Oh, Madeleine, hello! Come to see your mother?the neighbour called from her balcony.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Wilson. Yes, just visiting Mum.
You might have a word with herthe woman sighed.Shes not been herself since the divorce, poor dear.
What do you mean?Madeleine tensed.
Ive had trouble sleeping, up at dawn lately. Saw her one morning, around five, stepping out of a cab. And she lookedwell, lets just say, not her usual self. Maybe a tad tipsy. The whole streets whispering. At her age! And why did she throw your father out? Yes, he slipped up, but who doesnt? All those years togethermadness to divorce now.
Thank you, Mrs. Wilson,Madeleine said, swallowing hard.Ill speak with her.
With that, she hurried inside. Her mother *had* kicked her father out six months ago after catching him cheating. Madeleine had begged her to reconsideranything could be mended. But her mother had stood firm. Strangest of all, she hadnt crumbled into despair as expectedinstead, shed come alive. New clothes, dancing, late nights with friendsthings shed never done before.
Madeleine struggled to accept it. She herself was engaged, planning children. And here was her motherout clubbing till dawn? What sort of grandmother would that be? How to explain to her future mother-in-law, when one knitted blankets and the other danced till sunrise?
When she stepped inside, her mother met her with a teapot in hand and a bright smile. No worn-out dressing gownjust a sleek beige trouser suit. Manicure, pedicure, false lashesclearly, she was thriving.
So, hows Edward?she asked, setting down the cups.
All fine,Madeleine replied, steadying her voice.But what about you?
Brilliant! Last night, the girls and I stayed out till morning. Dancing, then karaoke. What a laugh!
Mrs. Wilson told me everything,Madeleine cut in darkly.That you rolled in at five, looking worse for wear.
Her mother laughed.
Well, what did you expect? Sipping tea at a bar?
Madeleine couldnt hold back.
Mum, dont you think this is a bit much?
How so?
Youre not twenty anymore. Dancing? Clubs? Youre meant to set an example. Youll be a grandmother!
Im a woman whos finally free. I wont live by someone elses script.
But you spent decades with Dad! How can you just move on like this?
Her mother paused, then said calmly,
Your father betrayed me. Not a slipa choice. And I wont play the dutiful wife anymore. I want to *live*. For myself. I gave years to this family. Now I do as I please.
But youre nearly fifty!
So? Age doesnt come with a rulebook.
Madeleine realised shed gone too far.
Sorry, I didnt mean to upset you. I just care.
If youre ashamed of me, dont invite me to the wedding. But know thisI wont hide my grey hair under a scarf or drown in frumpy dresses. Ill dance. Maybe even flirt. I feel *alive*.
No, Mum, I want you there. Its just
Just Auntie Wilson disapproves? Well, I dont care. Im finally living.
At home, she told Edward everything.
I dont know how to feel.
He laughed.
Your mums brilliant. She chose life over misery. Happiness isnt a crime.
That weekend, Madeleine called her mother.
Mum, lets hit the spa, then a live music bar?
Wont you be embarrassed?
Ill say youre my older sister,Madeleine grinned.
Deal. But were not leaving early.
That day changed everything. For the first time, Madeleine saw the strength in her mother. And perhapsshe realisedshe could learn from it. To live not *as one should*, but as one truly is.
