Good people get left too
Looking in the mirror, I saw a beautiful woman of thirty-five, though my eyes betrayed a deep sadness. I couldn’t quite grasp what men today really wanted. Pity they never taught that in university classeswhat was the point of getting a first if it didnt help me here?
All my life, I dreamed of a real familyloving husband and children, ideally three. I grew up with my parents as the perfect example, always longing to create that same happiness. It always seemed a race against time: marry young, dont miss your chance at happiness.
I met my wife, Emily, at university. She was charming, athletic, and clevershe caught everyones eye and had a way of lighting up every group. Our first meeting was at a house party and, almost instantly, sparks flew. Emily had moved to London from Norwich for her studies, while I still lived at home with my parents in North London.
Half a year later, I proposed. She said yes. After we finished university, we were married. Emily seemed perfectcaring, attentive, always ready to make me laugh. She got a position at a bank, and I started as an engineer at a gas company.
It was six months into our marriage when Emily came to me with the news. She was pregnant. The look on my face must have said everythingI hadnt seen it coming.
Simon, how did this happen? I thought you said everything was sorted, I blurted, frustration in my voice.
I honestly dont know, she replied, clearly caught off guard by my reaction. But is it such a disaster? We always knew we wanted a child eventually. Maybe this is just meant to be.
Dont be silly, I snapped. Its not fate. Its carelessness. Were only just starting our careers, Emily. Nows not the time for nappies and sleepless nights.
Emilys eyes welled up, and I immediately regretted my harshness.
She took a breath. Look, if you dont want this, I wont force you. The decisions yours as well as mine.
With that, she rushed out of the flat. Emily was gone for hoursshe needed time to walk the streets, to think. Everything wed dreamed of suddenly seemed so fragile.
For days, we barely spoke. Finally, I apologised and said Id thought it overI was happy to become a father. Nothing could have been better news for Emily. Eight months later, our son James was born.
Motherhood suited Emily. She loved caring for our boy, keeping the house tidy and cooking dishes Id only dreamed of. When James was three, Emily returned to work and James started at nursery.
Life was fullEmily seemed to float joyfully through it all, and I felt sure we were the happiest little family around. Our circle of old university friends seemed to agree; they were regulars at our place, everyone bringing their partners and kids to our gatherings. One evening, I overheard Emily chatting with the lads.
Simon, you really lucked out with your wife, one mate said. Shes gorgeous, bright, pulls her weight at work, the house is immaculate, and her dinners are top notch.
No one could argue with that, another friend joined in with a chuckle. Mine just nags and always wants more money.
Well, Im not too shabby myself, which is probably why Emilys such a catch, I replied, half in jest.
Everyone cracked up at that. Their wives often had rather different opinions, though, and more than once, they confided in Emily how they really felt.
Reflecting on it all, I now know that being a good person doesnt guarantee people will stay. Love and happiness demand constant worktaken for granted, they fade away. I learned that even with all the right intentions, life can take you by surprise, and youve got to be honest with yourself, and the ones you love, every step of the way.
