Today I returned home feeling unsettled. Earlier, I had gone to visit my daughter, Samantha. The scene that greeted me was utter chaosher flat was a mess, and she was sitting on the floor in tears. Shed had a terrible row with her husband, Henry, and thrown him out. Never in a million years did I expect things to fall apart so suddenlytheyd seemed so happy together, managing well, raising their two children, and had just bought their flat with a mortgage.
I honestly couldnt grasp what had gone so wrong.
Mum, everything was fine this morning, Samantha sobbed, pausing every now and then to catch her breath. But this afternoon, someone rang Henrys mobile and I answered. There was a woman on the line.
She tried to steady her voice and continue. Darling, how much longer do I have to wait? she said. I asked who it was, but the woman hung up and wouldnt answer after that. So I confronted Henry. He said it mustve been some mistake, some mix-up.
You do realise Im faithful to you?! he insisted, but I didnt believe him… He packed his bags and left.
I tried to comfort Samantha, hoping against hope that it really was a misunderstanding.
The next day she rang me to say Henry had filed for divorce. Hes promised to keep paying the mortgage, but who knows what will happen? If he stops, theres no way Samantha can handle it on her ownwe could lose the flat. Henry swears the property will go to the children, but Samantha overheard something about that other womanhis supposed mistressdemanding her share of the estate.
Apparently, she needs a place as well because shes pregnant, or so she claims. No ones even sure if its true. When they finally separated, Henry insisted hed cover everything financially. He still keeps in touch with the kidsSamanthas never stopped himbut that woman hates it. Henry might well change his mind about paying off the mortgage.
Sometimes, Samantha tells me she can see Henrys completely worn out by this new woman and her pregnancy as well. The whole thing just leaves me feeling lost, wondering where it all went wrong and how we can possibly pick up the pieces.
