**A Heart Mended by Hope: The Road to New Happiness**
*Diary Entry*
“Emily, it’s over between us,” William said coldly. “I want a proper family, children. You can’t give me that. I’ve filed for divorce. You have three days to pack your things. If you leave, let me know. I’ll be staying at Mums until I sort the flat for the baby and his mother. Yes, dont look surprisedmy new girlfriend is pregnant. Three days, Emily!”
Emily stayed silent, feeling the ground vanish beneath her feet. What could she say? For five years, theyd tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended in tragedy. The doctors assured her she was healthy, yet each time, something went wrong. Emily lived carefully, especially during those fragile months. Last time, shed fainted at work, and the ambulance didnt arrive in time
The door slammed behind William, and Emily, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa. She hadnt the strength to pack. Where would she go? Before marriage, shed lived with her aunt, but shed passed, and the flat had been sold by her cousin. Return to her grandmothers cottage in the Cotswolds? Rent somewhere? And her job? Questions swirled, but time ticked on.
Morning came, and the door creaked open. Her mother-in-law, Margaret, stepped in.
“Not sleeping? Good,” she said sharply. “Ive come to make sure you dont take what isnt yours.”
“Ive no interest in your sons old socks,” Emily frowned. “Would you like to count my things?”
“How rude youve become! You were so meek once. I told William after the first pregnancy youd never bear a child.”
“Is that why youre here? Then be quiet and watch.”
“Why are you taking the tea set?” Margaret bristled.
“Its minefrom my aunt, a keepsake.”
“The place will look empty without it!”
“Not my concern. At least youll have a grandchild.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“The laptop, coffee maker, and microwave were gifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“Youve got everything but cant have children!”
“Not your business. Seems it wasnt meant to be.”
“Dont you regret it? Maybe you did it on purpose?”
“Dont be absurd. I cant even think of it without pain.”
Emily glanced aroundher things were disappearing. Hairbrush, makeup, shoes Had she forgotten something? Margarets presence grated. Then she rememberedthe porcelain cat, her grandmothers gift. Inside was a hidden compartment with earrings and a ringworth little, but priceless to her. William had called it rubbish. Had he tossed it? She stepped onto the balcony.
“What are you doing out there?” Margaret snapped. “Hurry up and leave!”
She found the cat, everything untouched. Now she could go.
“Here are the keys. Goodbye. Lets not meet again.”
Emily went to the office. She was on sick leave but asked for holiday.
“Were here for you,” her boss said. “But its tough without you. Three weeks enough? Stay in touch.”
She closed her eyes, feeling Pauls hand gently squeeze hers, knowing that after so much hurt, her new life was just beginning.
*Lesson learned: Some endings are merciless, but they make room for kinder beginnings.*
