**Diary Entry**
*”So, you won’t invite me to the wedding, love? Are you ashamed of me?”*
Emily fell for her classmate James in their final year of school. Back then, he was just an ordinary, unremarkable lad. But after summer break, he shot up in height, his shoulders broadened. One day in PE, she twisted her ankle. James carried her all the way to the nurse’s office. Pressed against him, she realized how strong and handsome he’d become.
From then on, they were inseparable. By spring, Emily found out she was pregnant. After their A-levels, they married. James skipped university, took a job on a construction site. Just before Christmas, Emily had a baby girl—Sophie. He helped his young wife, pushing the pram while she caught up on sleep or chores. Come spring, he enlisted.
Then more trouble—Emily’s father left her mum for another woman. Heartbroken, Mum withered away, lost all joy. Diagnosed with aggressive cancer, she was gone in months. Left alone with her baby, Emily struggled. Her mother-in-law dropped by only to scold her—flat a mess, child neglected—but never lifted a finger.
An elderly neighbour took pity. Paid Emily to clean and fetch groceries, minding Sophie too.
Emily scraped by however she could. James finally returned from service—only to say their marriage was a mistake, a childish fling. Blamed her for trapping him with the baby. He wanted to study now.
Sophie grew up a beauty, top of her class, lads lining up. Yet she turned them all down.
*”No one catches your eye?”* Emily asked.
*”Liam’s alright. Josh isn’t bad. But they’re just like us—parents living paycheck to paycheck. I won’t end up like you. I’m pretty, and pretty has value.”*
*”Looks fade, love. I was pretty once—look at me now.”*
*”Don’t compare us, Mum. I’m not having kids—not yet. First, I’ll marry well. Someone successful.”*
*”Where? In our little town? The rich pick their own—they’d never glance at you.”*
*”I’m not staying. After A-levels, I’m off to London. More opportunities there. Speaking of—I need a new dress. Shoes. That coat I saw. I can’t go looking shabby.”*
Emily took extra shifts, came home exhausted. Denied herself everything for Sophie. Neighbourhood mums admired her—raising such a clever, lovely girl alone. Emily swelled with pride, never mentioning the cost. They grew apart, barely speaking under one roof.
Sophie left for uni, took Emily’s last savings. Rarely called, brushed off her mother’s attempts. In her final year, she visited unexpectedly.
*”Mum, I’m marrying Henry. His dad’s a businessman. Huge house in Surrey. He’ll buy me a car—”*
Emily listened, relieved she was happy.
*”When do I meet him? I’ve nothing to wear—maybe Linda down the hall can stitch me a dress? When’s the wedding?”*
Sophie hesitated.
*”Mum… I told his parents you’re abroad. Can’t come.”* Seeing Emily’s shock, she snapped, *”Was I supposed to say you’re a cleaner? That we’re poor? They’d never accept me!”*
*”You won’t invite me? Ashamed?”* Emily’s voice broke. *”What do I tell people?”*
*”Who cared when Dad left you? Did anyone help? If you want me to escape your life, you’ll stay away. Look at yourself—no teeth, dressed like a charity case—”*
The words gutted Emily.
*”After all I sacrificed… He’ll find out you lied. Then what?”*
*”Not if you keep quiet.”*
Emily wept but relented. Couldn’t ruin Sophie’s chance. Before she left, silence festered between them.
Alone, Emily’s health worsened—high blood pressure, heart trouble. An ambulance took her in. The driver, Andrew, offered to fetch her things.
*”Bit sparse here. Needs refurbishing. Alone?”* he asked later at the hospital.
*”Daughter’s in London. Getting married—”* Then, uncharacteristically, she poured her life out to this stranger.
Andrew visited often. Post-discharge, he drove her home in the ambulance.
*”You’re decent. My wife always wanted more—fur coats, diamonds. Left me for a richer bloke. Miss my boy… Fancy a proper refurb? I’ll make this place shine.”*
Emily resisted at first. But he brought flowers, fixed the flat. She’d not been courted since James. At forty, why stay lonely?
Andrew proposed; she stalled, fearing Sophie’s reaction.
Then Sophie appeared on her doorstep, suitcase in hand.
*”You’re not alone?”* She eyed the refurb, Andrew’s jacket.
*”He’s kind. Fixed the place. You’ll meet him—”*
*”Married? Or just shacking up for the flat?”*
*”He’s got his own place!”*
*”So we’ll live with a stranger?”*
Andrew walked in, heard enough, and turned to leave.
*”Wait!”* Emily blocked him. *”I’ve lived for you, Sophie. Denied myself everything. Now I’ve someone good. Should I toss him out? I’m not old yet. Stay if you want—I’m leaving with him.”*
For the first time, she refused Sophie.
Later, Sophie apologised. She’d met a lad, fallen properly in love. Didn’t mind her mum remarrying.
*”Two weddings?”* Andrew joked.
*”Let’s just do yours,”* Emily said. *”No fuss for us.”*
*”Always about her,”* he sighed. *”Time to think of yourself.”*
*”I am. Her happiness is mine.”*
**Lesson:**
Kindness might bring happiness—but will it last? Sophie’s selfishness may yet return. A mother’s boundless love risks raising a tyrant. Life’s unpredictable. Sometimes, you must choose your own joy.
