14 March
Emily had been the other woman for years. Shed never married, drifting through a string of casual flings until she turned thirty and decided she truly wanted a partner. At first she didnt realise that Paul was already wed, but the moment he let the fact sliponce he sensed her attachmentshe felt a knot of shame. She never once blamed Paul; she only chastised herself for letting herself grow weak and for not securing a husband sooner while time slipped away.
Emily wasnt a striking beauty, but she was pleasantlooking, a little fullerbodied, which gave her an air of maturity. Her affair with Paul led nowhere. She didnt want to remain merely a lover, yet she feared being alone more than she feared the label.
One afternoon her cousin Simon dropped by while on a work trip to Manchester. Hed been away for ages, so they chatted over tea in the kitchen, catching up on childhood tales and presentday worries. Emily opened up about her love life, letting a few tears fall.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Patel, popped in to ask Emily to weigh up some recent purchases. Emily stepped out for twenty minutes. While she was gone, a knock sounded. Simon went to answer, assuming Emily would be back, but the front door was ajar. Standing on the step was Paul, looking bewildered at the sight of Simon in gym shorts and a Tshirt, chewing a ham sandwich.
Is Emily home? Paul blurted, not knowing what else to ask.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed.
Excuse me, who are you to her? Paul stammered.
Im her boyfriend well, unofficially. What do you want? Simon said, grabbing Paul by the shoulders. Arent you the married bloke Emily told me about? If I see you here again Ill have you off the stairs, got it?
Paul broke free and fled downstairs. Emily soon returned, and Simon relayed the incident.
What have you done? Who sent you? Emily sobbed. He wont come back. She sank onto the sofa, covering her face.
Simon shook his head. Hes gone, and thats a blessing. Stop wallowing. I know a decent widower in our villageTom. Hes been turned down by women since his wife died, and hes keeping his distance. He could use a proper companion. Ill be back after my next assignment; well drive to the village together, and Ill introduce you.
Emilys eyes widened. I cant. I dont even know him. It feels wrong.
Simon replied, Its not wrong to meet someone respectable, especially when my own birthday is coming up. Lets give it a chance.
A few days later we were in the village. Simons wife, Lucy, had set a table in the garden beside the cottage wash house. Neighbours, friends and Simons widowed friend Alan arrived for a family gathering. Most of the villagers already knew Emily; this was her first meeting with Alan.
After the warm chatter, Emily returned to the city. She thought to herself that Alan was quiet and modest. He must be still mourning his wife. Poor chap, he needs a kind heart.
The following weekend, a knock sounded at Emilys flat. She hadnt expected anyone. Opening the door, she found Alan standing there with a grocery bag.
May I come in, Emily? I was on my way to the market and thought Id drop by since were acquaintances now, he said, a nervous smile tugging his lips.
She ushered him in, offering tea. Did you get everything you needed? she asked.
Yes, the purchases are in the car. I brought you something. He pulled a modest bouquet of tulips from the bag and handed it to her. The flowers made her eyes sparkle. They sat at the kitchen table, talking about the weather and the cost of fresh produce£4 for a loaf, £2 for a bunch of carrots.
When the tea was finished, Alan reached for his coat, slipped on his shoes, and paused at the doorway. He turned back, his voice low.
If I walked out now and said nothing, Id never forgive myself. Emily, Ive thought of you all week. Im being honestIve taken your address from Simon.
Emilys cheeks flushed; she looked down.
We hardly know each other, she replied.
Thats fine. The question is, am I tolerable? May I call you by your first name? Im not a prize, but I have a little girl, eight years old, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Alans hands trembled slightly.
A daughter is a blessing, Emily said softly, Ive always wanted one.
Encouraged, Alan took her hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, tears glistened in Emilys eyes.
Do you find me unpleasant? he whispered.
Not at all, she answered, I never expected this, but it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on we met each weekend. Two months later Emily and Alan married and settled in the village. Emily found a job at the local nursery. A year later they welcomed a daughter, and soon a second followed. Their home was full of laughter, and love grew richer with each passing yearlike a fine wine left to mature.
Simon often winks at Emily during village feasts:
Well, Emily, looks like Ive set you up with a good man, havent I? Youre blooming more each day. Ill never steer you wronglisten to your brother!
Looking back, I realise that the hardest choices often lead to the truest happiness. When you stop clinging to what you think you deserve and accept what you truly need, life finds a way to surprise you. This lesson stays with me now, reminding me to trust the unexpected turns.
