**The New Year’s Surprise**
Emily hurried home, barely noticing the icy pavement beneath her feet. In her handbag were two plane tickets—their dream holiday was finally happening. A seaside hotel awaited them on the southern coast, where they’d spend New Year’s under the sun, far from cooking and chores. It was meant to feel like a fairy tale.
But something always got in the way. Money was tight—saving for their flat’s mortgage took priority. Or they’d simply forgotten to book early amid daily hustle. Now, though, the flat was nearly paid off. It was time to think of starting a family. If not now, a baby would delay their dream for years. So Emily decided this holiday would be her New Year’s gift to Robert.
Of course, her mother-in-law would scold her for wasting money on nonsense. “Who goes to the beach in winter?” she’d say. “And what about us? Why didn’t you ask first?” There’d be complaints, resentment—another reason for her to dislike Emily. But it didn’t matter. She could endure it. The thought of Robert’s joy made it worth it.
Had she consulted him, her mother-in-law would’ve ruined the surprise. And they’d never have gone. It never crossed Emily’s mind that Robert might dislike the gift or have other plans. He always said he hated slaving over holiday meals in front of the telly. He loved parties, laughter.
The envelope had sat in her office desk for days. Tonight, she brought it home, their flight just two days away.
She placed it under the tree where Robert would spot it straight away. Then she changed and started dinner, ears straining for the front door. She glanced at the clock repeatedly.
By half past eight, worry crept in. The food had gone cold, and Robert was nowhere. She called repeatedly—his phone was off. Pacing the flat, she peered out the window, imagining every terrible scenario. The robotic voicemail taunted her each time she redialled.
She forced herself to stay calm. Maybe he’d met friends. But why turn off his phone? Why no warning?
She even checked the hallway—once, her father had come home drunk, left slumped by mates too scared to face her mother. A neighbour had found him.
No one was outside now. The tickets were forgotten; all she cared about was Robert’s safety.
Sleep was impossible. She curled on the sofa, drifting into restless dozes until—
The phone’s ring shattered the silence. She grabbed it, heart pounding. “Robert! Where are you? What’s wrong?”
A woman’s honeyed voice answered. “Nothing’s wrong. He’s sleeping. Like a baby.”
Emily’s stomach dropped. “Who is this?”
“Guess,” the voice purred. “We’ve been together six months. He pitied you. Didn’t have the heart to say.” The line went dead.
Numb, Emily stared at the phone. Six months? Since summer? While she’d planned this surprise?
Her eyes fell on the forgotten envelope. No tears came—just a hollow ache. What now? How could she go on?
The key turned at midnight. Robert froze when he saw her awake.
“Your battery died?” Her voice was eerily calm. She showed him the call log. “She told me everything.”
Robert paled. “I’m sorry—”
“Don’t.” She cut him off. “Just go.”
He reached for her. She flinched. “Don’t touch me!” Her scream echoed. He left.
For hours, she sat in silence. Then she took the tickets. December 30th. A lifeline.
She’d go alone.
At the airport, she moved mechanically. On the plane, the coast emerged—white beaches, palm trees. She’d go straight to the sea.
The hotel was full of couples. Only one woman stood out—pale, wrapped in a shawl. But a young man hovered protectively. Too young to be her husband. Her son, perhaps?
Days later, she met him on the shore. “Where’s your mum?”
“Resting.” Up close, he looked younger. Andrew’s wife had left when his mother fell ill. This trip was her last wish.
They walked together often. Exchanged numbers. Emily hadn’t expected to call.
But back home, the flat felt hollow. Robert’s things were half-gone. He called, begging to talk.
“I want a divorce.”
Months later, Andrew rang. “Mum’s gone. I’ve thought of you every day.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m free. Marry me?”
She laughed tearfully. “Ask me again later.”
Spring warmed the air as she decluttered the flat. Then she stopped.
*Why am I clinging to this?*
She called Andrew.
“I thought you’d never ring,” he said.
“I’m free now. Give me time.”
She wasn’t ready—not yet. But the past held less pain each day. The future, once distant, now shimmered like the sea at dawn.
**Sometimes, a broken dream is just the start of a better one.**
