“Mum,” said Victor quietly when they were alone in the kitchen, “Ive been thinking for a while about telling you this.”
Kathleen looked up, surprised. She wasnt used to her son-in-law wanting to have private conversations with her.
“What is it, Victor?” she asked carefully, wiping down the glasses.
Victor hesitated, then spoke slowly: “Ive noticed you live for everyone elseAggie, Julie and in the process, you forget about yourself. Youre still a young woman, fifty-oneand you walk around with your head down as if lifes over. Thats not right.”
Kathleen forced a bitter smile.
“Oh, come on, Victor, isnt that how it is? My husband left me for someone younger, I lost my job. All I have left is being Grandma.”
Victor shook his head firmly. “I dont see it that way. Youre strong, clever, beautiful. And I want you to knowyoure not alone.”
Kathleens heart clenched. There was a warmth in his eyes that unsettled her.
“Victor,” she murmured awkwardly. “What are you trying to say?”
He stepped closer but stopped himself, as if holding back.
“You dont have to say anything. Just remembersomeone truly values you.”
Kathleen fell silent. His words echoed in her mind all night.
In the weeks that followed, life carried on as usualnursery runs, chemist trips, housework. But Victors words wouldnt leave her. Though he never mentioned it again, she caught herself seeking his gaze more than once.
One afternoon, while walking Julie home, she bumped into her ex-husband, Zachary, arm in arm with Ursula. Zachary looked tired, aged.
“Hello,” he greeted dryly. “How are you?”
“Getting by,” Kathleen replied calmly. “No complaints.”
Ursula gave her a once-over before scoffing: “Still so plain.”
Kathleen only smiled. For the first time, she didnt feel the need to prove anything. Her strength wasnt in clothes or makeup.
Not long after, an old university friend called, offering her a jobteaching at a technical college. Kathleen thought it over, then said yes.
The new job brought her joy again. She prepared lectures, marked papers, guided students. They respected her, and for the first time in years, she felt youthful.
One evening, as she headed home, Victor was waiting outside, holding a small bunch of wildflowers.
“These are for you,” he said awkwardly. “Just because.”
Kathleens heart skipped.
“Victor, you know this isnt right,” she whispered.
“Whats not right is denying your heart,” he replied seriously. “You deserve happiness.”
Kathleen fought back tears. She took the flowers, muttered “Thank you,” and hurried inside.
That night, sleep eluded her. She knew she couldnt take what belonged to her daughter. Yet, for the first time in years, she felt her heart still beating. Still capable of love.
By morning, shed made a decision. She gathered Aggie and Victor at the table.
“My dears,” she began slowly, “Im grateful to you both, but things are going to change. Im going to live too. I dont want to just be Grandma anymore, carrying everyones burdens. Ive got a new job, Im redecorating, and Ive decidedIm going away. To see the sea, like Ive always dreamed.”
Aggie stared at her, shocked.
“Mum you never mentioned this.”
“Nows the time,” Kathleen said firmly. “Dont worry, Ill always be here for youbut not just for everyone else.”
Victor stayed silent, but his expression said it allrespect and warmth shining through.
Months later, Kathleen was transformed. She bought new clothes, signed up for a language course, and rediscovered an old passionpainting.
By her next birthday, when the family gathered, it wasnt the broken, lonely woman at the table, but a radiant one who believed in herself again.
“To Mum!” Aggie cheered, pouring champagne. “To the woman who finally learned to love herself!”
They clinked glasses, laughter filling the room. And Kathleen, smiling to herself, thought: “Yes. Now my life really begins.”
