Im watching them from the kitchen doorway, the way a father does when his daughters life feels like a long, empty hallway.Ethel, youre thirty and youre living like an old lady, Edith shouted, pulling up a chair beside her daughter.Ethel trudged home from the office, exhausted as usual. By the time she stepped into the kitchen, the air already smelled of potatoes and onions; her mother was frying them in an ancient castiron pan, muttering something under her breath.She placed a plate in front of Ethel with a soft smile.Eat, love, itll cool down.
Mom, later, please, Ethel replied, slipping off her coat and boots.She headed to the bedroom to change.Little Charlie was on the floor, building a tower of wooden blocks, humming quietly to himself. When he saw his mum, he squealed, Look, Mum, my fortress!
Ethel kissed the top of his head.Wow, a real castle. Should I be the princess?Charlie answered seriously, No, Mum, youll be the commander.She laughed, and for a moment her heart warmed. Those tiny moments kept the void that had settled in her chest for nearly six years at bay.
After Igor walked out of her life, Ethel swore shed never allow herself any weakness again. From then on it was work, house, and Charlie. Occasionally, when Charlie fell asleep, shed sit by the window, watching the faint streetlights flicker, and think that life was slipping past her.
Edith had seen it all, and sometimes the strain of watching her daughters state became unbearable.Ethel, you cant keep going like this, shed say, sitting down beside her.Thirty and acting like a granny, shed repeat.Are you happy?Ethel would sigh, Im fine, Mum, Im not complaining.Fine from the office to the house, from the house back to the office. Whats next?Charlie will grow up, finish schoolAnd then hell leave, Edith added calmly.And who will you be left with? Im not forever.
Ethel didnt answer. Ediths words werent spiteful; she just understood how quickly life passed.
One late evening they were sipping tea when Edith changed the subject.I saw a notice on Mrs. Clarkes door about a local dating club people meet, have coffee, watch films together. Maybe you should give it a go?Are you serious?Nothing wrong with a woman wanting a bit of male attention now and then.Im not interested, Ethel snapped.Dont want to or youre scared?
Ethel quietly set her mug in the sink. Talking about that always made her throat tighten.Just drop it, Mum. Ive been burnt before, I dont want a repeat.Edith sighed, You never tried a second time to see if theres a better half for you.She fell silent, realizing her daughter wasnt ready to listen. Inside, though, a storm brewed Ethel once was bright, smiling, loving. Now she felt like a shadow ticking along a schedule.
The weekend they took Charlie out to the courtyard; snow crackled under their boots, children tumbled down a hill. Edith waved at Mrs. Patel, who was inviting everyone to the community centres childrens fête.Come on, Ethel, dont just sit at home, she urged.Charlie will have fun, and youll get a distraction.
Ethel hesitated but agreed.
The hall was noisy, kids darting about, adults clustered in groups. Charlie rushed straight for the table of toys. Ethel lingered at the edge, watching him, when a tall man in a khaki jacket appeared, looking a little lost.Excuse me, could you tell me where the childrens changing room is? he asked politely.Just down the hall, second door on the right, she replied.Thanks. My daughter keeps getting turned around in these corridors. He smiled warmly.Are you local? he asked.Yes, Ethel blushed, I live nearby.Its a relief I keep worrying Ill lose my way.
He extended his hand.Alex.She shook it.Ethel.A brief chat followed, then he helped carry a box of presents to the car.Must be hard handling everything on your own? he asked gently.Ive managed, she answered tersely.He didnt press further, just wished her luck and walked away with a friendly grin.
When Ethel got home, Edith was waiting.How was the fête?Fine.And the gentleman?Ethel raised an eyebrow.How do you know?Your eyes say it. You actually smiled for the first time in ages.Ethel waved it off, but something inside flickered a tiny ember of warmth that had been buried beneath layers of solitude.
That night, after Charlie drifted off, she whispered, Alex softly, as if tasting the name.
A week later life returned to its routine: work, home, looking after Charlie. Alex faded into the background, just another passerby. Still, whenever snow fell, she recalled his calm, masculine smile, as if it promised that life could still hold a spark.
Soon the grind tightened. At work a new manager took over the accounts department, demanding longer hours. Ethel was home later, met by Charlies homework and Ediths perpetual sniping:Ethel, youre wearing yourself down. You look gaunt, those circles under your eyes.Everythings fine, Mum, just the end of the month.One evening on the bus, her phone buzzed. An unknown number.
Hello?Its Alex. We met at the fête. I saw you get off the bus near the Rainbow shop and wanted to say hello. Is that okay?She hesitated, then replied, No problem.Great. Want to meet? Im passing through your area tomorrow.She agreed.
The next day they met at a café. Alex arrived in a fireenginered jacket, a folder under his arm, clearly in a hurry but still managed to order two coffees.Take a sip, itll warm you up.Thanks, Ethel smiled.
They sat on a bench in the park, conversation flowing as if theyd known each other for years. Alex spoke of a recent divorce and a eightyearold daughter, Lily.Raising a kid alone? Ethel asked, surprised.Yes. It was tough at first, but I realised it wasnt the end of the world more like a reason to keep going.He spoke plainly, without selfpity. Ethel felt a strange calm next to him, as if no judgment hovered.
Back home, Edith was already at the kitchen table, as if waiting.How did it go? she asked as Ethel slipped off her coat.MumDont tell me it was the bloke from the club.What club? Ethel feigned innocence.Dont play the saint. I saw you talking to him at the bus stop.Ethel sighed, this time not arguing.Hes just a friend.Friend, eh? Before you start dating, youd better know who youre dealing with, Edith chuckled.
Days passed. Alex called now and then just to check on Charlie, sometimes showing up to help with a leaking tap or a wobbly shelf. Edith watched, but pretended not to notice. Once, after Alex had left, she muttered, Thats what I call a friendgood men dont just disappear.
Ethel blushed, unable to answer. Inside, embarrassment, confusion, and a longforgotten warmth tangled together.
One evening Alex invited her and Charlie to the local ice rink.We go with my daughter Lily. Let Charlie join us.Ethel hesitated, then accepted.
The rink was quiet, the air crisp. Music played, children laughed. Alex held Lilys hand, teaching Charlie to balance on skates. Then he offered his hand to Ethel.Dont be shy.I havent skated in yearsPerfect, well start from the top.She took his hand, and a shiver ran through her. The simple touch carried so much warmth she almost wept.
When they said goodbye at her doorstep, Alex said softly, Ethel, Im not in a rush, 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, Edith slipped into the living room, finding Ethel looking out the window.Feeling warmer now? she asked gently.Mum I dont know. I just want to believe somethings not lost.Edith sat beside her, hugging her.Believe, love. If you can smile for no reason, lifes still got a future for you.
Spring arrived early, rain pattering against the panes, and for the first time in ages the house felt light. Alex started appearing more often: bringing pastries for Charlie, apples from his garden for Lily, fixing the kettle. Edith, observing this, softened her tone, no longer teasing her daughter but offering quiet encouragement, as if she, too, believed happiness could return to Ethel.
Dont plan everything, love, Edith told her over tea.Things happen on their own. A good blokes hands dont stay in his pockets.Ethel smiled, grateful that Alex never pushed, never demanded, just was there. She often caught herself waiting for his call, her heart beating a little faster.
One Saturday Alex suggested a countryside outing.Lilyll bring sausages, well get some fresh air. Kids need a break from screens.The day was perfect: sunshine, laughter, the smell of smoke and new grass. Charlie and Lily chased a ball while Edith, relaxed, rode in the car, and Ethel and Alex stood by the fire pit. Alex turned to her quietly, I think Im getting used to you lot.To us? she asked.Yes, a little scared, actually.She smiled, and everything shifted inside her. She didnt need words, just the shared silence.
A week later, the front door slammed open. Mum, Uncle Andrews here! He says hes Dad! Charlie shouted, eyes wide.Andrew the man whod left when Ethel was pregnant stood in the hallway, nervous, eyes downcast.Hey, Ethel, he said awkwardly. We need to talk.Ethel stared, the past flashing back: his cologne, his apologies, the broken promises.What do you want? she asked.I Ive realized I was a fool. Im divorced, my second marriage fell apart. I want to be part of Charlies life.Edith, hearing the exchange, burst out, Oh, look whos back! Where were you when our little girl cried at night?Andrew looked battered, but didnt leave.
Ethel, exhausted, whispered, Leave. Dont make a scene for the boy.Andrew left, shoulders heavy with rejection.
That night her phone buzzed a message from Alex: How was your day? Thought Id drop by but thought youd be resting.She typed back briefly, All good, were just winding down.He didnt push, but the next morning he arrived with a construction set for Charlie, a cake for Edith, and a bouquet of three roses for Ethel.Your eyes look sad. Something on your mind?She tried a smile, Just memories resurfacing.Ex? Alex guessed.She nodded.He came, said he wanted to be back.Alex fell quiet, watching the garden through the window.If you decide to go back, Ill understand. Sometimes the past knocks not because it misses you, but because its cold elsewhere.His words cut deep; she wanted to answer, but she couldnt.
Later, Andrew returned again, bearing a toy for Charlie, trying to explain his change.Ethel kept her cool until Charlie left his room.What are you doing here? she asked.I want the family back.Which family, Andrew? Its long gone.He stepped closer, pleading.Its too late.She walked to the window; dusk had settled, street lamps reflected on the glass, and Alex stood in the driveway, a cigarette between his fingers, as if keeping watch.Her heart fluttered.
Andrew, go, she whispered.Dont tear apart whats finally settling down.He left without a word.A knock sounded at the door.Alex entered softly.I saw him leave. Everything alright?Yes, she replied.He placed his hand on her shoulder.Im not in a hurry. Just know youre not alone; youve got a shoulder whenever you need one.She looked at him and allowed herself to believe: life could really hand her a second chance.
Summer that year sweltered, the air heavy with dust, yet the house glowed not from sunlight but from the calm that had seeped in. Since Andrew finally disappeared, things fell into place. Charlie smiled more often, Edith still grumbled now and then out of habit, but her worry lines softened. Ethel lived without fearing another collapse.
Alex became part of their lives without fanfare, never trying to replace Andrew, just helping with a spade of potatoes from his garden, fixing a broken iron, driving Charlie to school.Mom, Uncle Liam wants to take me fishing today! Charlie announced, backpack thudding.Can I go?Yes, just dont forget your hat.At times Ethel felt as though she were dreaming, fearing shed wake up back in that cold marriage where every word from her husband was a wound, but then shed see Alex in a dustcovered shirt mending Charlies bike, or Edith handing him tea, and shed realize this was real, gentle, ordinary happiness.
One evening they all sat on the balcony: Edith knitting, the kids playing inside, Alex polishing an old wall clock that hadnt ticked in years.How do you manage it all? Ethel asked.Dont rush, he grinned. After the army I learned haste kills joy.She looked at him thoughtfully.Are you scared to let people in again?He admitted, I was, but being alone is scarier.She answered after a pause, Im not afraid of repetition, just of not believing if things change.He laid a hand on her arm, Then try believing, slowly, step by step.She smiled, feeling years of weight lift from her chest.
A few weeks later Alex invited them to his mothers cottage.The house is big, the gardens in bloom, the kids can run wild. Well just relax.The drive was long but light. Charlie and Lily laughed in the back seat, Edith dozed, and Ethel watched the countryside roll by, marveling at how a random meeting could reroute a life that had nearly given up hope.
That night, gathered around a fire, Alex said quietly, I started out just wanting to help, but now I need you. Not because Im lonely, but because youre strong, and being near you feels right.Ethel stayed silent for a while, then whispered, I never thought Id hear words about peace, not love or passion, but calm. Thats what true happiness feels like.He embraced her, and they sat listening to the crackle of the flames and the childrens distant giggles.
In autumn they rented an old cottage on the outskirts. Edith insisted, Move in while Im still around, breathe fresh air. Im fine on my own.The move was smooth; Alex helped lift boxes, Charlie adopted a stray kitten hed found on the road, Lily gathered a bouquet of wildflowers for the table.
Late night, Ethel stepped onto the porch. The moon hung low, the scent of grass in the air. Alex joined her, hands on her shoulders.What are you thinking about?I think, maybe for the first time, everything is in its right place no strain, no fear, just life.Does that mean you wont look back?She smiled, feeling at last that the future, however uncertain, was hers to walk into with courage.
