You really shouldn’t, Em. You’re thirty and you live like an oldlady, Margaret said, settling down beside her daughter.
Emily trudged home from the office, exhausted as always. By dinner time the kitchen already smelled of potatoes and onions; Margaret was frying them in a wellworn pan, muttering under her breath, but still she gently placed a plate on the table.
Em, have a bite, itll cool down, she urged.
Mum, later, okay? I need to change out of my work clothes first.
Emily slipped off her coat, pulled off her boots and padded into the bedroom. Little Charlie was on the floor, building a tower from blocks and humming to himself. Seeing his mother, he squealed with delight.
Mum, look at my fortress!
Emily smiled, planted a kiss on his crown.
Wow, a real castle. Maybe Ill be the princess?
No, Charlie replied seriously, youll be the commander.
She laughed, and for a moment her heart warmed. Tiny moments like that kept the hollow that had settled in her chest for nearly six years at bay.
After Igor walked out of her life, Emily swore shed never allow herself a weakness again. From then on it was work, home and Charlie. Sometimes, when Charlie drifted off to sleep, shed sit by the window, watching the occasional streetlights flicker, and catch herself thinking that life had simply slipped past.
Margaret had seen all of this, and at times the strain of her daughters state was almost unbearable.
You cant go on like this, Em. Youre thirty and you behave like a pensioner, she would repeat, sitting beside her.
Mum, Im fine. Im not complaining, Emily replied.
Fine Margaret mimicked. From work to home, from home back to work. And then what?
Then Charlie will grow up, finish school
And leave, Margaret added calmly. Who will you be left with? Im not forever.
Emily sighed, saying nothing. Her mothers words werent born of malice; she simply knew how quickly life slipped through ones fingers.
Late one evening, over tea in the kitchen, Margaret steered the conversation again.
I saw a flyer on Mrs. Patels doorbell for a dating club. Folks meet, have coffee, go to the movies together. Maybe you should give it a go?
Mum, are you serious?
Whats the problem? Normal women sometimes enjoy a bit of male attention.
I dont want to, Emily cut her off.
Dont want or are you scared?
Emily silently rinsed her cup. Talking about it always made her throat tighten.
Mum, lets drop it. Ive been burned before and I dont want a repeat, she said.
You never even tried a second time to see if theres a better half out there, Margaret sighed.
Seeing Emilys lack of readiness, Margaret fell silent. Inside, however, a storm brewed: Emily had once been bright, smiling, loving. Now she felt like the shadow of a woman who merely ticked boxes on a schedule.
One weekend they took Charlie out to the local park; the snow crunched under their boots, children swooshed down slides. Margaret waved to a neighbour who was promoting a childrens fête at the community centre.
Go on, Em, dont stay cooped up, she urged. Charlie will have fun, and youll get a breather.
Emily resisted at first, then gave in.
The hall was noisy. Kids darted about, adults clustered in groups. Charlie raced to the table of toys. Emily lingered at the edge, watching him, when a tall man in a khaki jacket appeared.
Excuse me, could you tell me where the changing room for toddlers is? he asked politely.
Over there, through the two halls, on the right, Emily pointed.
Thanks. My daughter keeps getting lost in these corridors.
He smiled warmly.
And youre a local? he inquired.
Yes, I live nearby, Emily admitted, a little embarrassed. Im Emily.
Alex, he extended his hand.
Emily, she shook it.
They exchanged a few pleasantries before he helped a lady with a box of gifts, then returned to lend a hand carrying a parcel to a car.
It must be hard handling everything on your own, he asked gently.
I manage, she replied curtly.
He didnt press further, just wished her luck and left with a friendly grin.
Back home, Margaret was waiting.
So, how was the party? she asked.
Fine, Emily answered.
And the gentleman? He seemed nice.
Emily frowned.
How would you know? she asked.
You looked different, love. You actually smiled for the first time in ages.
Emily brushed it off, but something in her chest twitched. Shed felt a faint afterglow from the encounter, as if a small flame had pierced the thick wall of her solitude.
Later, as Charlie slept, she whispered to the empty room,
Alex she murmured, tasting the name.
A week after that winter fête, Emily slipped back into her routine: work, home, caring for Charlie. Alex faded like a passerby, only surfacing now and then when a snowfall reminded her of his calm, reassuring smile.
Then life hurled her back into the grind. The accounts department swapped its manager, a new boss wanted to prove herself, and Emily found herself glued to her desk. Shed get home late, only to be met by Charlies homework and Margarets perpetual grumbling.
Em, youre running yourself ragged. You look exhausted, those bags under your eyes Margaret chided.
Im fine, Mum, just the end of the month, Emily replied.
One evening on the bus home, her phone buzzed with an unknown number.
Hello?
Emily? Its Alex. We met at the party. Remember?
She froze, recognizing his voice.
Yes, I remember Hello.
I saw you get off near the Rainbow shop. I wanted to say hi, but you left quickly, so I thought Id call. Is that alright?
Emily hesitated, then said,
Sure, thats fine.
Great. Fancy meeting up? Im passing through your area tomorrow.
The next day they met at a café. Alex arrived in a fireengine uniform, a folder tucked under his arm. He was clearly in a hurry, yet he bought two coffees.
Have a sip, itll warm you up, he offered.
Thanks, Emily smiled.
They settled on a bench in the park. Conversation flowed as if theyd known each other for years. Alex told her about his divorce and his eightyearold daughter, Lily.
Youre raising a kid solo too? Emily asked, surprised.
Yes. It was tough at first, but then I realised it wasnt the end of the world actually a reason to keep going.
He spoke plainly, without selfpity. Emily found herself relaxed beside him, without any sense of being judged or pitied, just understood.
When she got back, Margaret was already at the kitchen table, as if waiting.
So? she asked, as Emily shrugged off her coat.
Mum
Dont tell me it was him, the guy from the club.
Which club? Emily laughed.
Oh, come on, stop pretending youre saintly. I saw you chatting with him at the bus stop.
Emily sighed, but didnt argue this time.
Hes nice, just a friend, she said.
A friend Margaret smirked. Before you dive in, you ought to know the person.
Days passed. Alex called now and then just to ask about Charlie, sometimes stopping by to fix a leaking tap or rearrange a shelf. Margaret watched it all, pretending not to notice, until one evening she muttered under her breath,
See? That friend isnt such a joke after all.
Emily blushed, unable to reply. Inside, shame, confusion and a longforgotten warmth tangled together.
One night Alex invited Emily and Charlie for ice skating.
Lily and I often go, and your Charlie looks like hed love it. Lets have them play together.
Emily hesitated, then agreed.
The evening was crisp, the rink filled with music and laughter. Alex held Lilys hand, teaching Charlie to balance on blades. Then he offered Emily his hand.
Come on, dont be shy.
I havent skated in ages
Perfect, well start from the basics.
She took his hand, and a jolt of warmth ran through her. The simple touch almost moved her to tears.
When they said goodbye outside her flat, Alex whispered,
Emily, Im not trying to rush anything, but I enjoy being with you and Charlie. I havent felt useful in a long time.
She could only nod, meeting his honest eyes.
Later that night Margaret slipped into Emilys room. Emily stared out the window, a faint smile playing on her lips.
So, heart thawing? her mother asked gently.
I dont know, Mum I just want to believe somethings still possible.
Margaret pulled her into a hug.
Keep believing, love. As long as you can smile for no reason, lifes still got a chapter for you.
Spring arrived early, mud spreading across the garden, sparrows hopping near the windows, and for the first time in ages the house felt light.
Alex started turning up more often: bringing scones for Charlie, apples from Lily, fixing the kettle. Margaret, observing from the doorway, softened her teasing and began to think maybe happiness was sliding back into Emilys world.
I never planned any of this, Emily said while clearing the table.
No need to plan. Things happen on their own. Just dont scare them away, Margaret replied, pouring tea. Hes a decent bloke, you can tell hes not all talk.
Emily just smiled. She liked that Alex never pried or demanded. Their relationship was easy, and she sometimes caught herself waiting for his call, her heart ticking a little faster.
One Saturday Alex suggested a countryside outing.
Lily will come too. Well grill some sausages, get some fresh air. Kids need a break from screens, right? he joked.
The day was perfect: sunshine, laughter, the smell of smoke and fresh grass. Charlie and Lily chased a ball, Margaret, content, lounged in the car, while Emily and Alex stood by the fire pit in companionable silence. Alex turned and said softly,
I think Im getting used to you lot.
To us? Emily asked.
Yes. It feels a bit scary, actually.
She laughed, feeling her world shift a little.
A week later, a familiar figure burst through the kitchen doorway.
Mum, theres a man! He says hes Dad!
Charlies eyes widened as Andrew, Emilys exhusband, stormed in. Hed left her when she was pregnant, now showing up with a sheepish grin.
Hey, Em, he said, avoiding eye contact. We need to talk.
Emily stared, the past flooding back: his cologne, his hollow apologies. She swallowed.
What do you want? she asked.
I Ive been a fool. I married again, it fell apart, and I realised I want to be there for my son. Id like a chance.
From the hallway Margaret emerged, hands on hips.
Oh, just what we needed! A drama queen back on the scene! Where were you when the little one cried at night?
Andrew looked beaten, but stayed.
Ill make it right, I promise
Emily closed her eyes.
Leave. Dont turn this into a performance for the kid, she said, her voice steady.
He slunk out, muttering something about unfinished business.
That night Emily lay awake, replaying old betrayals, the smell of cheap tobacco from his jacket, his last line: Youre making this up, I never cheated! Now the ghost of that argument hovered at the edge of her mind.
Alex texted later: Hows your day? Thought Id swing by but didnt want to disturb your rest.
Emily typed back briefly, All good, were relaxing.
He didnt push, but the next morning he appeared with a building set for Charlie, a cake for Margaret, and a bouquet of three roses for Emily.
You look downcast. Something on your mind? he asked.
She forced a smile.
Just the past resurfaced.
Ex? Alex guessed.
She nodded.
He dropped by, said hes changed, wants to be part of the family.
Alex fell silent, looking out the window.
If you decide to go back, Ill understand. Dont lie to yourself. Sometimes the past knocks not because it misses you, but because somewhere its cold, he said, the words striking like a gentle jab.
Emily wanted to answer, but could only stare at the teacup.
Later that evening Andrew returned, bearing a toy for Charlie and a tired smile, trying again to explain. Emily held back annoyance until Charlie retreated to his room.
Why are you still here? she asked.
I want my family back, he replied.
Which family, Andrew? The one thats long gone?
He stepped closer, pleading.
Emily, Ive changed, I swear.
Too late.
She moved to the window. Darkness fell, streetlamps glimmered on the glass, and Alex appeared at the gate, a cigarette in his hand as if standing guard. Her heart gave another little jump.
Andrew, please go, she whispered. Dont wreck what weve just started to settle.
He lingered a moment, then left without a word. Just as she turned back, there was a knock.
May I come in? Alex said softly, stepping inside. I saw he left. All good?
Yes, all good now, she replied.
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
No rush. Just remember youre not alone; Im here if you need a shoulder.
She looked at him and, for the first time in a long while, allowed herself to believe a second chance was possible.
That summer turned scorchingly hot, the air heavy with dust, yet the house glowed not from the sun but from the calm that had crept in. Since Andrew finally vanished, everything settled. Charlie smiled more often, Margaret still complained now and then but without the edge of worry, and Emily lived without the gnawing fear that everything would collapse again.
Alex became part of their lives without fanfare. He never tried to replace Andrew, never forced himself on Charlie, simply turned up with potatoes from his garden, repaired the broken iron, gave the boy rides to school.
Mum, Uncle Alex took me fishing today! Charlie announced, dropping his bag. With Lily too! Can I go?
Sure, Emily said, smiling. Just dont forget your hat.
Sometimes Emily felt as if she were dreaming, fearing shed wake up back in a cold marriage where every word from a husband cut like a knife, and a lingering fatigue clung to her soul. Yet she watched Alex, in his dustcovered shirt, fixing Charlies bike, saw Margaret pouring tea for him, and realised this was real life gentle and quiet.
One evening they all sat on the balcony; Margaret knit, the kids played inside, and Alex tinkered with a clock that hadnt ticked in years.
How do you manage to do it all? Emily asked.
I just take my time, he chuckled. After the army I learned that rushing kills happiness.
She looked at him thoughtfully.
Alex arent you afraid to let someone else in again? she asked.
I was, honestly. But loneliness is scarier. What about you?
Emily hesitated.
Im not scared the pattern will repeat; Im scared I wont believe it when its different.
He set the clock down and gently brushed her hand.
Then we try, little by little, step by step.
She smiled, feeling a weight lift from her chest.
A few weeks later Alex invited her to his mothers village.
The house is big, the gardens in bloom, the kids can run about. Well just relax, he said.
The drive was long but pleasant. Lily and Charlie giggled in the back seat, Margaret dozed, and Emily watched the rolling fields, thinking how odd it was that a single chance encounter could steer life onto a road she never expected to travel.
That night, sitting by a campfire, Alex said,
I came here thinking Id just help. Then I realised I need you. Not because Im lonely, but because youre strong, and being with you feels right.
Emily was silent for a while, then quietly replied,
I never thought Id hear anything like that. Not about love or passion, but about peace. Thats the only thing that feels like true happiness.
He pulled her close, and they listened to the crackling flames while the children laughed by the waters edge.
In autumn they rented a cosy cottage outside the city. Margaret insisted,
Go on, live there while Im still around. Breathe the fresh air. Ill manage just fine.
The move was uneventful. Alex helped lift boxes, Charlie adopted a stray kitten he found on the road, and Lily gathered wildflowers for the table.
LateAnd as the first snow of winter dusted the cottage roof, Emily sipped tea beside Alex, feeling at last that home was not a place, but the people who filled it with quiet, steady love.
