acts of kindness. Though the party was postponed, Max felt no disappointment. Instead, contentment grew. The day had become important, not for the new car, nor the celebration, but because he had done something truly worthwhile. It was a satisfaction greater than any party. As he drove, he recalled his own childhood, his parents always there for him, helping solve any problem together. He now saw not every child had such support. Simple human kindness—a timely word, a hand reached out—meant so much. You didn’t need to be a hero. You just needed not to turn away. Though the celebration would wait, Max was at peace. Today had mattered, not because of the car or the party, but because he had made a difference. And that feeling was worth more than anything else. He drove on, watching the city lights and the people walking home, knowing that life would always make space for small, unsung acts of kindness.

The Road to Becoming Human Matthew sat behind the wheel of his brand-spanking-new car the very one hed

La vida

A Lesson for the Wife

A Lesson for My Wife “I can’t stand it anymore!” I snapped, sending my spoon clattering