**Diary Entry A New Life**
I never imagined at twenty what lay ahead for me. I was at university, in love with my Daniel, dreaming of our weddingwed already talked about it.
Daniel was older, having finished his military service when he came back to our schools autumn ball. I was in sixth form. Ill never forget the first time I saw him. We lived in the same town, even went to the same school, though hed graduated before me.
Who *is* that? I thought when he walked in.
He scanned the room, looking for familiar faces, then caught my eye and smiled. I was smitten. How could I not be? He wasnt like the other lads.
Hi, Im Daniel, he said, stepping closer. I blushed. Care to dance? He took my waist, and we spun across the floor.
Veronica, I managed.
I barely felt my feet touch the ground. He led with such confidence, and I moved with him effortlessly.
Veronica, he grinned. Youre a natural.
He didnt leave my side all night. By the end, hed promised to walk me home. We lingered, reluctant to part, but I knew Mum would worry.
Daniel never let life grow dull. After school, I stayed in Manchester for uni while he worked. He was the sort who lit up any roomalways laughing, always surrounded by mates. Soon, I was part of his world too, tagging along to weddings and weekends away.
He brought me roses even in December. Every date felt like a celebrationcafés, countryside drives, trips with friends.
In my third year, he surprised me.
Booked us a skiing holiday over Christmas, he said. Theyve got brilliant instructors. Youll be flying down those slopes in no time.
Daniel, youre *amazing*! I threw my arms around him, then pulled back, laughing. Butwaityou *know* Im terrified of heights!
That trip was magical. I learned fast, loved it, and hated when it ended. Then came Mothers Day. Daniel arrived with two bouquets.
Happy Mothers Day, he said, handing one to my mum and the other to me. For you, beautiful. He kissed my cheek, and I adored those roses.
Daniel, this is too much, Mum said.
Nah. The lads and I are heading up north for workhigh-voltage line repairs. Pays well. Ill save up for the wedding, maybe even a car.
I dont want you to go, I said.
Its just a few months. Well call every day. I want to give you the wedding you deserve.
I dont need a fancy wedding. I just need *you*.
But his mind was made up. The pay *was* good. We spoke often.
Then, one day in lectures, a sudden unease gripped megone as quick as it came. Wed talked the night before, so I didnt expect a call. But by evening, my chest was tight. I rang him. No answer. Five tries. Silence.
I called his mate, Liam.
Liam, wheres Daniel?
His voice was hollow. Hes gone.
*What?* The line went dead.
Mum! I screamed, collapsing into tears.
The rest was a nightmare. A live wire. A fatal shock. Daniels mum, Margaret, was grey with grief. His dad and younger brother, Ryan, went to bring him home. The funeral passed in a blur of black and unbearable pain.
For weeks, I moved like a ghost. I visited Margaret, sat silently beside her, walked with her to the grave. She clung to me, begging me to stay close. Even when summer came, she insisted I join hertrips to cathedrals, endless cups of tea.
Lets go to Brighton, she said suddenly one day.
I agreed, though I didnt know why. Mum urged me to move on, but I couldnt abandon Margaret. So we went.
Mornings on the beach, afternoons in our room. Margaret seemed calmer. One day, while she napped, I wandered to the promenade. The sea melted into the sky; gulls wheeled overhead. Laughter, chatter, lifeall around me. Yet I felt utterly alone.
Youre too pretty to look so sad, a voice said.
I turned, ready to snapbut stopped. Something about him reminded me of Daniel.
Pretty doesnt mean happy, I muttered.
I disagree, he said. Names Oliver.
Veronica.
We exchanged a few words before I walked off. But Oliver watched me go. Hed noticed me all weekalways with Margaret, never smiling.
Two days before leaving, I bumped into him at the shops. He took my bags.
Let me help. Fancy a chat? He nodded to a café.
Over coffee, he told me he was leaving soonand lived in Manchester too. Worked at the councils design office. Fresh out of a breakup.
I shared my grief, Margarets clinging. He frowned.
Thats odd. Most parents drift *away* from their sons ex.
I dont get it either. But I cant hurt her.
We swapped numbers. Back at the hotel, Margaret was frantic.
Where *were* you?
Shopping. Then a walk.
The weight of her presence crushed me. Mum was rightI needed space. I decided: once home, Id step back.
That night, as we packed, I mentioned starting anew.
Margarets face darkened. A new life? Of course. Youre young. ButId hoped You and Daniel were so close. I thought you might be pregnant. Or maybe Ryans still here. Hes a good lad.
My stomach turned.
*What?* I snapped, tears bursting free. I dont want *anyone*least of all his *brother*!
For the first time since the funeral, I sobbedand felt lighter.
*Home*, I thought. *And maybe Olivers part of this new life.*
Term began. Oliver and I grew closer. One day, I visited Daniels grave alone.
Goodbye, I whispered. You made me so happy. But I have to live now.
Outside the gates, Oliver waited by the car.
Margaret and I rarely crossed paths. By the time Oliver and I married, I was expecting our son.
A new life, indeed.
