13May2025
Dear Diary,
Indifference comes in many shades, I heard a woman say, Sometimes you have to close your eyes and pretend you dont see something that doesnt concern you. And other times it borders on a crime.
Ah, Emily, thats just philosophy, another female voice replied. Emily turned toward the window, watching the rows of terraced houses, the occasional passing car, and the handful of commuters bustling past. The little town of Bramley had finally shaken off the nights sleep and was buzzing with life.
I felt a twinge of annoyance riding the bus this morning. Mark had called the previous evening to warn me hed be stuck at work all night, so why should I be irritated? Work is work. Emily has often been offered lifts by a young colleague who seemed far too interested in her, but she declinedimproper for a married woman to ride with a stranger.
She dialed my number again, endured what seemed an endless series of rings, sighed, hung up, and slipped her phone back into her bag. Probably busy, she muttered, staring out again. Hes always busy at the worst possible moments. The early stage of her pregnancy was making her feel queasy; a gentle bump on the road sent a fresh wave of nausea through her.
At the shop where Im the floor manager, the director of the chain never gave us a quiet minute. My head still spun, but there was no time to dwell on it. An inspection from head office was due any minute. I snapped at Lucy, the brighteyed sales assistant, Lucy, could you help Anne with the fridge? Well be swamped otherwiseIm off to finish the reports! and fled to my office.
Lucy, after I disappeared into the back room, leaned toward her partner, who was arranging milk bottles, and whispered, Did you hear? Emilys husband is cheating on her.
Anne widened her eyes, alarmed, Youre serious? Is it true?
Indeed, Lucy replied, I saw him this morning leaving my school friend Sarahs house, and she kissed him goodbye. Scandalous, isnt it?
Then why tell me? Anne asked.
Lucy laughed, twirling a finger at her temple, Youre a fool, Anne. Men will stray; who doesnt? Ill just wait for the divorce.
Anne thought a moment, then said, Whether they split or not is their business, but Emily deserves the truth perhaps its better if they part; a marriage built on betrayal cant stand.
Lucy giggled again, looking at Anne with mock disdain, Its none of our business. Good-hearted folk like you end up bearing the blame.
Anne sighed, not arguing further. Something still gnawed at her.
My deputy, Peter, noticed my weary face as I sipped coffee while polishing the last figures on my laptop. Dont worry, Emily, he smiled. I waved him off, Im not worried. Mark isnt answering his phone, so Im fretting. He fell silent. Id liked Peter from the start; hed joined as a sales clerk, proved clever and diligent, and soon became my assistant manager.
Maybe hes just busy, he offered, though I could see the coldness in Marks tone toward his wife.
The shop erupted in activity as the inspectors arrived.
The following week, Anne kept glancing at Emily, unable to sit still. From the gossip shed heard, she knew Mark was often staying late, that Emily was forced onto the unreliable local bus despite Marks ability to drive her, and that Bramleys service was spotty at best. She decided to test her suspicions. She told me shed be late and turned up at the house of the supposed lover.
My mother had warned Anne that anyone who cares too much for someone else may have a heart that aches. That warning proved true when Anne saw Mark embracing a brightblonde, kissing her passionately, and promising to meet later. The sight stabbed Annes chest. Emily lives with such a scoundrel! she thoughtalways kind, always helpful, yet stuck with a rogue.
That evening Anne acted. She didnt confront Mark directly; she chose another route. When Emily left for work, Anne slipped into the staffroom where Peter was about to head home.
Peter, we need to talk, she said, narrowing her eyes.
Peter looked puzzled. Whats this about?
Its about Emilys husband. I saw him with that woman, she explained.
Peter stared at the floor, then sighed, Its their private life isnt it improper to interfere?
Improper, perhaps, but Emily deserves the truth, Anne replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. Shes pregnant; what if something happens?
Peter hesitated, What do you want me to do?
She answered, Take me to my village; my grandmother knows ways to reveal hidden truths. Shell help without us having to speak a word.
Peter swallowed, You like Emily, dont you?
Yes, Anne shot back, Give her a chance to learn the truth. He finally agreed.
In my grandmothers cottage, the old ladyMrs. Brown, with a silver bun and a battered cardigangreeted us warmly. She wasnt a witch, just a typical countryside granny, though her grey eyes seemed to pierce straight into the soul. Anne showed her a photo of Emily. Mrs. Brown smiled at Peter, lit a candle, and wafted its flame over the phone screen.
I see the husband isnt right for her. Theyll part, though not immediately. He lies, she is kindhearted, she murmured.
Can we speed it up? Anne whispered.
Mrs. Brown shook her head, I cant force fate, but I can show her the path. Shell decide. She fetched a small burlap sack and a pot filled with dried herbs, whispering an incantation as she poured the mixture in. These are harmless, a gentle brew. She wont notice, yet theyll aid her.
Peter asked, Shes pregnantwont this hurt the baby?
Mrs. Brown winked, The herbs are safechamomile, yarrow, a few others. No danger. She turned to Peter, Would you marry a child not your own if she drove the rogue away?
Peter swallowed hard, I would.
Adding the herbs proved the hardest part. Emily was constantly nauseated, and at closing time she craved instant noodles. Ill make you a cupstand by, Anne said, darting to the pantry, grabbing a packet, and slipping the herb sack into her pocket.
Peter sat, silently hoping Emily would break free from her deceiver, yet unsure if meddling was right.
Later, as the bus pulled up at the stop, Emily, as usual, took the window seat and gazed out. The driver announced over the intercom, Ladies and gentlemen, well have a detour due to an accident on the main line.
Suddenly, the scene unfolded like a nightmare: Mark exiting a house, hugging the blonde, sharing a lingering kiss. Emilys eyes widened, nausea hit her hard, and the world swirled. She blacked out.
Emily awoke in the hospital, the first face she saw was Annes, pale and apologetic.
Emily Im sorry. This is my fault, Anne whispered.
What? Emily croaked, I saw Mark with Sarah. Is it really?
Mark entered, looking guilty, but said nothing.
Youve been seeing her at night? Emily demanded.
Mark tried to speak, Emily, the doctor said you should think of the family
Emily shouted, When Im out, Ill file for divorce!
The doctor later reassured Anne that the baby was fine despite a scare.
Peter arrived with a bag of fruit, and the doctor, a bit flustered, asked them to leave.
Let him in, please, Emily said, settling back onto the bed.
Peter, nervous, began, I was worried about you and the baby.
Emily smiled, Youve always worried about me, unlike some.
Peter chuckled, Forget it.
Annes head popped back in, Emily, I have to tell youI set all this up so youd learn the truth. I couldnt stand watching him betray you.
Emily laughed, Id be angry if you kept silent. I hate lies. By the way, an old woman appeared in a dream, saying the deceiver isnt meant for you. Someone will bring you a gift when you wake.
She glanced at Peter, who kept his gaze fixed on her.
Anne sat on the edge of the bed, took Emilys hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. She felt certain shed done the right thing. Scoundrels must be removed while theres still a chance to start anew. The key is to have loyal friends and loving people nearby; the little things will sort themselves out.
Lesson learned: sometimes interference feels intrusive, but protecting those you care about from deception is worth the risk, for honesty is the only foundation on which a life can be rebuilt.
