Emily and her best mate, Sophie, were strolling through the park one evening after their classes. Emily didnt fancy heading home just yet, so she suggested, “Soph, lets take a walk while its still light out!” Sophie agreed, and though the park was a bit out of their way, they fancied the idea of a leisurely wander.
As they ambled down the tree-lined path, they passed couples lost in their own little worlds, paying no mind to the two girls. Turning onto a quieter lane, they suddenly spotted a man and woman embracing. He was whispering something in her ear, and she was grinning from ear to ear. The man had his back to them, but it was clear he wasnt young.
Sophie barely gave them a second glance until she noticed Emily staring, wide-eyed, completely frozen. “Em, whats up? Em!” she nudged. Emily snapped out of it. “Oh, nothing. Lets just keep going,” she muttered, quickening her pace.
They left the park soon after. Emily was unusually quiet, lost in thought as they parted ways. The whole walk home, her mind racedshe couldnt believe what shed just seen. That womans happy face, the way the man whispered to her, completely oblivious even to his own daughter.
“Dad how could you? I always thought you were perfect. And now this? I wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself,” she thought, heart sinking.
When she got home, her mum barely glanced up from the kitchen. “Sit down, dinners ready. You and your fathernever on time.” Emily mumbled something about washing her hands and disappeared into the bathroom for ages. By the time she emerged, her dad still wasnt home. She picked at her food, then retreated to her room, trying to focus on her laptopbut all she could see was that scene in the park.
“Is this what adults do? Lie and cheat like its nothing? Whats missing in his life? Would he really leave me and Mum for” Then, an idea struck her. “That woman probably doesnt even know I exist. Well, shes about to find out.”
The front door creaked open. “Sorry, love, long day,” came her dads voice.
“Used to be just at month-end, now its every day,” her mum shot back, the tension rising.
Dad poked his head into Emilys room for his usual goodnight kiss, but she shoved him away. “Go eat before it gets cold.”
“Sweetheart, whats wrong?”
“Nothing. But what about you?”
He studied her for a moment, then sighed and headed to the kitchen.
The next morning, Emily pretended to wake late, just as her dad was leaving. “Off to work?” her mum asked sharply.
“Its Saturdaycouldnt you spend it with us?”
“Wont be long. Back by lunch, then well do something nice.”
Emily slipped out too, claiming she had a study session. “Mum, Im already running late!”
Her dad offered to walk her. “Coffee first?” her mum called.
“Ill wait,” he said, oddly cheerful.
Emily gulped hers down, then hurried out.
They walked in silence until her dad finally asked, “Love, are you upset with me?”
“No, Dad. Must be my teenage phase,” she said, then added softly, “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
“More than anything?”
He hesitated. “More than anything.”
They smiled, but neither met the others eyes.
“Right, Im off. See you at lunchyou promised wed spend the day together.”
As soon as he was out of sight, Emily doubled back, trailing him at a distance. He took an unfamiliar route, stopping outside a flat. A woman emerged minutes latergorgeous, Emily had to admit. They kissed, then walked arm in arm to a nearby bench, deep in conversation. Emilys stomach twisted watching them.
When they parted, she waited until the womanDianastepped out again to take out the bins. Emily blocked her path.
“Hi. If I ever catch you with my dad again, youll regret it.”
Diana blinked. “Who are you?”
“Call him. Now. Tell him its over.”
Diana hesitated but dialled. “David, we cant see each other anymore.”
“Why?”
“Youve got a family. And Im leaving after uni.”
Emily heard the relief in his voice. “Alright. Goodbye, Diana.”
Back home, her parents were chatting over lunch.
“Why so cheerful?” her mum asked.
Emily grinned. “Dad, do you love me?”
“Course I do.”
“And Mum?”
A pause. Then, firmly: “I love your mum too.”
“Good,” Emily said, satisfied. Because for now, at least, her family was whole again.
