To Make It to a Golden Wedding Anniversary Ludmila and Ivan Have Spent Twenty-Five Years Together—She’s Now Fifty, He’s Two Years Her Senior; Their Typical Village Life Revolves Around Their Home, Farm, Work, and Their Grown Son Mathew, Who Finished College and Works at a Local Steel Plant; But When Mathew Arrives for the Weekend with His Fiancée Julia, Plans for a Summer Wedding Spark Joy, Even as Ludmila Quietly Battles Feelings for Their Neighbour and Ivan’s Best Friend, Michael—An Unexpected Romance Threatening to Upend Their Silver Anniversary Celebrations, Family Ties, and the Future They Thought They Shared

Author Walton MerrittReading 10 minViews 2

Diary Entry: Making it to the Golden Anniversary

John and I have been together for twenty-five years. Ive turned fifty now, and hes two years older. Our life in the village is much like everyone elseshouse, garden, work. Our son, Matthew, is grown up and lives in Birmingham, having finished college and now working at a steelworks.

One weekend, he came home with a lovely girl in tow.

Meet my parents, this is Emily, he said. Were getting marriedjust need to give notice at the registry office.

Emily greeted us shyly, her cheeks a delicate pink.

Hello, Emily love, come on in, make yourself at home. Were a simple lot, I chirped, bustling about and setting the table.

John and I immediately warmed to Emily. After some tea and cake, they headed back to Birmingham. Later on, Matthew phoned to say the wedding would be in the summer. The news lifted my spirits, and when I told John, he was clearly pleased too.

Everything was looking up. Yet for some reason, I found myself troubledwho would have guessed at my age Id fall head over heels for our neighbour, David, who happens to also be Johns mate?

It happened after David popped round with a bottle of brandy for a natter. His wife, Margaret, works as a train conductor and is away for long stretches. She seems unbothered by leaving David alone, acting as if hed never stray.

Their daughter, Helen, lives in London but visits now and again, bringing him groceries when Margarets gone. Mostly they all keep in touch by phoneMargaret comes back for ten days before heading off on the next trip.

Dave, let me show you the cordless drill I bought at the market in town. Should have got one ages agoits brilliant, said John, springing up and heading out to the shed.

No sooner had John left than David pulled me to him, his hands tight around my waist, lips pressed against my neck. The thrill raced up my spine. When I heard the back door open, I jumped away, grabbing a cloth and scrubbing the table, unable to meet Johns eyes. I could feel my cheeks glowing.

But John was oblivious, passing the drill to David.

Good bit of kit, that is, David said, then topped up everyones glass. Shall we toast to it? he asked. Liz, you joining us?

No, lads, Im feeling a bit tired. Ill have a lie-down, I replied, excusing myself in a hurry. Staring into the bedroom mirror, I scolded myself. Honestly, Liz, what are you like? Looking all flustered like youre eighteen again. I even caught myself smiling flirtatiously at my own reflection.

At fifty, Id gained a bit of weight, my face rounded, chest fuller, but my features remained pleasantmy eyes especially were always my best. I knew exactly how to smarten up, pop on a smashing dress and some heels, and I could still turn heads at any village function.

Truth is, Id fancied David for agestall, rugged, and always with that smouldering look. Then just recently, Id learnt the feeling was mutual.

David was fifty-four, long married to Margaret; wed always socialised as neighbours. One day, I was heading to the village shop when he called over.

Liz, fancy popping in to help me boil some dumplings?

Im in a rush, Dave, need to nip to the shop, I said, glancing home, wishing Id brushed my hair and put some lippy on.

Yet somehow, before I knew it, I’d slipped through his gate and up the steps. He caught me in his arms as soon as the door closed. Davids kisses were dizzyingneither of us made any move to resist.

You can shop later, he whispered. Honestly, I havent a clue how long to boil these dumplings. He pulled me into the kitchen.

About ten minutes should do it, I laughed. Surely its not your first go?

Feels like everythings a first for me these days, he smiled, Im hopeless without Margaret.

Need help with dinner, then?

No. Weve got other matters, he grinned, holding me even tighter than the day before in my own kitchen.

He tossed my coat on the floor and nuzzled into me.

Oh Dave, Im a married woman.

So what? Im married too. But you I cant stop thinking about you. Not sure John gives you much attention these days. Wheres the joy in life otherwise?

I didnt object. It had been years since John paid me a real compliment or said anything soft to me. Did I not deserve a bit of affection? From then on, things went further; for the first time ever, I truly betrayed my husband. I lay there in Margarets bed, feeling shockingly little guilt, telling myself this was simply how it should be.

You know, Liz, Id live with you if I could, David murmured. Margaret and I barely do more than text these days. Who knows, she might have someone else as well, being away so much. Maybe its the train driver shes with?

His kisses made me giddy, but I suddenly recalled my errand and pulled myself together as Helens voice rang out from the hall.

Oh, hello Auntie Liz, Helen said, and though I felt caught, I quickly collected myself.

Hi Helen, I just popped in to show your dad how to boil dumplings. Hes helpless without your mum.

Dad, Ive told you more than once! Helen laughed, unloading groceries. I know youd starve if it wasnt for me, so I brought you some food.

Well, Id better get going, I said. Helen will fill you in.

My heart raced; cheeks flush with the excitement, I realised: I was utterly in love with the neighbour I used to think off-limits. Now the most handsome man in the village wanted me.

I went back, time and again, not noticing the local tongues wagging about us.

Youre often gone ages at the shop, John said slyly one day, but I missed the implication. What are you getting up to with Dave?

Oh, hes helpless without Margaret, kept asking about boiling dumplings. I helped out Helen dropped round too, shes talking about getting married as well.

David became bolder. If were caught, well just say were in love. Let Margaret run off with her own man, and John wellI dont really know, he said, then swept me into a kiss.

Honestly, Dave, what are we like? Nearly fifty, acting like teenagers, I giggled nervously.

Love knows no age, he replied, pulling me close.

That lingering shame just melted away. I convinced myself I deserved this.

The clandestine meetings continued a second week. One afternoon, John nearly caught me at Davids, and I had to hide in the shed while they chatted in the yard.

That evening, confronted by John, the truth came out.

I know everything Geoff spotted you sneaking into Davids, he said stiffly. Were meant to have our silver wedding anniversary at the village hall in three days, guests invited, everything arranged and here you are

Im sorry, John, I mumbled, looking down. I honestly dont know whats come over me Men get these urges too, dont they? He swore at me in anger.

Call me what you like, I said, but I truly am sorry.

Well go through with the anniversary, put on a show, then thats it. You can explain to Matthew. His weddings coming up, and his mums carrying on like a fool.

On the day, the village hall was packed. I sat with John, looking my best in a new dress and pearls, glancing at Davidhe was alone, as Margaret was away for work again.

I wasnt upset. Let them gossip, I thought. No one knows whats really between me and David. They havent got a clue about true love

The toasts started, and David even raised a glass, To the happy coupleheres to another twenty-five years, and may we all be together again in the future! Everyone cheered and drank, laughter filling the hall.

Afterwards, John decided enough was enough. He couldnt stand the thought of me and David carrying on under everyones noses. From then on, he avoided David altogether.

Ill talk with her tonight, he resolved as he pottered about outside.

I decided on one last visit to David, hoping for some reassurance.

When I got there, David was by the shed. Seeing me, he gave a little wave for me not to come closer.

Margarets back, he whispered.

Have you told her anything? I asked quietly.

What am I supposed to say?

That were together

Shush! David hissed, glancing nervously toward the house. Liz, youre a grown woman. We had our fun, but thats enough. I love Margaret. She jumped on me the moment she got in, and I realised shes all I want. Besides, shes the best cook in the street.

I couldnt bear to listen further and left quickly. That evening, John and I finally talked.

I want a divorce, he said. Youve shamed me.

I broke down in tears. John was my own, after all these yearsyes, the passion might have gone, but that can be rekindled. At least I know all his habits. I begged him to forgive me.

Im so sorry, John. You were right to call me a fool the other daymy heads been screwed on wrong. I promise things will change. Just think how wed explain this to Matthew, his wedding is in two months. Lets stick together, await those grandchildren

Time passed. John, bless him, has a forgiving heart; I know, in his own way, he loves me still. Now, years later, weve two darling grandchildren, and our son and his wife visit often.

As for David, hes gone on sneaking around the village. When Margarets away, hes often seen popping over to see widowed Janet or someone else. He never comes by ours anymorehe and John arent friends now. Margaret eventually retired, and now she and David bicker endlessly at home, their rows echoing up the street. But thats their business. Every home has its clatter, after all.

Thank you, dear diary, for always listening. Wishing luck and happiness to anyone whos made it to the end.

The One-Woman Man On the Day of His Wife’s Funeral, Fyodor Didn’t Shed a Tear—”You See, I Told You He Never Loved Zina,” Tosia Whispered to Her Neighbor. “Hush Now, What Difference Does It Make? The Children Are Orphans Now, with a Father Like That.”—”You’ll See, He’ll Marry Katie Soon Enough,” Tosia Assured Lelya. “Why Katie? She Wants Nothing to Do with Him. Glafira Was Always His True Love, Or Have You Forgotten How They Used to Sneak Around the Barns? Katie Has a Family and Moved On from Him Long Ago.” Zinaida Was Buried. The Children Clung to Each Other. Misha and Pauline Had Just Turned Eight. Though Zina Married Fyodor for Love, No One, Not Even She, Knew If He Truly Loved Her. Rumor Had It She Married Him Because She Fell Pregnant. Their First Child, Klavdy, Was Born Premature and Didn’t Survive; For Years Afterwards, There Were No More Children Until God Granted Twins—Pauline, Who Took After Fyodor, and Misha, Gentle Like His Mother. Fyodor Was Stern, Called “Lone Wolf” By Villagers for His Silence and Lack of Affection. When Zina Died, She Entrusted Misha With Protecting His Twin Sister. “You’re the Man of the House Now, Promise Me You’ll Care for Her,” She Said Before Passing. Fyodor Sat Wordless at His Late Wife’s Side. Life Slowly Settled—Pauline Tried to Manage the Household, But Needed Aunt Natalia’s Guidance. Villagers Whispered: Maybe Fyodor Would Marry Again, Perhaps to Glafira, His Old Flame—though Such Gossip Was Met with Chiding from the Parish Council Chairman, Maxim Leonard. Glafira Had Loved Fyodor Once, But Married Mitya Instead; Still, Old Sparks Began Rumored to Fly. Yet Fyodor Stayed True to Zina’s Memory. Even When Glafira Approached Him With Homemade Pies, He Refused, Remaining Loyal to His Wife, Even After Death. Years Passed, the Twins Grew Up. Aunt Natalia, Still Helping Them, Maintained That Her Brother Had Only Loved One Woman. When Pauline Confided She Loved Grisha Voronin “for Ever,” Natalia Cautioned Her That Sometimes Love Lasts a Lifetime—and Sometimes, If Betrayed, There’s No Loving Again. On Fridays, Pauline Secretly Followed Her Father to the Cemetery, Where He’d Whisper to Zina’s Grave All He Couldn’t Say in Life—For Fyodor, the Lone Wolf, Had Told Her Everything with His Heart.

How My Son’s Mother-in-Law Stole Him Away from Us Ever since our son got married, he refuses to visit us—he’s always at his mother-in-law’s house. She always needs urgent help. I can’t even imagine how she managed before her daughter married our son. Our son has been married for over two years. After the wedding, the newlyweds moved into the flat we bought for him when he started university. He’s always had our support and understanding. Even before the wedding, he lived on his own since his flat was close to his work. I won’t say I didn’t like my daughter-in-law—she just never seemed mature enough for married life, despite being only two years younger than our son. She often acted like a child and was quite moody at times. Our son is such a kind soul, and I always wondered how he’d manage life with someone so childish. After meeting her and her mother, I realised what kind of people they are. Despite being my age, my son’s mother-in-law acts like a child herself. Maybe you’ve met people who behave like children even when they’re older? They’re very immature and helpless. When her daughter got married, she was already on her sixth divorce. We never had much to say to each other—she was in her own world, though she didn’t try to invade ours. Our communication rarely went beyond the polite congratulations at the wedding. The warning signs started even before the wedding—the daughter-in-law would constantly drag our son over to her mum’s: a leaking tap, a socket to fix, a kitchen shelf that had fallen down. The first time, I let it go—there wasn’t a man in the house, so of course, an extra pair of hands would help. But the issues at her house never seemed to end. Our son started ignoring us, always saying he and his wife were off to her mother’s. Soon after, they began spending every holiday at his mother-in-law’s, leaving only me, my father, and my mother-in-law alone here. It was bad enough when our son stopped coming to all family celebrations, but it hurt even more when he started ignoring our requests for help. When we bought a new fridge and asked our son for help moving it, he agreed at first, but later he called to say he couldn’t because he and his wife were going to her mum’s again—this time about a leaking washing machine. When my husband rang him, we overheard my daughter-in-law saying, “Couldn’t your parents just hire movers?” Our son did turn up, but he was in a vile mood. “Dad, couldn’t you have just booked a removals team? Now I have to lug this thing myself!” That’s when I lost my patience. Why couldn’t his mother-in-law just call a specialist herself? Is she living in a parallel universe where those don’t exist? My son said the poor woman needed help because everyone tries to cheat her nowadays—they’ll take her money and not fix a thing. At that point, my husband snapped and said, “Maybe your mother-in-law doesn’t know much about appliances, but she’s certainly a skilled shepherd—she’s managed to lead one sheep perfectly.” Our son stormed out, furious with his dad. I didn’t interfere—as much as I agreed with my husband that our new in-laws had made themselves very comfortable on our son’s back, he could have put it more gently, and now our son refuses to see him and is upset with me too. After that row, our son hasn’t spoken to his dad for more than two weeks. His father won’t be the first to make amends. I feel torn—caught between a rock and a hard place. Of course, my husband is right, but he could have put it more kindly. Now my son is offended, and I risk losing him altogether over something so petty. Neither will give way—they both say the other should apologise first. Meanwhile, his mother-in-law seems to be having the time of her life! — **How My Son’s Mother-in-Law Took Him Away from Our Family: Ever Since He Got Married, He’s Always at Her House—Now There’s Always an Emergency Needing His Help, and He Hardly Sees Us Anymore**

Living in Someone Else’s Flat? Then Pay the Rent! “I don’t even know if my daughter’s wedding will happen. Everyone’s fallen out, and the future son-in-law has gone off the rails. There are only two weeks to go and he’s acting up. I feel so sorry for my daughter,” complains Alina. “Why is everyone arguing?” “You won’t believe it, but it’s over a flat. We wanted to make the young couple happy, so we used all our savings and bought them a flat as a wedding gift. We had to sell our little cottage by the lake and the garage just to afford it. The property is in my daughter’s name. But they’re getting married anyway—so what difference does it make whose name it’s in?” “Exactly…” “That’s what my husband and I think too. Now, the flat’s totally bare. It needs renovating and furnishing, but we’ve got no savings left. My husband suggested to our son-in-law-to-be that we all pitch in to get the place ready so they can move in quickly. But he refuses to help with the renovation!” “Why not?” “Because it’s not his flat! He won’t invest in property he doesn’t own. He said we should do the renovation ourselves. Maybe he’ll buy a few bits and bobs, but he won’t spend any real money.” “So why don’t they just move in as it is?” “They can’t. It’s completely empty and needs new plumbing and electrics, the floors and walls need evening out, the old windows are about to fall out—they need to be replaced. At the very least, it needs basic finishing,” says Alina. “I think it’s impossible to live in such a state, even though I’m not hard to please. How can young people live in a dump like that? It’s embarrassing! My future son-in-law works for a big company and makes good money, but he doesn’t want to spend it. He wants to save up for his own place so he’s not left without a roof over his head. “So it seems he wants to live at our expense. He’s demanding we pay for the renovation. So I told him, if he thinks it’s someone else’s flat, then he should pay rent! He just smiled and agreed,” Alina sighs. “What does your daughter say?” “She’s very upset and cries all the time. She loves him very much, but we can’t add him to the flat’s deeds. Now she says she doesn’t want the flat or the renovation at all. But I dislike that he’s unwilling to invest in their family. What’s going to happen next? They’re not even married and already thinking about divorce and splitting the assets,” says Alina. Do you think my future son-in-law should invest in this flat? He plans to live there, start a family, settle in. Does it really matter whose name is on the deeds? Or is his position logical? What would you do in his shoes?