**Diary Entry**
Ill never forget the day Emily sat in that cramped waiting room for two hours, clutching her coat like a lifeline. Old Nell, the local healer, was her last hope. For years, Emily had tried to conceive, but nothing worked. I dont know what to tell you, the doctor had said, shrugging. All your tests are perfect. Theres no medical reason.
Then why? Emily had pleaded. If Im healthy, why cant I have a baby?
The doctor sighed. Medicine cant explain everything. Maybe try church?
Emily and Thomas had been married five years. Their life in Surrey was comfortablea spacious home, steady income, love. But the house felt hollow without a childs laughter.
Emily had long suspected a curse. The doctors words only confirmed it.
Church wont cut it, her friend Sarah said, scribbling an address. You need a wise woman. Go nowdont think twice.
Finally, Emilys turn came. She stepped into the cosy cottage, surprised. Shed imagined a hag with warts and a black cat. Instead, Nell was a frail, kind-faced woman in a floral dress and white headscarf.
Hello, dear. Sit by the icon, Nell said softly.
Emily burst into tears. II dont know whats wrong with me
Hush, love. I know why youre here. Nell lit a candle, murmured prayers, and circled Emily with the flame. Twenty minutes later, she took Emilys hands.
You cant bear children. Theres a curseyour mothers sin.
Emily recoiled. My mother? Shes been gone years! Why should I pay for her mistakes?
Its the way of things, Nell said gently. I cant break this. You must learn what she did and make amends. Praynot just for yourself, but for those whove wronged you.
Emily left in a daze. She called Thomas. Im visiting Aunt Margaret. Dont wait up.
Margarets cottage in Kent smelled of lavender and tea. Emily! You shouldve warned meId have baked!
I need the truth, Emily cut in. What did my mother do? Why am I paying for it?
Margaret paled. Emily told her about Nell.
Margaret sighed. Your mother, Helen she was the village beauty. Married men flocked to her. She stole oneWilliamfrom his wife, Mary. Mary begged on her knees for him back. Helen laughed in her face.
And then? Emily whispered.
Mary cursed her. May your children suffer as mine have. Helen married William, had you but they died young. Strange, wasnt it? And now you cant conceive.
Wheres Mary now?
Lost her mind. They took her to an asylum. Her son, Leo, grew up in care. Came back a drunk. Lost his legs in the woods one winter.
Emilys stomach churned. So my mother ruined two lives.
Aye.
Take me to Leo.
Are you mad? Hes a wreck!
Then point me to his house.
They trudged through snow to a crumbling shack. The stench of cheap whisky hit Emily like a wall. Inside, a gaunt man in a wheelchair glared. A white cat purred on the table.
Youre social services? Piss off.
Im Emily. Your sister.
Leo barked a laugh. Here to gloat?
I came to apologise. How can I help?
Got fifty quid?
She placed two hundred on the table.
Cheers. Now scram.
Emily left, heartbroken.
For days, Leo haunted her. She returned to church, praying for enemies as Nell had said. The vicar listened to her confession.
That wise woman was wrong. Children dont pay for parents sins. But prayer? That she got right.
What do I do about Leo?
Follow your heart.
Next day, Emily marched into Leos shack.
Piss off, he grunted.
Pack your things. Youre coming home with me.
Like hell.
If you hate it, Ill bring you back. But youre my brother. I wont leave you here.
Leo hesitated. One condition. Snowball comes. He nodded at the cat.
Deal.
***
Three months later, Leo thrived in our home. Hed quit drinking, taken up coding.
Your prosthetic arrives tomorrow, Thomas said, clapping his shoulder. Youll walk again.
Leo wiped his eyes. Never thought I would.
Thank Emily. Shes over the moon to have you.
Six months after that, Thomas and Leo stood outside the maternity ward, grinning as Emily held up their newborn twins.
Lifes about to get loud, Thomas laughed.
Ready for two little terrors, Uncle Leo?
Leo grinned. Bring it on.
**Lesson learned: Blood isnt just sharedits chosen. And redemption? Thats a family affair.**
