Happy Women Always Look Amazing Lily was shattered by her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone, her daughter studying at university in another city. Two months ago, Igor had come home from work and announced, “I’m leaving you. I’ve fallen in love.” “What do you mean? With whom?” Lily stammered, bewildered. “You know how it goes. I’ve met someone else, and I’m happier with her. Don’t try to convince me otherwise, I’ve made up my mind,” Igor replied, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. He packed his things quickly and left. Later, analyzing the situation, Lily realized he hadn’t decided to leave overnight—he’d steadily taken things over time, but that day he threw everything in a suitcase and shut the door for good. Lily wept, believing her life was over and nothing good would ever happen again. She didn’t want to see or talk to anyone, even though her phone rang constantly—her daughter, her friend, all calling. At work, colleagues looked at her differently: some felt sorry for her, some were smug. She found herself hoping, “Maybe Igor will tire of the woman who took him from me and come back, and I’ll forgive him because I love him.” One Saturday Lily woke up early but stayed in bed; there was no rush to start her day. Around eleven, her phone rang from an unfamiliar number. She almost didn’t answer, but wondered, “What if it’s Igor, maybe he lost his phone or changed his number?” The phone rang again. “Hello?” she said. A cheerful woman replied, “Hi, Lily! Don’t tell me you don’t recognize your old friends. It’s me—Sophie.” Disappointed it wasn’t Igor, Lily answered curtly, “Not really, no.” Then she broke down, hung up, and sat on the sofa trying to compose herself. Soon, there was a knock at the door. Again, Lily hoped, “Maybe Igor’s come to his senses.” But at the door was a glamorous woman Lily barely recognized—her old school friend, Sophie. Sophie had returned from London, stylish and vibrant. She swept into the kitchen with a bottle of Spanish wine, cake, and oranges, insisting they celebrate their reunion immediately. Sophie listened to Lily’s story of heartbreak, then shrugged. “Honestly, Lily, I thought it was something serious!” “You wouldn’t understand—your husband never left you,” Lily replied sadly. “Please! I kicked mine out when I found out he was cheating,” Sophie said. “You have to let go of anyone who betrays you—love doesn’t mean tolerating that.” Sophie quickly shifted Lily’s mood: “What you need is a makeover, some retail therapy, and a fresh start.” She dragged Lily to a shopping centre and into a salon. Soon Lily had a new haircut, a new colour, and a whole new look. She barely recognized herself—she looked young, chic, and radiant. A week later, at their school reunion in a lively café, almost no one recognized Lily, except for Victor, an old classmate and now a successful businessman. “Lily, you look even more beautiful than you did at school! I always liked you,” he confessed. Later, on a brisk evening walk along the riverside with Victor after the theatre, they bumped into Igor—thinner, alone, and stunned to see Lily transformed and happy. “Lily? Is that… you?” Igor stammered. “Ah, hello. Meet Victor, my future husband,” Lily smiled, introducing her companion. Jaw dropped, Igor managed, “You look incredible.” Lily smiled brightly and replied, “Happy women always look amazing.” Igor mumbled, “So you’re alright then?” “Absolutely. And things are just getting better.” With her head held high and Victor beside her, Lily walked away, feeling only the burning gaze of the man who once believed she’d never be happy without him.

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 8 minViews 1

Happy Women Always Look Wonderful

Lydia drifted through a grey mist of sadness after her husband betrayed her. At forty, she found herself alone in their house on the outskirts of Brighton; her daughter was away at university in Manchester. And two months earlier, Thomas had come home from work and said, quite flatly:

“I’m leaving, Lydia. I’ve fallen for someone else.”

She blinked, bewildered, as if her brain were a jammed cash register. “But…who? How?”

He shrugged with practiced nonchalance. “Just like other men leave their wives, I suppose. Ive met someone else. I feel alive with her. I forget all about you. So dont bother trying to change my mindIve made my decision.”

He had already been quietly gathering his things, she realised later. That day, he hurled a few shirts and socks into a battered suitcase and shut the door without looking back.

Lydia wept, convinced that nothing good would ever happen to her again. It felt like her life had haltedfor days she floated aimlessly, dodging phone calls from her daughter and her best friend, Sarah, answering only when absolutely necessary and clicking off quickly. She avoided her colleagues, aware of pitying glances or sly whispers from some.

Secretly, Lydia clung to a hope: “Maybe Thomas will tire of that womanhell come back and Ill forgive him. I still love him.”

One Saturday, Lydia woke early but was slow to rise, staring at the swans drifting across the cold morning sky. By late morning, her phone ranga strange number. She huffed, not wanting to speak; but a wild thought flickered: “Could it be Thomas? Perhaps he lost his mobile, changed his number, and now hes calling Maybe he’s coming back. Should I answer?”

While she hesitated, the phone rang again.

She answered brusquely, “Hello?”

A bright, familiar womans voice replied, “Lydia! Is that you?”

“Who is this?” snapped Lydia, her voice dull.

“Don’t sound so glum! Its meCharlotte. Your old mate from school!”

Lydia sagged, disappointed; shed hoped, irrationally, for Thomass voice.

“And what”

Charlotte sounded concerned. “Lydia, are you alright?”

“Im not.” Lydia whispered. Tears poured out anew as she switched off the phone and collapsed onto the sofa. After a while, the doorbell rang, the sound sudden and sharp.

Again, hope flaredmaybe Thomas. Lydia hurried to the door and opened it.

“Hello there,” said a glamorous womanCharlotte, her old friend and former classmate, tall and radiant, with perfect lipstick and a stylish emerald green jumper. The scent of her perfume seemed to clear the fog in Lydias head.

Theyd hardly met since school; Charlotte had moved to London for uni, and their last meeting was fifteen years ago. Back then, they snuck out to discos, swapped secrets on bus rides, and laughed at boys together.

“Charlotte, you look amazing!” escaped Lydias lips.

Charlotte laughed, “I always was, you know! But you” she eyed Lydia up and down, “well, why stand in the hallway? Let me in, wont you?”

Reluctantly, Lydia stepped aside. Charlotte waltzed in, a bag in hand. Quickly, she set down a bottle of Spanish red, a Victoria sponge cake, and a handful of clementines on the kitchen counter.

“Grab some glasses, lets toast our reunion! Honestly, it feels like a hundred years,” Charlotte rattled on. Lydia quietly sliced the cake and set out two wine glasses.

Charlotte poured the wine and gestured with a grin, “To old friends!” They drank, then filled the glasses again.

After the second glass, Lydia felt the urge to spill everything. The heartbreak, the lonelinessit tumbled out in a jumble of words. Charlotte listened, never interrupting. When Lydia finished, she gave a little shrug.

“Oh, Lydia, I thought it was a proper disaster. But darling, loads of people get divorced.”

“Isnt it a tragedy?” Lydia countered. “You wouldnt understand; your husband never left you.”

Charlotte snorted, “He didntI left him! Found out he was sneaking about with some young thing, so I packed him off myself. Thought hed fool me, but I had none of it.”

“Maybe you didnt love him…”

“I did! But I wont let anyone treat me like a doormat. When love turns to pain, it isnt love anymore.”

“Blimey, Charlotte, you always make it sound so simple.”

Charlotte grinned, “It is simple! You always over-think.” She asked about Lydias daughter, now a student living with Lydias aunt in Manchester.

“So Thomas left both you and his child, and youre still pining after the bloke?”

“But I do love him”

“Stop it, Lydia! You need a good cure. That depression’s got its claws in you.”

“What cure? Pills wont help me.”

“Pills? Who said pills? You need proper remediesnew hairstyle, a bit of shopping, fresh romance!”

“Honestly” Lydia sighed.

Charlotte clapped her hands, “Right! Were going shopping. Hair salon too. No excuses. But tell me, have you got any money tucked away?”

“Well Only what we saved up for Thomas’s new car.”

“Let him drive his old banger! Get that divorce sorted and never look back. And dont be softtake half of whats yours.”

“No thanks, he can choke on it,” Lydia replied suddenly, brushing off the thought. “Charlotte, are you really back from London for good?”

“For good. Cant stand that city anymore. Now, out of your pyjamaswere hitting the shops! Oh, and by the way, Rita Porter rang; next weeks our school reunion. Were going. Some of the old lads are divorced as well. Remember Victor from year seven, how he chased you all the time?”

“Charlotte! Who on earth would even want me now, a worn-out nag?”

Charlotte snorted, “Dont put yourself down! Youve got to love yourself first. Well have you trotting about, fresh as a foal,” she laughed, sweeping Lydia out the door. “By the way, you know my Auntie Kate near your mum? Shes marrying for the fifth time and cant choose between two blokes!”

An hour later, Lydia hardly recognised herself in the mirror. Her hair had gone coppery and short, her dress was new and boldshe looked years younger, brighter, a butterfly blinking into life. “Unbelievable,” she murmured. “All thanks to Charlotteshe pulled me back into the world. Otherwise Id have mouldered here forever.”

The reunion took place in a cozy café in townalmost everyone arrived except a few whod moved away. Some didnt recognise Lydia at all. Victor, now a distinguished, confident man, couldnt take his eyes off her.

“Lydia, I barely recognised you. Youre stunningmore so than back in school. You know, I always fancied you, but you picked Thomas instead. Is he here?”

“No, he left me,” Lydia smiled lightly.

Victor frowned. “Left you? Dont jokewho leaves a woman like you?”

“They do, apparently. But its for the best.”

Victor nodded, “No doubt. Im divorced myselftwo years now. My business crashed and my wife pegged me as a loser, ran off with a younger bloke. But now my business is better than ever.”

Some weeks later, Lydia walked arm-in-arm with Victor along the riverside after a night at the theatre. The city glowed with surreal electric haze. Suddenly, she noticed Thomas approachinga faded figure, thinner and shuffling alone. He barely recognised her.

“Does she starve him?” Lydia mused.

As Thomas passed, their eyes meta flicker of confusion, then recognition.

“Lydia?”

She turned, smiled, and said, “Oh hello, Thomas, its you. Victor, meet my ex-husband Thomasyou didn’t recognise him, did you?”

Victor grinned, “Hello. No, I didnt. Im Lydias future husband.”

Thomass jaw dropped, and Lydia herself was taken aback; Victor hadnt declared anything before.

“So, how are things?” Lydia asked Thomas, cheerful now.

“Fine I suppose. Youve changed so much. You look wonderful.”

Lydia smiled again, wrapped her hand around Victor’s, and said, “Happy women always look wonderful.”

“So youre happy then?” Thomas muttered.

“Of course. And itll only get better,” Lydia replied, striding away with Victor, feeling the warm, restless gaze of her former husband trailing after her like a dream shed finally woken from.

A Belated Gift The bus jerked and Mrs. Anna Palmer clung to the rail with both hands, feeling the rough plastic yield just a little beneath her fingers. Her shopping bag thudded against her knees, the apples rolling dully inside. She stood by the door, counting stops until her own—autumn sunlight flickering over her sensible shoes. At her ear, headphones hissed quietly; her granddaughter had begged she keep the phone on in case, “Gran, you never know, I might call.” The phone sat in her coat pocket, as heavy as a stone. Still, Mrs. Palmer checked for the zip, then pictured herself coming home—putting the bag on the old stool, swapping shoes, folding up her scarf, lining up the groceries just so before starting the soup. In the evening, her son would collect the containers; he was on shift, no time to cook. When the bus juddered to a halt and the doors whooshed open, Mrs. Palmer shuffled carefully down the steps, gripping the handrail, out into the estate square. Children dashed past, a girl on a scooter veering at the last second. The landing outside her block smelled of cat food and stale smoke. Later, at her kitchen table, Mrs. Palmer’s phone vibrated. She dried her hands and tugged it closer. “Hello, Sasha,” she leaned toward the phone, as if her son’s voice might come clearer. “Mum, hi. How are you?” He sounded rushed, someone muttering behind him. “Fine. Soup’s on. Will you be by?” “Yes, in a couple of hours. Listen, Mum, there’s another collection at Jacob’s nursery—group repairs, could you…?” He trailed off. “Like last time.” Mrs. Palmer already reached for the grey ledger in her side drawer, her ballpoint next to “Pension”: neat figures for bills, medicine, grandchildren, emergencies. “How much?” “Three hundred? If you can. Everyone’s chipping in but you know…” He sighed. “It’s not easy.” “I know,” she said. “I’ll manage.” “You’re the best, Mum. See you tonight. And your soup—can’t wait.” Once the call ended, she marked “Nursery” and the sum, pausing a moment, feeling the numbers crowd together. Less left than she’d like—but manageable. “We’ll get by,” she thought. A small calendar magnet clung to her fridge. “Community Centre: Season tickets available—Classical, Jazz, Theatre. Senior discounts.” Mrs. Palmer’s neighbour Maggie had given her the magnet with a birthday cake. Sometimes she caught herself reading the words, waiting for the kettle: Season tickets. She remembered queueing for the Philharmonic in the old days with friends—numb toes, cheap tickets, laughter, her hair in a bun, her best dress and only pair of heels. Now, she imagined the concert hall—she hadn’t seen a stage in years. The grandchildren always dragged her to pantos and noisy shows, but that was different. Here, she wasn’t even sure what concerts happened these days. Or who went. She turned over the magnet—there was a number. She looked at the envelope in her drawer marked for a rainy day. “Don’t be silly,” she told herself. “Better to save for a new jacket for your granddaughter. She’s growing, everything’s dear.” Her son came for dinner. She handed over the money, he kissed her forehead, asked her again about sitting with the grandchildren on Saturday. Later, as she washed dishes, she heard his words echo: “Do you ever buy yourself anything, Mum?” The next morning was quiet: blossom through the window, chores stretching ahead. She did her physiotherapy slowly, made tea, and found herself dialing the number on the magnet. “Hello, Community Centre box office?” “Yes, can I help?” “I’m interested in… season tickets.” A patient list: symphonic, chamber, evenings of English song, children’s programming. Discounts, but still a fair price. She did the sums against her ledger, picturing the envelope in the drawer. The sum was possible, if not comfortable. “Think about it—we sell out quickly,” said the lady. “Thank you,” Mrs. Palmer whispered. After another round of hesitation—housework, neighbours, a gift of homemade pickles from Maggie—she finally called again: “I’d like to book a ticket for the evenings of English song.” She wrote down the details, pressed them under the fridge magnet. Her heart thumped, pride and nerves battling. That week, she quietly told her son she’d be out one night. “Where to?” he asked, startled. “To the Community Centre. For a concert.” “Who’s taking you?” he demanded. “Nobody,” she replied evenly. “I bought a season ticket. Myself.” He paused. “Mum, are you sure? You could have used that money for… well, you know.” She steeled herself. “Yes, but it’s my money.” He muttered some warnings—don’t catch cold, don’t overdo it—but let it go. On the night of the concert, Mrs. Palmer put on her best navy dress, brushed her hair a little longer, swapped old shoes for polished flats, and set out into dusk. Inside, after some searching, she found her seat amongst all sorts—couples, young and old, a few men in jumpers, women in nice blouses. She wasn’t the oldest, nor youngest—just another audience member with a programme and quiet anticipation. As singers took the stage and the music began—by an English composer she’d once heard on the radio—something quieted in her chest. She wasn’t just a pension, a helper, a giver. For an hour or two, she was simply herself: a woman with memories, needs, and wishes, drawn into song. At interval, she even treated herself to a chocolate bar in the foyer—something she hadn’t done in ages—and found herself chatting with another woman about grandchildren and plans put off too long. Afterwards, she caught the bus home, clutching her season pass, cheeks a little flushed. When her son called, there was warmth in her voice. “I’m home, love. It was wonderful.” He grumbled kindly, reminding her to be careful. She promised. The calendar on her wall soon sprouted more circles—concert dates penned in, a reminder of something new to look forward to. The world around her stayed the same: soups, checklists, helping out as much as she could. But within, Mrs. Palmer nurtured a quiet pride—a right, once again, to her own desires. One day, she spotted an advert in the paper: “Free Beginners’ French Group for Seniors—Local Library.” She tore it out, and tucked it beside her season ticket. “Let me finish my concerts first,” she decided. “Then who knows?” That night, as she lay in bed—a light switched off, the city settling outside—she felt sure something had shifted. A small, gentle change, circled on her kitchen calendar. Just for her, and enough.

The Syndrome of a Life Forever Put on Hold… Confessions of a 60-Year-Old Woman Helen: This year I turned 60. Not a single family member bothered to call and wish me a happy birthday. I have a daughter and a son, a grandson and granddaughter, and my ex-husband is still around. My daughter is 40, my son is 35. Both live in London, both graduated from prestigious universities there. Both smart, successful. My daughter is married to a high-ranking civil servant, my son married the daughter of a prominent London businessman. Both have thriving careers and plenty of properties; besides their public sector jobs, each runs their own business. Everything is stable. My ex-husband left when our son finished university. Said he was tired of living life at such a pace. Yet he always worked quietly at one job, relaxed with friends at weekends or lounged on the sofa, and spend his holidays for an entire month visiting relatives in Cornwall. I never took time off — worked three jobs at once: as an engineer in a factory, cleaning in management offices there, and, on weekends, as a packer at the local supermarket from 8 to 8, plus cleaning staff rooms and storage areas. Every penny I earned went to the kids — London is expensive, and studying at elite universities required good clothes, food, and social life. I learned to wear old clothes, mended and patched shoes. Always clean and tidy. It was enough. My only escape was my dreams — sometimes I’d see myself, happy and young, laughing. After he left, my husband bought himself a new luxury car, probably saved up plenty. Our life together was odd — all expenses were mine, except council tax. That was his one contribution. I put the kids through school… The flat we lived in came from my nan. A lovely, well-kept Victorian two-bed, converted into three rooms. There was an 8.5 square metre storeroom with a window that I renovated, making a cosy space with bed, desk, wardrobe, shelves; my daughter lived there. My son and I shared a room (I was only home to sleep), my husband lived in the lounge. When my daughter moved to London, I took her storeroom; my son had the bedroom. We parted calmly, no rows, no dividing up stuff or blame. He wanted to LIVE a happier life — I was so worn out, I felt relief… No need to cook meals, wash his clothes, iron, fold, hang — I could use that time to rest. By then, my health was shot — back, joints, diabetes, thyroid, nerves. For the first time ever, I took annual leave and focused on getting well. I kept my side jobs. Got better. Hired a great tradesman, got a proper bathroom remodel. That was real joy — HAPPINESS for myself! All these years, I sent my successful kids money instead of presents at birthdays, New Year’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day. Then came the grandkids. So I couldn’t give up work. Never spent money on myself. Rarely got any congratulations back, just occasional replies. No presents. Worst of all, neither child invited me to their wedding. My daughter said honestly, “Mum, you wouldn’t really fit in with the crowd. There’ll be people from the Cabinet Office.” My son — I only knew he’d married from my daughter, after the big day. At least they didn’t ask for money for weddings… Neither child ever visits, no matter how much I invite. My daughter said, ‘Why would I go to the back of beyond?’ (Our city’s got a million people.) My son — ‘I’m busy, Mum!’ There’s a train to London every hour! Only two hours away… What would I call that period? Probably ‘Life of suppressed emotions.’ I lived like Scarlett O’Hara — “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Bottled up tears and pains, from bafflement to despair. Like a robot programmed only to work. Then the factory was sold to Londoners, reorganisation happened. Us older staff were made redundant; overnight, I lost two jobs, but got early retirement out of it. My pension is £800… Try living on that. Luckily, a cleaning job opened up in our five-storey Victorian block — went to scrub stairwells — another £800. Still pack and clean on weekends at the supermarket, decent pay per shift. Hardest bit is being on my feet all day. Started fixing the kitchen myself bit by bit, hired my neighbour to fit a new one — did a good job, not too pricey. Saved up again. Wanted to redo the rooms, update some furniture. Didn’t have myself in the plan, though! What did I buy for myself? Just basic food, and never much at that. Medication — costs a lot. Rent’s up every year. Ex-husband says, ‘Sell the flat, it’s a great area, you’ll get a fair price. Buy yourself a one-bed.’ But I can’t let it go. Memories of my nan. I don’t remember my parents. My nan raised me. My whole life is in this flat. Managed to stay friendly with my ex. We talk now and then, like old neighbours. He’s fine. Never talks about his private life. Once a month he brings shopping — potatoes, veg, rice, bottled water. Heavy stuff. Refuses money. Says delivery brings rubbish, bruised and rotten. I agree. Inside, everything feels stuck — all tight and pinched. Just keep going. Work a lot. No dreams, nothing I want for myself. Only see daughter and grandkids on her Instagram. Glimpse my son’s life on my daughter-in-law’s Instagram. I’m glad they’re well. All healthy, enjoying lovely holidays, fancy restaurants. Maybe I never gave them enough love. That’s why there’s no love for me. My daughter sometimes asks how I am. I always say I’m fine. Never complain. My son sometimes sends WhatsApp voice notes: ‘Hi Mum, hope you’re OK.’ He once said he didn’t want to hear about family problems, couldn’t handle drama. So I stopped telling him anything, just reply, ‘Don’t worry, son, all’s well.’ I’d love to hug my grandchildren, but I suspect they don’t know they have a living grandma — a pensioner and cleaner. Probably, officially, grandma’s long since gone… I don’t even remember the last time I bought something just for myself, except maybe some underwear or socks, the cheapest kind. Never been to a salon for my nails… Once a month I get my hair cut at the barber’s on the corner. Dye my hair myself. My one comfort — same dress size in youth and now, so I don’t ever update my wardrobe. And I’m terrified that one day I won’t be able to get out of bed — the back pain never stops. Scared of being bedridden. Maybe I shouldn’t have lived this way — no breaks, no small pleasures, always working and always putting everything off ‘for later.’ And where is ‘later?’ It’s gone… My soul is empty… my heart is numb… Emptiness all around me… I don’t blame anyone. And I can’t blame myself, either. I worked all my life and I’m still working. Building up a little safety net, just in case I can’t carry on. Not much, but it’s something… Although, truthfully, I know if I can’t get up, I won’t go on living… don’t want to be a burden to anyone. And you know the saddest thing? No one ever gave me flowers… EVER… Wouldn’t it be funny if the first bouquet comes to my grave… honestly, it’d be laughable…

The Bench in the Courtyard Victor Stevens stepped out into the courtyard just after one. A dull ache throbbed in his temples—last night he’d finished off the remaining salads, and this morning had been spent taking down Christmas decorations and boxing up ornaments. The flat was far too quiet. He tugged on his woollen hat, tucked his phone into his pocket, and headed downstairs, holding the banister out of habit. On this January afternoon, the courtyard looked almost staged: footpaths cleared, untouched snowdrifts, not a soul in sight. Victor brushed off the bench by the second entrance; the snow slipped softly from the wooden slats. It was a perfect spot for thinking, especially when it was empty—five minutes of peace before heading back home. “Mind if I join you?” came a man’s voice. Victor turned his head. Tall fellow in a navy jacket, mid-fifties. His face looked vaguely familiar. “Plenty of room—take a seat,” Victor replied, shuffling over. “Which flat are you in?” “Forty-three, second floor. Just moved in three weeks ago. I’m Michael.” “Victor Stevens,” he said automatically, shaking the outstretched hand. “Welcome to our quiet corner.” Michael pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “Do you mind?” “Go ahead, smoke away.” Victor hadn’t smoked in over a decade, but the scent of tobacco unexpectedly brought to mind his years in the local paper’s newsroom. He caught himself wanting to inhale and quickly pushed the urge aside. “Have you lived here long?” Michael asked. “Since ‘87. This whole block was just built back then.” “I used to work nearby at the Community Arts Centre. Sound engineer by trade.” Victor sat up, surprised. “With Valery Harper, right?” “That’s him! How did you—?” “Did a feature on him once. Back in ’89, for the big anniversary concert. Remember when ‘August’ played?” “I could tell you all about that show!” Michael laughed. “They brought in this monster of a speaker and the power supply kept sparking…” The conversation flowed on easily. Names came up, stories surfaced—some funny, some sad. Victor found himself thinking he ought to head home, but every topic led to another tangent: musicians, gear, backstage secrets. He hadn’t had a long chat like this in ages. Towards the end in the newsroom, he only wrote urgent articles, and since retiring he’d nearly become a hermit. He convinced himself solitude was easier—no attachments, no dependencies. But now it felt like something inside was melting. “You know,” Michael stubbed out his third cigarette, “I have the whole archive at home. Posters, photographs. Concert tapes—recorded them myself. If you’d be interested…” Why bother, Victor thought. He’d have to visit, make conversation. What if Michael wanted to be mates—they’d upend his usual routine. And what would he see that was new, anyway? “I wouldn’t mind a look,” he replied. “When’s good?” “Tomorrow, say fiveish? I’ll be back from work then.” “Alright,” Victor took out his phone, pulled up contacts. “Take my number. If anything changes, give me a ring.” That evening, he couldn’t sleep. The conversation replayed in his mind; old stories resurfaced. More than once, he picked up the phone—almost called to cancel, made up an excuse. But he didn’t. The next morning, he woke to a call. The screen read: “Michael, neighbour.” “Still up for it?” Michael’s voice was a bit hesitant. “I am,” Victor replied. “I’ll see you at five.”

ARE YOU MY HAPPINESS? Honestly, I never planned to get married. If not for my future husband’s persistent wooing, I’d still be flying free as a bird. Like a lovesick butterfly, Arthur fluttered around me, never letting me out of his sight, trying to please me and treat me like a queen… Eventually, I surrendered. We tied the knot. Very quickly, Arthur became like family—so familiar, so comfortable. Like slipping into your favourite slippers. A year later, our son, Stan, was born. Arthur worked in another city, and came home once a week, always bringing us special treats. One visit, as usual, I was preparing to wash his things and checked all his pockets—a habit since that one time I washed his driving licence. This time, a folded piece of paper fell from his trousers. I unfolded it—a long list of school supplies (it was August). At the bottom, in childish writing: “Dad, come home soon.” So that’s how my husband entertains himself on the side! Double life! I didn’t throw a tantrum or grab my bag and our not-yet-three-year-old son, and dash off to Mum’s for an extended stay. Mum gave us a room: “Live here until you make up.” I considered taking revenge on my ungrateful husband. I remembered my classmate, Rob—maybe I’ll start a fling with him! Rob never left me alone in school or after. I called: “Hey Rob! Are you married yet?” “Nadia? Hi! Does it matter? Married, divorced… Shall we meet?” My unplanned romance lasted half a year. Arthur brought child support every month, handed it to my mum, and left quietly. I knew Arthur was living with his work colleague, Kate. She had a daughter from her first marriage, and Kate insisted the girl call Arthur “Dad.” They all lived in Arthur’s flat. As soon as Kate heard I’d left, she moved in with her daughter from another town. Kate adored Arthur—she knitted him woolly socks and cosy jumpers, cooked hearty meals. I learned all this later—and have never stopped reminding Arthur about Kate. Back then, though, I thought our marriage was finished—crashed and burned. Then, over coffee discussing our impending divorce, Arthur and I were swept up in fond memories. Arthur confessed his boundless love, apologized, and said he didn’t know how to ask the persistent Kate to leave. I felt unbearably sorry for him—and we got back together. By the way, my husband never learned about Rob. Kate and her daughter left our town for good. Seven years of happy married life went by, then Arthur was involved in a car accident. Operations, rehab, walking with a stick. Recovery took two years, and by the end, Arthur started drinking heavily. He was a shell of himself, lost in his own world. I tried everything, but he exhausted both himself and our son, refused all help. At work, I found a shoulder to cry on in Paul. He listened to me over cigarette breaks, walked me home after work, comforted and encouraged me. Paul was married—his wife was expecting their second child. I’m still not sure how we ended up in bed together—it was madness. He was a head shorter than me, not my type at all! What followed was a whirlwind—Paul took me to exhibitions, concerts, ballets. When his wife had a daughter, he paused all our outings, quit our company, and found another job. Maybe that was his way of letting me go; I didn’t mind, so I let him return to his family. He was just a temporary fix for my pain—I never meant to intrude on another woman’s love. Arthur kept drinking. Five years later, Paul and I would run into each other by chance, and he’d seriously propose marriage! It made me laugh. For a while, Arthur got his act together and took a job in Prague. I was the model wife and caring mum, focused only on my family. Arthur returned after six months—we renovated our flat, bought new appliances, he finally fixed up his car. Life should’ve been wonderful. But Arthur slipped back into drinking. The cycle repeated—his friends carrying him home, me searching the neighbourhood for my wayward husband, dragging him home after finding him sleeping on park benches, pockets turned out. One spring day, I was standing gloomily at a bus stop, birds chirping, sun shining, and I couldn’t care less about April’s joy. Suddenly, a voice murmured: “Maybe I can help with your troubles?” I turned—a handsome man with a delicious scent! And me, 45 at the time! Could I blossom again? I blushed like a schoolgirl, jumped on the bus, and escaped. He waved after me. All day at work I thought of him, and soon, this stranger—George—was waiting for me every morning at the bus stop. I started making sure not to be late, always looking out for him. George, seeing me, would blow me a kiss and smile. One day, he brought a bunch of red tulips. “Where do I go with flowers to work? The girls will guess everything!” George just smiled and gave the bouquet to an old lady watching us. “Thank you, son! May you find a passionate lover!” she said. I blushed hard. At least she didn’t wish him a young mistress—I would’ve died of embarrassment! George continued, “Let’s both be guilty together, Nadia! You won’t regret it.” Honestly, the offer was tempting! At that time, nothing remained with Arthur—he was like a log, lost in drink. George was a teetotal ex-athlete (57), divorced, a fascinating conversationalist. There was something enchanting about him. I threw myself headlong into the affair—three years of passion. Torn between home and George, my soul in turmoil. I had neither the wish nor the strength to stop; though when I finally wanted to end things, I just couldn’t. George completely possessed me—I lost my senses when he was around! But I knew this wouldn’t end well; there was no real love. After a night with George, I wanted nothing more than to hold Arthur—drunk, rough around the edges, but so familiar and safe. There’s truth in “better a dry crust at home than someone else’s feast.” That’s real life. Passion is close to pain, and I yearned to get over George and return to my family, not float away in careless pleasure. My mind knew, but my body didn’t listen. My son was aware of George—he saw us together in a restaurant with his girlfriend. I had to introduce George as a colleague, discussing a new project. “In a restaurant, huh?” Stan nodded, understanding. He never judged me, just asked me not to divorce Dad. “Don’t rush—maybe Dad will pull himself together.” I felt like a lost sheep. My divorced friend urged me to “ditch these lovers and calm down.” She’d been married three times and knew what she was talking about. I listened to her reasoning, but couldn’t stop—for three years, until George tried to raise his hand against me. That was the last straw. My friend had warned me: “The sea is calm till you’re on the shore…” Suddenly, everything cleared—I was free! Three years of torment—finally, peace! George kept trying to win me back, waiting outside, pleading publicly for forgiveness. I was unshakable. My wise friend hugged me and gave me a mug that read, “You got it right!” Arthur, as it turned out, knew everything—George had called and told him. Arthur confessed, “While listening to your admirer, I wanted to die. It was all my fault! I let my wife slip away—traded her for the bottle. What could I say to you?” Ten years have passed. Arthur and I now have two granddaughters. One day, as we sat together, drinking coffee, looking out the window, Arthur gently took my hand: “Nadia, don’t look elsewhere. I’m your happiness! Do you believe me?” “Of course I do, my one and only…”