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Temporary Houseguests: When Family Outstays Its Welcome and Kindness Runs Thin

You won’t believe what happenedits one of those classic family dramas. So, Im sitting there one

Is the Orchid Really to Blame? —Polly, take this orchid or I’m throwing it out, Katya said carelessly, handing me the clear pot from the windowsill. —Oh, thanks, love! But what’s so wrong with this orchid? I wondered aloud, seeing she still had three lush, healthy orchids left. —This one was given to my son for his wedding. You know how that turned out… Katya sighed heavily. —I know Denis divorced less than a year in. I won’t ask why; I can imagine it was something serious. Denis adored Tanya, after all, I didn’t want to pick at Katya’s still-fresh wound. —I’ll tell you the reason for the divorce someday, Polly. But for now, it’s hard to talk about, Katya sniffed, lost in thought. I took the “banished” and “rejected” orchid home. My husband looked at the wilted flower with a sympathetic frown. —Why this little wretch? There’s no life in it. Even I can see that. Don’t waste your time. —I want to bring it back to life. I’ll give it love and care. You’ll soon see how beautiful it can be, I insisted, determined to “breathe” life into the drooping plant. My husband winked mischievously: —Who could turn down a bit of love? A week later, Katya rang up: —Polly, may I visit? I can’t carry this burden. I want to tell you everything about Denis’s failed marriage. —Of course, Katya, come round. I could never say no to my friend. Katya had once supported me through divorces and hard times; our friendship went back years. Katya arrived in an hour. She settled in the kitchen, and over a glass of dry wine, a cup of fresh coffee, and some dark chocolate, she began a long, heartfelt tale… I Never Thought My Ex-Daughter-in-law Could Do This: An Orchid’s Journey Through a Wedding, a Sudden Divorce, and the Blossoming of New Love — A Story of Friendship, Family, Betrayal, and Healing in the Heart of England

IS THE ORCHID TO BLAME? Polly, take this orchid with you or Ill just throw it out, Kate said carelessly

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The Truth That Gripped My Heart While hanging freshly washed laundry on the garden line, Tanya heard quiet sobs and peeked over the fence. There, sitting by her fence, was little Sophie–her eight-year-old neighbour. Though already in her second year of school, the petite, fragile girl looked more like a six-year-old. “Sophie, are they picking on you again? Come with me,” Tanya moved aside the loose plank, always ready for her, knowing Sophie often ran for comfort. “Mum kicked me out—said, ‘Get lost,’ then shoved me outside. She and Uncle Colin are having fun in there,” explained Sophie between teary sniffs. “Alright, let’s go inside. Lizzie and Mike are having lunch, I’ll get you some too.” Tanya had rescued Sophie from her mother’s harsh hands many times. Living just over the fence was a blessing; she’d take Sophie in, never letting her return home until Anna, her mother, calmed down. Sophie longed for the warmth she saw next door, where Lizzie and Mike were cherished by Auntie Tanya and her husband—never scolded, never afraid. Their house was always calm, their parents’ love obvious. Sophie’s envy stung her inside, a heavy ache in her chest–she cherished every minute in the gentle home. In her own house, everything was forbidden to Sophie. Her mother made her fetch water, muck out the shed, weed the gardens, mop the floors. Anna raised her daughter alone, and hadn’t loved her from the start. Sophie’s grandmother was alive then, but ill. She loved her granddaughter and took care of her, since Anna showed little interest. Life was tolerable while Grandma was alive, but after she died when Sophie was six, things grew bleak. Anna became bitter, furious at being without a husband (unlike other women), always searching for company. As a cleaner at the bus depot, she was surrounded by men. When newcomer Colin arrived, Anna was quick to invite him home. Colin was divorced, with a son for whom he paid support. Anna had him move in almost immediately, thrilled to have a man in the house. Colin knew he’d found a comfortable home–Anna fussed over him, loved him. The small daughter didn’t bother him at all: “Let her run underfoot, she’ll be of use when she grows.” Anna’s attentions were all for Colin; her daughter got only work and scolding, sometimes blows. “If you don’t listen, I’ll send you to foster care,” Anna threatened. Sophie struggled with the chores and would sit under the neighbours’ currant bush, quietly crying. Tanya always took her inside the moment she saw her. Sophie grew up withdrawn, battered by her home life. Friends and neighbours criticised Anna’s treatment of Sophie; in their village, everyone knew everyone else. Tanya never kept silent, but Anna spread gossip in response. “Don’t believe that nosy Tanya–she wants my Colin for herself. That’s why she makes up stories about how we treat my daughter!” Anna and Colin often celebrated with drink; during those raucous nights Sophie escaped and slept at Tanya’s house, who understood her suffering and always protected her. Time passed. Sophie did well at school, growing up. She finished her GCSEs with top marks, hoping to apply for nurse training in the city. Her mother was stern: “You’re old enough to work. You’re not staying here sponging off me.” Sophie fled, crying, since she wasn’t allowed to cry at home. Once composed, she went to Tanya, venting her hopes and worries. Tanya’s children were already studying in the city. This time, Tanya had had enough–she confronted Anna herself. “You’re not a mother, Anna, you’re a monster. Other parents do everything for their children, but you’re destroying yours. She’s your child, Anna! She’s nearly aced her GCSEs. Later, you’ll come crawling to her.” “Who are you to butt in? Mind your own!” Anna retorted, furious. “Wake up, Anna! Colin sent his son off to study, but you’re cruel to your own. Are you even human?” Anna raged, but then exhausted, collapsed on the sofa. “Maybe I’m strict. Maybe I hurt Sophie. But it’s for her own good—so she won’t end up like me, won’t come home pregnant. Let her try for college, then. Fine.” Sophie aced her nurse entrance with ease, overjoyed despite her modest clothes—she stood out in her class, but didn’t mind; there were other country girls, too. She visited home rarely, not wanting to see her mother or stepfather. During holidays, her first stop was always Tanya’s. Tanya and her husband welcomed her at the table, eager to hear her news. Meanwhile Anna’s troubles spiralled—Colin had left her for a younger woman. Anna was anxious, bitter; Sophie returned for the holidays. Anna snapped, “What are you doing here, just loafing around? You should get a job!” Colin came home, gathered his things. “Where do you think you’re going?” Anna yelled. “Rita’s expecting my child. I won’t abandon my kid like you. That’s your daughter, but you treat her like she’s not yours. My child will grow up knowing love from both parents. Your Sophie’s never known a mother’s embrace. Mine will.” With that, he left. Anna was stunned, unable to scream or cry—Colin’s words were a devastating truth that silenced her completely, squeezing her empty inside. Sophie had overheard it all. She refused to comfort her mother, remembering every time she’d been hit and thrown out for disturbing Colin’s rest. He’d never defended her—just watched smugly. By her final year, Sophie was working at the hospital, self-sufficient. She stopped visiting home; Anna drank and had little money, sinking lower and lower. From a battered child, Sophie blossomed into a beautiful, caring young woman, respected by staff and patients alike. Some even praised Anna’s “good raising”—Sophie smiled silently, knowing all credit belonged to Tanya. Anna began bringing home drinking companions; Sophie, rarely visiting, was appalled at her mother’s state. Anna no longer worked, having been dismissed long ago. Sophie had no words to convince, no strength to argue. Hoping for some change, she only wished to evict the rowdy friends, renovate the house, and start anew with her mother—but Anna had chosen her path. On graduation, Sophie returned home. Anna glared at her. “What are you here for? Are you staying long? The fridge is off and there’s no food. Give me money, my head hurts.” A lump formed in Sophie’s throat, but she didn’t cry. Calmly, she replied, “I’m not staying, don’t worry… I finished college with distinction, moving to the city for work at a regional hospital. I won’t visit often, but I’ll send a little money. Goodbye, Mum.” It’s unlikely Anna understood a word–her only concern was for drink, demanding money from her daughter. “Give me money! Don’t you care about your mother? What kind of daughter are you…” Sophie set some cash on the table and gently closed the door behind her, pausing in vain hope that her mum would rush out and embrace her. But there was just silence. She went next door. Tanya was delighted, invited her to the table. “Come on, Sophie, we’re just having lunch,” her husband already seated. “Oh, I nearly forgot—this is for you. A present for graduating with honours–and some money to help you get started.” Sophie thanked her, but broke down in tears. “Auntie Tanya, why? Why does Mum treat me like a stranger?” “Don’t cry, darling,” Tanya hugged her warmly, “Don’t cry. Anna’s just that way. Maybe you were born at the wrong time. But you’re clever, beautiful, and you’ll be happy and loved one day.” Sophie moved to the city, worked as a surgical nurse. She met her soulmate, a young surgeon named Oliver; soon they were married. At her wedding, Tanya sat beside Sophie instead of her mother, overjoyed for her. Anna bragged to drinking friends about the money Sophie sent–“I raised such a daughter, and now she’s grateful, sends me money. Only thing is, she never invited me to her wedding, never visits, and I’ve never met my son-in-law, or my grandchildren.” Some time later, Tanya discovered Anna at home, lying dead on the floor. No one knew how long she’d lain there; neighbours had noticed the silence. Sophie and her husband arranged Anna’s funeral, sold the house soon after, and continued to visit Tanya and her husband when they could.

The Painful Truth Inside I was out in the garden, pegging wet laundry onto the washing line when I heard

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I Gave You Life, After All

Just a parasite! Michaels voice booms through the cramped flat, echoing down the narrow hallway.

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Happy Women Always Look Fabulous Lily was deeply shaken by her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone—her daughter away at university in another city. Two months ago, her husband Igor had come home, sat down, and announced: “I’m leaving you. I’ve fallen in love.” “In love? With whom?” Lily was stunned. “As men do. I fell for someone else. I feel good with her, I forget about you completely,” he replied matter-of-factly, like it was no big deal. He packed quickly and left. Only afterwards, reflecting, did Lily realise the decision hadn’t been made overnight. He’d been taking his things bit by bit, and that day he just threw them in a suitcase and shut the door on their life together. Lily cried, mourned, and thought nothing good would ever happen to her again. Life seemed to have stopped. She didn’t want to see or talk to anyone. Her phone rang constantly—her daughter, her best friend—but she answered reluctantly, usually hanging up quickly. At work, she didn’t want to talk to colleagues, all of whom looked at her differently; some with pity, others with a smirk. Lily still hoped: Maybe Igor’s fling would lose its appeal, maybe he would return to her. “If he comes back, I’ll forgive him—I still love him.” One weekend morning, Lily woke up early, as always, but lay in bed—no reason to get up, no reason to rush anywhere. Around eleven, her phone rang. “Who bothers calling this early? I don’t want to talk to anyone,” she decided, glancing at the unfamiliar number. Then a thought popped into her head—what if it was Igor, who’d lost his phone or needed a new SIM? What if he wanted to come back? She regretted not answering. As she pondered, the phone rang again. “Hello?” she said into the receiver. “Hi!” chirped a lively female voice. “Sorry, who is this?” Lily replied, voice dripping with irritation. “Lily, it’s me—Kerry! Your old mate!” came the answer. Lily was disappointed; she’d been hoping to hear Igor’s voice. “How are you holding up?” “Not well,” Lily answered, quickly hanging up as tears streamed down. She sat on the sofa and tried to calm herself. Shortly after, someone rang the doorbell. Lily’s heart leapt—could it be that Igor had changed his mind? She opened the door, and found herself face-to-face with a glamorous, confident woman—her old school friend Kerry. Kerry was radiant, with bold lipstick, stylish clothes, and a heavenly perfume that snapped Lily into the present. After school, Kerry had gone off to university in London, and they’d only met once in the last fifteen years. At school, they’d danced at parties, gossiped, swapped secrets. “Wow, you look amazing!” Lily said involuntarily. “Hey, darling. I’ve always looked like this. You… not so much,” Kerry said, giving Lily a top-to-bottom scan. “Well, are you going to let me in, or—?” “Come in,” Lily replied, grudgingly letting her friend into the flat. Kerry had come prepared, heading straight for the kitchen with a bottle of Spanish wine, cake, and oranges. “Get out the wine glasses—let’s toast our reunion!” Kerry chattered away, and Lily, wordlessly, fetched glasses and sliced cake. Without asking more questions, Kerry opened the wine and poured them both drinks. “To our reunion!” she cheered, raising her glass. They toasted, and after another round, Lily finally spilled everything—her pain, her heartbreak. Kerry just listened, then shrugged. “Oh Lily, I thought something truly awful had happened.” “It has!” Lily protested. “Your husband never left you.” “My husband? Please, I left him,” Kerry replied, “after I found out he’d hooked up with some young thing. I filed for divorce right away! He was so shocked—thought he could party on the side and I’d never notice.” “Maybe you didn’t love him,” Lily sighed. “I did love him—a lot,” said Kerry, “but I refuse to stay with someone who hurts me. That’s not love.” “My goodness, Kerry, you make it sound so simple.” “It is! You just complicate everything—and you always have. So where’s your daughter?” “She’s at university, in another city. Staying with an aunt.” “Figures. So your ex ditched you and his daughter, but you’re still suffering.” “But I love him…” “Enough, Lily. Time for my special treatment for heartbreak—no pills needed. Shopping, makeovers, and maybe new romance!” “Ooooh, Kerry…” “Come on, get dressed! We’re off to the shopping centre, then the salon. No excuses. And do you have any cash put by?” “Well, yes—we were saving for a new car for Igor.” “He can make do with his old banger. You need to file for divorce and stop hoping for him to come back. And, actually, we should get your share for that car!” “No, let him keep it,” Lily snapped. “Kerry, are you back from London for good?” “For good—I can’t stand it there anymore. Now get changed—we’re taking you out! Oh, and by the way, Rita Petrov called. There’s a school reunion in a week, and we’re both going. Quite a few of the lads are single. Remember Vic from our class, the one who always had a thing for you since Year Seven?” “Oh Kerry, who would want me now—I’m just an old nag.” “Don’t be daft, Lily! You need to love yourself! We’ll have you looking like a prize-winning filly in no time,” Kerry laughed as she dragged Lily out of the door. “Hey, you remember my Auntie Cathy? She lives near your mum. She’s getting married for the fifth time, but can’t pick between two chaps!” Soon, Lily could hardly recognise herself in the mirror. “Unbelievable! Brand new hair colour, super-short cut—I’d never have thought it would suit me so much,” Lily marvelled. “I look young and gorgeous! Thank God for Kerry, she’s given me a new lease of life. Otherwise, I’d have sunk into bed and mouldered.” The school reunion was held at a local café, nearly everyone was there except a few who couldn’t travel. Many didn’t recognise Lily at first; Vic, now a successful businessman, couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Lily, I didn’t even recognise you—you’re more stunning now than ever! I always fancied you, but you chose Igor instead. Where is he, anyway?” “He left me,” Lily smiled. “He left? Don’t joke, Lily—no one would ever walk away from a woman like you.” “Apparently they do. But it’s for the best.” “I never doubted that. I’m divorced too—been two years. Things took a turn with my business, and my now ex-wife called me a loser and went off with someone younger. But I bounced back, stronger than ever.” Two months later, Lily was out hand-in-hand with Vic, strolling along the Thames after a night at the theatre. Suddenly, she saw Igor walking toward them, looking gaunt and alone. He didn’t recognise her at first. “Maybe his new woman doesn’t feed him well,” she thought snarkily. Igor caught her eye, hesitated, and asked, “Lily?” She turned slowly, smiled, and said, “Oh, hello. This is Igor—my ex-husband. You didn’t recognise him, did you, Vic?” “Hello. Nope, I didn’t,” Vic said. “I’m Lily’s future husband.” Igor’s jaw dropped. Even Lily was surprised—Vic hadn’t actually proposed yet! “How are you?” Lily asked cheerily. “Oh, I’m… fine,” Igor stammered, “You’ve changed so much! You look fantastic.” Lily smiled, took Vic’s arm and said, “Happy women always look fabulous.” “So things are good for you?” Igor muttered. “Of course! And they’re going to get even better,” Lily replied, and walked off with Vic, feeling the burning gaze of her ex-husband on her back.

Happy women always look their best Claire was deeply hurt by her husband’s betrayal. At forty

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Like a Bird Drawn to the Call – “Girls, you only get married once in your life. You should stay with the one you love till your last breath, rather than drifting endlessly, searching for your ‘other half’—or you’ll end up like a nibbled apple core. Married men are strictly off-limits. Don’t even think about getting involved; telling yourself ‘just a quick fling’ will only send you both spiraling into disaster while happiness slips past… My parents have been together fifty years, the perfect example. I promised myself I’d find my soul mate and cherish him with all my heart—wise words from my grandmother that I believed completely. My friends always laughed: ‘Don’t be silly, Ksyusha. Wait till you fall for a married man—let’s see how easily you let him go…’ But I never told my friends that before marriage, my mother had my older sister by someone unknown—a scandal that haunted us for years. Five years later, I was born in wedlock; Dad fell madly in love with Mum, and they stuck together through it all. We had to move away, and from then on I swore: no affairs, no children out of wedlock. But fate had its own plans… My sister Sonia and I never saw eye to eye. She always felt our parents favored me; she’s never stopped being jealous. It was always a silent contest for parental love—a bit ridiculous. I met Yegor at a club—he was a cadet, I was a nurse. We hit it off instantly, married within a month, and I was completely smitten. After Yegor’s training, we moved far from home, and soon enough the arguments began. I had no one to turn to—Mum was in another country. Our daughter Tanya was born in the ‘90s, with all the upheaval of the times. Yegor left the army, began drinking heavily. I tried to console him, saying it would all pass, but he slipped further away—disappearing for days, once even a month, before returning and tossing a briefcase stuffed with cash on the table. I stashed it away, untouched—something felt wrong. When he finally came back, exhausted and demanding my gold jewellery to pay off some ‘serious’ people, I was terrified. I handed him the case and told him it was enough; Tanya and I would cope. In the end, he made love to me with the wild desperation of someone already leaving. The next morning, he was gone again—for years. At the hospital where I worked, a married doctor, Dmitri, began courting me. I resisted, still married although my husband was a ghost. Then Yegor returned, asking for a divorce—he’d fathered another son and wanted to be a proper dad. I agreed without emotion; ‘You can’t gather spilt water,’ as the saying goes. He didn’t even care to see Tanya. That was the last time they met. Stranded in loneliness, I let myself be swept up by Dmitri, even though he was married. Our affair lasted three years. He proposed, but I refused to build our happiness on someone else’s heartbreak. Finally, I transferred jobs to end our romance for good. Then came Vasily, a patient at my new hospital—a single dad bringing up his son after his wife left him for another man. The jokes and banter turned into love. His son Denis was seven, my Tanya eight; our families blended under a lucky star. There were stresses and struggles, but Vasya and I always stood together with no secrets. Thirty years on, I treasure him more than anything. Just the other day, Yegor called my mum, saying, ‘I’ve never met a woman like Ksyusha…’”

LIKE A LARK TO HIS CALL Girls, you must marry only once, and make it last until your final breath.

La vida

RAW AND UNFILTERED… In This English Family, Everyone Lived for Themselves. Dad, Alex, had more than just a wife—he had a string of lovers, sometimes more than one at a time. Mum, Jane, aware of her husband’s affairs, was hardly a saint herself—she enjoyed spending time away from the family with a married colleague. Their two sons were left to their own devices, with no one really bothering to raise them. Mum insisted the school should handle all responsibility for her sons. The family only gathered at the kitchen table on Sundays, just to eat quickly and then disappear into their own separate worlds. And so, this broken, sinful, yet oddly sweet family might have continued in their own spoiled chaos—until the unthinkable happened. …When the younger son, Danny, was twelve, Dad Alex took him to his garage for the first time to help out. As Danny eyed the strange tools, Alex slipped out to chat with his car-loving mates nearby. Suddenly, black smoke and flames billowed from the garage! No one understood what had happened. (Later, it was discovered Danny had knocked over a lit blowtorch onto a petrol can.) People froze. Panicked. The fire raged on. Someone doused Alex with water, and he dashed inside. Seconds later, he emerged from the burning maw, carrying his lifeless son. Danny was badly burnt—only his face, which he must have shielded with his hands, was untouched. All his clothes had burned away. The fire brigade and ambulance were already on their way. Danny was raced to hospital. He was alive! He was taken straight into surgery. Hours later, a doctor told Alex and Jane: “We’re doing all that is medically and humanly possible. Your son is in a coma. His chances of survival—one in a million. Conventional medicine can do no more. But, should Danny have the will to live, there could be a miracle. Be strong.” Without a thought, Alex and Jane dashed to the nearest church. A torrential rain started. The desperate parents barely even noticed. They had to save their child! Soaked to the skin, they entered the church for the first time in their lives. It was quiet and nearly empty. Spotting a vicar, they hesitantly approached. “Vicar, please—our son is dying! What should we do?” Jane sobbed. “My name is Father Samuel, my children. When you’re frightened, you turn to God, eh? Are you great sinners?” he asked directly. “Not really—we’ve never killed anyone,” Alex muttered, lowering his eyes under Father Samuel’s piercing gaze. “But why did you kill the love in your family? It’s lying dead at your feet. Between loving husband and wife, not even a thread should pass—between you, you could lose a whole log! Ah, people…” “Pray, my children. Pray to St. Nicholas for your son’s health! Pray with all your might! And remember, all is in God’s hands. Do not curse the heavens! Sometimes, God teaches the foolish this way. Otherwise, you’d never learn! You’ll destroy your own souls without even noticing. Change your ways! Love can save everything!” Alex and Jane stood shivering from rain and tears, listening to Father Samuel’s bitter truths—like a pair of ugly ducklings. He pointed them to the icon of St. Nicholas. Alex and Jane fell to their knees and prayed desperately, sobbing and making vows… Every extra-marital relationship was put aside, once and for all. Forgotten and erased. They dissected their lives, letter by letter, thread by thread… The next morning, the hospital called. Danny had come out of his coma. Alex and Jane rushed to his bedside. Danny opened his eyes and tried to smile at them. It was a painful attempt—the suffering etched on his young face. “Mum, Dad, please—don’t split up,” Danny whispered. “Darling, why would you say that? We’re together,” Jane answered, gently brushing his weak, hot hand. Danny flinched and cried out in pain. Jane pulled back. “I saw it, Mum! And when I have children, they’ll have your names…” Alex and Jane exchanged glances, thinking their son was delirious. What children, Danny? You can barely move your finger! Just get well and we’ll thank God! …But from that moment, Danny began to recover. All the family’s resources went into his treatment. Alex and Jane even sold their cottage. Sadly, the garage and car were lost in the fire—they too could have been sold for Danny’s recovery. But what mattered most was their son survived! All the grandparents helped in whatever way they could. The family drew together in their shared ordeal. …Even the longest day comes to an end. A year passed. Danny was now in rehab. He could walk and take care of himself. There, Danny befriended a girl named Molly—like him, a fire survivor. Molly’s face had been burnt. After several operations, Molly was shy and avoided mirrors. Danny felt a warm compassion towards her—she radiated a wisdom and vulnerability that made you want to protect her. All their free time was spent together. They had much in common—unbearable pain, despair, handfuls of bitter pills, learning not to fear endless jabs, nurses’ white coats… They had favourite topics and could talk forever. Time passed… Danny and Molly had a modest wedding. They went on to have beautiful children—a daughter Charlotte, and three years later, a son, Jon. Finally, the family breathed easy—until Alex and Jane decided to part ways. The ordeal had exhausted them so much, they could no longer bear to be together. Each longed for release and peace. Jane moved in with her sister out of town. Before leaving, she went to church for Father Samuel’s blessing. She had visited him many times, always thanking him for saving her son. “Thank God, Jane,” he’d say. The vicar disapproved of Jane’s departure. “But if you must, go. Find rest. Sometimes solitude is good for the soul. But come back! Husband and wife are one!” Alex stayed alone in the empty flat. Their sons, now with families, lived separately. Ex-spouses visited their grandchildren on a rota, carefully avoiding each other. In short, everyone was finally comfortable…

TO THE QUICK In this family, everyone largely minded their own business. David, the father, somehow managed

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ARE YOU MY HAPPINESS? Honestly, I never planned to get married. But if not for the determination of my future husband, I might still be soaring free. Artem fluttered around me like a lovesick butterfly, never letting me out of his sight, eager to please, treating me like a queen. Eventually, I gave in—and we got married. Artem became my homely, familiar, and dear companion straight away—our life together felt so natural, like slipping on a pair of comfy slippers. After a year, our son, Edward, was born. At the time, Artem worked in another city, coming home only once a week, always bringing treats for me and little Eddie. One visit, as usual, I prepared to do his laundry and checked all his pockets—a habit after once washing his driving licence! This time, a folded paper dropped out of his trousers—a list of school supplies (it was August) and at the bottom, in childish writing: “Dad, come home soon.” So this is how my husband entertains himself elsewhere! Double life! Without causing drama, I packed a bag, took my son’s hand (Eddie wasn’t even three yet), and went to my mum’s for a long visit. She gave us a room: “Stay here till you patch things up.” Then I thought about getting back at my ungrateful husband and remembered my old classmate, Rob—he fawned over me during school and kept in touch. I called him: “Hi Rob! Still single?” “Nancy? Wow, who cares—married, divorced… Want to catch up?” That unexpected romance lasted half a year. Artem came every month with child support for Edward, handed it to my mum, then left without a word. I knew he lived with Cathy Evans—a woman with a daughter from a previous marriage. Cathy insisted her girl call Artem “Dad.” They all moved into Artem’s flat. Cathy adored him—knitted socks and jumpers, cooked hearty meals. I learned this much later. For years, I’d tease my husband about that “Saint Cathy.” Back then, I thought our marriage was dead—done for… But when Artem and I met for coffee to discuss divorce, nostalgia swept over us. Artem confessed his undying love and regret—he didn’t know how to get rid of clingy Cathy. Suddenly, I felt so sorry for him—we reunited. (He never knew about Rob.) Cathy and her daughter left town for good. Seven years of happiness passed. Then Artem was in a car accident—leg surgery, rehab, walking with a stick. Two years of struggle, and he started to drink heavily, withdrawing from everyone. It was painful to watch. He refused help, draining himself and our son. Then, at work, I found comfort in Paul—a listening ear during cigarette breaks, a walking buddy after work, always supportive. Paul was married, with his wife expecting their second child—yet somehow we ended up in bed. Strange—he was much shorter than me, not at all my type! Suddenly, Paul whisked me to art exhibits, concerts, ballet. When his wife gave birth, he pulled back from it all, quit work, moved jobs. Maybe he was letting me slip away? I didn’t hold onto him, letting him return to his family—I never meant to invade someone else’s love. Meanwhile, Artem kept drinking. Five years later, I randomly ran into Paul—he seriously proposed! I found it hilarious. Artem rallied briefly, went abroad to work in Prague. I filled the role of model wife and caring mum, devoted to our family. Artem returned in half a year, we renovated the flat, bought gadgets; he fixed his car. Life looked up—until he relapsed. A new cycle of drinking began, with friends dragging him home, pockets emptied. I’d wander our neighbourhood searching for him, usually finding him asleep on a bench. Life was chaotic. One spring day, I stood gloomily at the bus stop—birds chirped, sun shone, but I felt nothing. Suddenly, a charming man whispered: “Maybe I can ease your troubles?” I turned. Goodness, what a handsome stranger! I was 45—could I bloom again? Flustered, I jumped on the bus. He waved as I left. All day, I only thought of him. For weeks, he waited for me every morning at that stop. I came early, looking for him. When he saw me, he’d send air kisses. One day he brought red tulips. “What am I supposed to do with flowers at work? The girls’ll realise!” He laughed, handed the bouquet to an old lady watching us. She beamed: “Thanks, love! Hope you find a passionate girlfriend!” I blushed—at least she didn’t wish a young lover on him! He said: “Nancy, let’s be guilty together! You won’t regret it.” Honestly, the offer was tempting. My marriage was, well, non-existent—Artem, an immovable log, lost in drink. The stranger—George—was a non-smoker, teetotaller, ex-athlete (aged 57), and a captivating conversationalist—divorced. There was an irresistible pull about him. I plunged headlong into this affair—far wilder than I’d expected! Three years, I was torn between home and George. My soul was in turmoil. I wanted to escape, but couldn’t—in body and spirit, George took over. Logic said I should leave; fascination made me stay. Every time I fled home after our fiery nights, I just wanted to cuddle up to my husband—even stinking drunk, he felt wholesome and familiar. Your own crust is better than someone else’s pie! That was life’s truth. Passion, after all, is close to “pain.” I just hoped I’d suffer through George and return to my family, not chase reckless pleasure. My son knew about George—once spotted us in a restaurant with his girlfriend. I introduced them. They shook hands and parted ways. Later at dinner, Edward looked at me, expecting answers. I joked about a work project: “In a restaurant, though?” he nodded, “Sure.” Edward never judged, just asked me not to divorce Dad—maybe Dad would recover. I was a lost lamb. My divorced friend warned me to “ditch these useless lovers and settle down.” She’d had three husbands—her advice was seasoned. I listened with my head, but not my heart. Only when George tried to hit me did I finally break it off. That was the end—my eyes opened! Three years of torment—finally free! George kept chasing me, begging forgiveness. I stood firm. My friend kissed me and gave me a mug that said, “You did the right thing!” About Artem? He knew everything—George called and told him, sure I’d leave the family. Artem confessed: “When I heard that man’s voice, I wanted to die quietly. It’s my fault—I lost my wife, traded love for the bottle. What could I say?” Ten years have passed. Artem and I have two granddaughters. The other day, at the kitchen table over coffee, I gazed out the window. Artem gently took my hand: “Nancy, don’t look elsewhere. I am your happiness! Do you believe me?” “Of course, I do, my one and only…”

ARE YOU MY TRUE HAPPINESS? To be honest, I never planned to get married. If it werent for Williams relentless

La vida

Happy Birthday!!! Dad!

Happy birthday, Father! Hed just reached his seventieth year, having raised three children on his own.

La vida

The Syndrome of a Life Forever Put on Hold… The Confession of a 60-Year-Old Woman Helen: This year I turned 60—and not a single one of my family even rang to wish me happy birthday. I have a daughter and a son, a grandson and granddaughter, and even my ex-husband is still around. My daughter’s 40, my son’s 35. Both live in London, both graduated from respected universities. Both intelligent, successful. My daughter’s married to a high-ranking civil servant, my son to the daughter of a prominent London businessman. Both have thriving careers, own several properties, and each runs their own business alongside a secure government job. Everything is stable. My ex-husband left when our son finished uni. He said he was tired of the constant pace, even though his own work was steady, weekends spent with mates or lounging on the sofa, holidays visiting family up north for the whole month. I never took holidays, worked three jobs at once—engineer in a factory, cleaner for management, and at weekends packing shelves in the local supermarket from eight to eight, plus extra cleaning. Every penny I earned was for the kids—London’s an expensive city and studying at top universities meant good clothes, food, and treats. I’d wear old clothes, patch things up, repair my shoes, kept clean and tidy. That was enough for me. My escapes were dreams—sometimes I’d see myself there; happy, young, laughing. When my husband left, he bought himself a fancy car straight away. Must’ve had a decent stash set aside. Our life together was strange—all the costs were mine except the rent, which he paid; that was his only real contribution. I raised our children, paid for their educations myself… The flat we lived in came from my gran—a solid, well-kept Victorian with high ceilings. Two beds, converted to a three. The box room had a window and I renovated it; perfect for a bed, desk, wardrobe, shelves. That was my daughter’s. My son and I shared a room—luckily, I was hardly home except to sleep. Husband lived in the lounge. When my daughter moved to London, I took her old box room. Son stayed in the other room. Splitting up with my husband was peaceful; no rows, no splitting the furniture, and no blame games. He wanted to LIVE, not muddle through, and I was so worn out I felt relieved… No more slaving over dinners, desserts, and drinks. No more washing his clothes and bedding; I could finally rest. By that stage, I’d racked up plenty of health issues—spine, joints, diabetes, thyroid, exhaustion. For the first time I took a real break and focused on treatment. I kept my side jobs. Got a bit better. I hired a really good tradesman and his mate—they redid my bathroom in two weeks, a proper job. For me that was happiness! Personal, genuine happiness! Happiness for myself! All this time, instead of birthday and holiday gifts, I’d send my successful children money. Then there were grandchildren, so I couldn’t stop working extra. I never saved for myself. My own birthday calls came rarely, mostly in reply to my wishes. No gifts. Worst of all, neither my son nor my daughter invited me to their weddings. My daughter told me: “Mum, you just wouldn’t fit in the crowd. There’ll be people from the Prime Minister’s office.” And I found out about my son’s wedding from my daughter, after the fact… At least they didn’t ask for money for the weddings… Neither child ever visits, though I always invite them. My daughter says there’s nothing for her in our “backwater” (a busy city, over a million people). My son always says, “Oh, Mum, I’m too busy!” Flights to London go seven times a day, just two hours in the air… How would I name that period of my life? Probably the age of suppressed emotions… I lived like Scarlett O’Hara—”I’ll think about it tomorrow”… I buried all my tears and pain, held back everything from confusion to despair. I worked like a robot pre-programmed to keep going. Later, the factory was bought out by London investors—restructuring followed, all us older staff were let go overnight, so I retired early. The pension’s £250 a week… Try living on that. I got lucky—a cleaning job opened up in our five-storey, four-entrance block… So I started mopping up stairwells—an extra £250 a week. I kept my weekend supermarket job, £35 per shift. Hardest bit was being on my feet the whole day. I slowly started fixing up the kitchen. Did most of it myself; ordered new units from a neighbour—he did a fine job at a decent price. And again, I began to squirrel away a little money. Wanted to touch up the rooms, update some furniture. Those were the plans… except nowhere in those plans was I myself! What did I spend on me? Only basic food, and I never ate much. And medicine—those bills were steep. Rent’s climbed year after year. My ex suggested, “Sell the flat, great area, good price—get yourself a one-bed.” But it breaks my heart. It’s my gran’s memory. I don’t recall my parents. Gran raised me. That flat’s my whole life’s history. I kept things friendly with my ex. We chat now and then, like old mates. He’s fine. Never talks about his personal life. Once a month he comes over, brings potatoes, veg, rice, drinking water—all the heavy stuff. Refuses money. Says if I use delivery, it’ll be rubbish, all rotten. I don’t argue. Inside, something’s frozen—bundled tight. I just keep going. Work hard. Never dream. Never want anything for myself. I only see my daughter and grandkids on her Instagram. My son’s life flashes on his wife’s Insta. I’m glad they’re well; safe and healthy. They holiday in exotic places, dine at fancy restaurants. Maybe I didn’t give them enough love. Maybe that’s why they don’t have love for me. Sometimes my daughter asks how I am; I always say I’m fine. Never complain. My son occasionally sends WhatsApp voice notes: “Hi Mum, hope you’re well.” Once my son told me he didn’t want to hear about my problems with Dad—negativity upsets him. So I stopped sharing anything with him, just say: “Yes, love—all’s well.” I’d love to hug my grandchildren, but I suspect they don’t know their living granny exists—the old cleaner on a pension. I guess, according to family legend, granny’s long gone… I don’t recall ever buying anything for myself—all I get is the odd bit of underwear and socks, always the cheapest. Never been for a manicure, pedicure… Once a month I get my hair trimmed at the salon next door, and dye it myself. The one thing I like: even now, I still wear the same size as in my youth—14/16. No need to replace my wardrobe. But I’m terrified that one day I won’t be able to get out of bed—the pain in my spine is relentless. I’m afraid of being trapped. Maybe I shouldn’t have lived this way—no rest, no little joys, always working and saving everything for “later”? But where is “later”? It’s gone… My spirit is empty… my heart—full of indifference… And around me—only emptiness… I don’t blame anyone. But I can’t really blame myself either. I’ve always worked, still do now. Building a little safety net, just in case I can’t work. Tiny, but still… Though, truth be told, I know if I’m bedridden, I won’t want to live… wouldn’t want anyone to have to deal with me. And you know what’s saddest of all? No one in my entire life has ever given me flowers… Not once… Wouldn’t it be a laugh if someone finally brings fresh flowers to my grave? Seriously, it’d be almost funny…

The Syndrome of a Life Forever Postponed Confession of a 60-year-old Woman Margaret: This year I turn 60.