**A Heart Broken by Hope: The Road to New Happiness**
Emma, its over between us, said William coldly. I want a real familychildren. You cant give me that. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to gather your things. If you leave, let me know. Ill stay at my mums until I prepare the flat for the baby and his mother. Yes, dont look so shockedmy new girlfriend is pregnant! Three days, Emma!
Emma stood silent, feeling the ground vanish beneath her feet. What could she say? Five years theyd tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended in tragedy. The doctors assured her she was healthy, yet each time, something went wrong. Emma lived carefully, especially during her pregnancies. The last time, shed fainted at work, and the ambulance didnt make it in time
The door slammed shut behind William, and Emma, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa. She had no strength to pack. Where could she go? Before the marriage, shed lived with her aunt, but shed passed, and the flat had been sold by her cousin. Return to the village of Oakvale, to her grandmothers house? Rent somewhere? And her job? Questions swirled in her mind, but time slipped away.
Morning came, and the door openedher mother-in-law, Margaret, stepped inside.
Not asleep? Good, she said sharply. I came to make sure youre not taking anything that isnt yours.
Ive no interest in your sons old socks, Emma frowned. Do you want to count my things?
What a cheek youve got! You used to be so meek. I told William after the first pregnancy youd never bear a child.
Is that why youre here? Then shut up and watch.
Why are you taking the china? Margaret snapped.
Its mine, from my aunt. A keepsake.
Itll look empty here without it!
Not my problem. At least youll have a grandchild.
Take only whats yours!
The laptop, the coffee maker, and the microwave were gifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.
You have everything you need, except the ability to bear children!
Thats none of your business. Seems its what God intended.
No regrets? Maybe you made it happen on purpose?
Dont be absurd. I cant even think about it without pain.
Emma glanced aroundher things were disappearing. The hairbrush, the makeup, the slippers Had she forgotten something important? Margarets presence grated on her. Then she rememberedthe little porcelain cat, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside was a hidden compartment with earrings and a ringnothing valuable, but precious to her. William had called it rubbish. Had he thrown it away? She opened the balcony door.
What are you doing out there? Margarets voice rang out. Hurry up, take your things and go!
She found the catstill intact. Now she could leave.
Here are the keys. Goodbye. Lets not meet again.
Emma went to the office. She was on medical leave but requested a holiday.
Were with you, her boss said. But its hard without you. Three weeks enough? Stay in
Emma closed her eyes, feeling Pauls hand gently squeeze hers, knowing that after so much pain, her new life was only beginning.
