Oh, this ones a tough oneso, my ex-husband promised our son a flat, but theres a catch: Id have to marry him again.
Im sixty now, living in Cambridge. Never thought after all these years, two decades of complete silence, the past would barge back into my life like thisso brazen, so shameless. And the worst part? It all started because of my own son, Jamie.
Back when I was twenty-five, I was head over heels. Johntall, charming, full of lifefelt like a dream come true. We married fast, and a year later, Jamie was born. Those early years? Pure fairy tale. We lived in a tiny flat, dreaming bigme a schoolteacher, him an engineer. Nothing could touch us.
But then John changed. Started coming home late, lying, pulling away. I ignored the rumours, pretended not to notice the strange perfumes. But eventually, it was obvioushe was cheating. Not just once. Friends, neighbours, even my parents knew. I stayed, thoughfor Jamie. Held on, hoping hed snap out of it. Then one night, I woke up, and he wasnt home. That was it.
I packed my things, took Jamies handhe was fiveand left for my mums. John didnt even try to stop us. A month later, he moved abroad for work, found another woman, and erased us. No calls, no letters. Just silence. And I was alone. My mum passed, then Dad. Jamie and I got through it allschool, exams, illnesses, graduations. I worked three jobs so hed never want for anything. I didnt live for meit wasnt the time. He was my world.
When Jamie got into uni in London, I helped however I couldmoney, care packages, endless support. But a flat? Couldnt swing that. He never complained, said hed manage. I was so proud.
Then, a month ago, he dropped the newshes getting married. My joy didnt last. He was fidgety, avoiding my eyes. Then it came out: Mum I need your help. Its about Dad.
I froze. Hed started talking to John again. Said his dad was back in England, offering him the keys to a two-bed flathis grandmas old place. But there was a condition: I had to remarry John. Let him move into my home.
I couldnt breathe. Jamie kept going: Youre alone Youve got no one. Why not try again? For me. For my future family. Dads changed
I walked to the kitchen, kettle shaking in my hands. Everything blurred. Twenty years I carried us alone. Twenty years he never cared where we were. And now? Now he comes back with a deal.
I returned, calm but firm: No. I wont do it.
Jamie exploded. Shouting, accusingI was selfish, I robbed him of a father, now I was ruining his life. I stayed silent. Every word cut deeper. He didnt know the nights I worked till dawn. How I sold my wedding ring to buy him a winter coat. How I skipped meals so he could have meat.
Im not lonely. My lifes been hard, but its honest. Ive got my job, my books, my garden, my friends. I dont need a man who threw me awaynow back for convenience, not love.
Jamie stormed out. Hasnt called since. Hes hurtI get it. He wants whats best for him, like I once did. But I wont sell my self-respect for square footage. The price is too high.
Maybe one day hell understand. Might take years. But Ill wait. Because I love himno conditions, no flats, no ifs. I brought him into this world with love. Raised him with love. And I wont let love turn into a transaction now.
As for John? He belongs in the past. Right where I left him.
