None of our business
Indifference comes in many flavours, a womans voice whispered, the words drifting to Emma as she stared out the window. Sometimes you just close your eyes and pretend you dont see, that it doesnt affect you.
Honestly, Molly, thats just philosophy, another female voice replied.
Emma turned her gaze to the street, watching the houses, the passing cars and the earlymorning crowd. The little town of Bramblewick had finally roused itself and was humming with life.
She felt a touch annoyed about having to use the bus today. Jack had called the night before, warning that hed be stuck at work all night, so why should she be upset? Work was work. Colleagues often offered her a lift, especially one young man who seemed far too interested, but she always declined. It would be improper for a married woman to ride with a stranger.
She dialed her husbands number again, listened to an endless string of rings, sighed, hung up and slipped her phone back into her bag. Busy, Im sure. Hes always busy at the worst possible moments, she muttered.
Nausea fluttered in her stomach early pregnancy was making itself known. A sudden jolt on a pothole made her wince.
At the shop, Emma tried to push aside her queasy feeling. The store manager, who ran a branch of a wellknown national chain, never seemed to have a free minute. Headache and dizziness persisted, but there was no time to dwell on them.
Today was especially hectic: an inspection from head office was due any minute. Flustered, Emma snapped at the tidylooking shop assistant, Daisy: Daisy, go help Anne clean the fridge, or well all be in trouble! Ive got reports to finish! She hurried to her office.
Daisy, after confirming Emma had vanished into the back room, leaned toward her coworker Anne, who was arranging milk bottles, and whispered, Did you hear that Emmas husband is cheating on her?
Annes eyes widened. Youre serious? Is it true?
Absolutely. I saw him leaving my old school friend Lilys house this morning. She kissed him goodbye. Can you imagine?
Then we should tell Emma. Why are you telling me?
Daisy chuckled, twirling a finger at her temple. Youre a fool, Anne. Who hasnt flirted? Its not my problem. Besides, theyll probably split anyway.
Anne thought a moment before replying, Whether they split or not is their decision, but Emma deserves the truth. It might even be better if they part; no marriage should be built on betrayal.
Daisy laughed again, giving Anne a mildly contemptuous look. Honestly, its none of our business. Goodhearted people like you end up blamed anyway.
Anne sighed and didnt argue further. Though Daisys point had merit, something kept Anne uneasy. She and Emma were close, almost friends. From childhood, Anne had been taught that a bitter truth is preferable to a sweet lie, that painful honesty outweighs comforting illusion.
The stores administrator, Denis, seemed to notice Emmas fatigue when he saw her in the office. He sipped his coffee, halffinished a report on his laptop, and said with a smile, Dont worry, Emma, everything will be fine.
Emma waved a hand, exhaling, Im not worried. Jack isnt answering his phone, so Im just nervous.
Denis fell silent. Hed liked Emma from the moment he started as a floor assistant and had quickly risen to administrator because of his cleverness and hard work.
Maybe hes just busy, Denis offered, though he knew he had no right to meddle in their marriage, even if Jack seemed cold toward his wife.
Probably, Emma replied, pocketing her phone and hurrying out as the inspection team arrived.
The next week Anne found herself watching Emma closely. From what her friends had said, she knew Jack was often staying late, and pregnant Emma was forced to rely on the unreliable bus service, even though Jack could easily give her a lift.
Determined to test her suspicions, Anne told her manager shed be late and slipped to the house of the alleged lover. Her mother once warned her that those you love can make your heart ache, and that warning proved true when Anne saw Jack embracing a brightblonde woman, kissing her, and promising to return later. A sharp pang stabbed her chest. Emma lived with a man who treated her like a charity case, while she was always kind, helpful, and supportive.
That evening Anne decided to act. She wouldnt confront Emma directly; she would let the truth surface another way. When Emma left for work, Anne slipped into the back room where Denis was about to head home.
Denis, we need to talk, she said, narrowing her eyes.
He looked puzzled. What about Emma?
Its about her husband, Anne explained. I saw them together. Hes cheating.
Denis frowned, considering. Thats their private life. Is it proper to interfere?
Its both proper and improper, Anne replied with a grin. She deserves to know. Shes pregnant; what if something happens?
Its fate, then, Denis muttered. Truth matters more than lies. Take me to my grandmothers cottage; shes a wise old woman who might help. We wont tell Emma directly; the truth will find her.
Denis hesitated, then, prompted by Annes final pleaYou like Emma, dont you? Give her a chance to learn the truthhe consented.
Grandma Agnes welcomed the two young people warmly. She was no witch, just a typical elderly lady in a faded cardigan and a long skirt, her arthritic legs hidden in thick stockings. Her grey eyes were keen, seeming to look straight into the soul.
Anne handed her a photo of Emma. Agnes smiled at Denis, lit a candle, and hovered it over the phone screen. I see a husband who isnt meant for her. Theyll part, but not right away. Hes deceitful. Shes a good-hearted woman.
Can you speed it up? Anne whispered.
I cant force destiny, Agnes said, but I can help her see the truth. After that, shell decide her own path.
She shuffled to the cold terrace, fetched a canvas bag and a large pot, scooped some ground herbs, and whispered as she poured them into the bag, Field herbs, meadow breezes, help Emma, reveal the truth. Let it be so. She added, These herbs are mild; she wont notice them. Theyre harmless.
Denis asked, Shes pregnantwont it hurt her?
Agnes squinted, Its just chamomile, yarrow, and a few harmless leaves. No danger. And you, young man, will you take her child as your own if she drives this rogue away?
Denis gulped and nodded, I will. No child is ever truly foreign.
The next evening, just before the shop closed, Emma craved instant noodles. Ill make it for you, sit tight! Anne shouted, grabbing a pack, patting her pocket where the herb bag lay, and rushing back to the back room.
Denis sat silently, hoping Emma would leave her cheating husband, yet uneasy about the meddling. Was it right to intervene in such a personal matter?
Anne breathed a sigh of relief when Emma finished the last slurp. Both she and Denis worried, but duty and conscience outweighed doubt.
The following morning Emma, as usual, took a seat by the window on the bus, gazing out at the countryside. She barely heard the drivers chatter until he announced over the loudspeaker, Ladies and gentlemen, well be taking a detour due to a major traffic jam and rail crossing repairs.
Then, as if in a nightmare, she saw from the rear window Jack stepping out of a house, hugging the brightblonde woman, sharing a lingering kiss before he headed away. Emmas head spun, her stomach clenched, and everything faded to grey.
She awoke in the hospital, the first face she saw was Annes, eyes full of worry.
Emma Im sorry, this is probably my fault, Anne whispered.
Fault? Emma murmured, I saw Jack with Lily Carter. Was it really?
Jack entered the ward, his expression guilty, but he couldnt get a word out.
Are you still seeing Lily at night? Emma demanded.
Emma, you know the doctor told you not to I needed something, please understand if you want to keep the family he said with a bitter smile.
Out! When Im discharged Im filing for divorce! Emma shouted. Jack stumbled out, not even attempting to apologise.
What about the baby? Emma asked.
The doctor said the babys fine. There was a risk of miscarriage, but its okay now, Anne assured.
Denis entered, holding a large bag of fruit. The doctor, emerging shortly after, frowned at the crowd. One visitor at a time, please, she said.
Let him in, please, Emma pleaded, sitting up in the bed.
Denis sat beside her, his voice shaky. Ive been worried about you and the little one.
Youve always worried, Emma smiled, unlike some.
Forget it, Denis chuckled.
Anne poked her head back in. Emma, I have to admitI arranged all this so youd learn about Jacks betrayal. I couldnt just stand by. Please dont be angry.
Emma laughed, then thought a moment. Id be angry if youd known and kept silent. I hate lies. By the way, I dreamt of an old woman who said the cheater isnt my destiny. Destiny belongs to the one who brings a gift when I wake.
She eyed Denis, who stared at her without blinking.
Anne sat on the stool, took Emmas hand, and gently squeezed. She felt certain shed done the right thing. Scoundrels must be removed from life while theres still a chance to start anew. The important thing is to have true friends and loving people nearby. The little things will work themselves out.
The lesson was clear: honesty may hurt, but a life built on lies crumbles faster than any storm.
