Oh, Emily, hello! Have you come to see your mother? called the neighbour from her balcony.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Wilson. Yes, to see Mum.
You might want to have a word with her, sighed the woman. Shes quite different since the divorce, poor thing.
What do you mean? Emily tensed.
Ive been having trouble sleeping, waking up early. One morning, around five, I saw her stepping out of a cab. And she looked well, lets just say not her usual self. Perhaps even a little tipsy. All the neighbours are whispering. At her age! And why did she throw your father out? Yes, he made a mistake, but who doesnt? All those years togetherits madness to divorce now.
Thank you, Mrs. Wilson, Emily said, swallowing hard. Ill speak with her.
With that, she hurried inside. Her mother had indeed sent her father away six months prior, after catching him in an affair. Emily had begged her not to act rashlyanything could be mended. But her mother had stood firm. And the strangest part? She hadnt fallen into despair, as one might expect, but rather, shed come alive. New clothes, dancing, pubs, friendsthings shed never done before.
Emily struggled to accept it. She herself was engaged, planning for children. And here was her motherout until dawn? What kind of grandmother would she be? How could she introduce her to her future mother-in-law, when one knitted blankets and the other spent nights dancing in clubs?
When she stepped inside, her mother greeted her with a teapot in hand and a bright smile. She wasnt in a worn-out dressing gown but a smart beige suit. Manicured nails, pedicure, false lashesshe was clearly relishing life.
So, hows William? she asked, setting the cups on the table.
Everythings fine, Emily replied, straining to keep her voice even. But what about you?
Brilliant! Last night, the girls and I stayed out till morning at the pub. We danced, then sang karaoke. What a laugh it was!
Mrs. Wilson told me everything, Emily cut in darkly. That you came back at five in the morning and seemed drunk.
Her mother laughed. Well, what did you expect? At a pub, drinking tea?
Emily couldnt hold back. Mum, dont you think youre overdoing it?
In what way?
Well, to put it mildly, youre not twenty anymore. Whats all this dancing and clubbing? You should be setting an example. Youre going to be a grandmother!
Im a woman whos finally free. I wont live by someone elses script.
But you lived all those years with Dad! How can you just move on like this?
Her mother fell silent, then calmly but firmly said: Your father betrayed me. It wasnt a mistakeit was a choice. And I refuse to be just a servant anymore. I want to live. For myself. I spent years living for the family. Now I do as I please.
But youre nearly fifty!
So? I dont have to grow old on schedule.
Emily realised shed gone too far. Im sorry, I didnt mean to upset you. I just care.
If youre ashamed of me, dont invite me to the wedding. But know this: I wont hide my grey hair under a scarf or dress in frumpy skirts. Ill dance, and maybe even flirt. I feel alive.
No, Mum, I want you there. Its just
Just that Auntie Wilson disapproves? Well, I dont care. Im finally living.
When she returned home, she told her fiancé everything. I dont know how to react.
William laughed: I think your mothers brilliant. She didnt wallowshe chose life. Theres no crime in being happy.
That weekend, Emily called her mother. Mum, lets go to the spa, then a bar with live music?
And you wont be embarrassed by me?
Ill tell them youre my older sister, Emily chuckled.
Then its settled. But dont expect us home early.
That day marked a turning point. For the first time, Emily understood the strength her mother possessed. And perhaps, she thought, she ought to learn from herto be herself. To live not as one “should,” but as one truly feels.
