You Cant Take What Isnt Yours
Clara was the cherished only daughter in her family. Her parents were cultured and worked at a research institute; her father was a professor. As long as Clara could remember, their home in Birmingham was always alive with guests and laughter.
Her mother, Anne, was known for her delicious cooking. She baked enormous pies and arranged the table beautifully.
Anne, youre always on form; such taste and style. Just looking at your table gets the appetite going, their friends would tease every time they visited.
Clara did well at school; she wasnt a straight-A student, but always got solid As and Bs. Her parents never forced her to study. Responsible since childhood, Clara would come home, change, have lunch, and settle down to her homework.
Clara, have you been to your music lessons?
Yes, Mum, I was there. Ive just got back.
Clara attended a music school, studying the violin. She loved playing; when she held the violin, inspiration washed over her, and she could play for hours. Her music teacher often held her up as an example to other pupils.
School years flew by. Clara was sociable and kind, always ready to help, and she had many friends. She lived with her parents in a big city and hoped to go to university nearby.
Youve got nothing to worry about, Clara, her friend Lydia said. Your parents work at the uni they’ll make sure you get in. Me, I barely scrape by in school, unis out of the question.
Where do you plan to go then?
Nowhere, Ill start working. Mums on her own and struggles with everything. Ill begin earning; at least thatll help her, Lydia replied. Their life was tough, living frugally.
Clara couldnt understand Lydias hardships, since her family was well-off and she lacked for nothing.
Mum, Dad, I need a new dress and shoes for prom, Clara informed her parents.
Yes, darling, I know, said Anne. Tomorrows Saturday; well go shopping.
They bought her a lovely dress with matching shoes. Clara only had to pass her exams, enjoy prom, and then begin her adult life.
Clara got into the Polytechnic University. Her parents nudged things along, but Clara could have managed herself; Anne was sociable and had connections everywhere, just in case.
Well, Mum and Dad, your daughter is officially a university student, Clara beamed after she saw her name on the admissions list.
Congratulations, love! her father cheered, gifting her an expensive phone a real treat at a time when mobiles were rare.
Clara loved university life: classes, professors, new friends. Everything was different parties, coursework, exams. Lydia now worked at a factory, their paths rarely crossed. Lydia’s world was a working one, with its own rhythm.
In the summer, Clara joined student work crews, her days busy and exciting. She was a pretty, outgoing girl; many lads liked her, but her romantic life was simply friendships and brief dates nothing serious.
In her final year, Clara met Jamie. He was just back from national service and worked in a local repair shop. They met by chance at the cinema, where Clara and Lydia had finally managed an outing together.
Hello, ladies, mind if I join you? asked Jamie, as they sipped milkshakes in the café before the film started.
Of course, Lydia replied, and Jamie looked Clara straight in the eye.
Im Jamie, he said, glancing at the bustling café. Its busy tonight good excuse for gatecrashing your table.
Im Lydia, thats Clara, Lydia smiled.
My mate told me to come to this film.
Weve barely managed to get together, what with Lydia working and Clara studying, Lydia explained. She liked Jamie, but he only had eyes for Clara.
They agreed to meet after the movie, as their seats were apart and the cinema was packed. The three spent the evening together until Jamie walked them home, first Lydia, then Clara, asking for Claras number.
Jamie was handsome and clever; conversation flowed easily, and Clara soon fell for him. They began dating, and after six months, got married. Claras parents welcomed Jamie after meeting him he was a hit with the in-laws.
After university, Clara worked briefly before going on maternity leave and having a son, Thomas. She was happy with Jamie; he was a caring husband and father, dependable and supportive.
Mum, Ive been so lucky with Jamie, Clara often said. I feel safe with him.
Im glad, sweetheart. Jamies a real man and family man, Anne replied. Claras father adored his son-in-law; together they played chess and had lively discussions.
Starting Over Without Her Husband
But happiness isnt endless. When Thomas was five, Clara and Jamie were in a car accident. A motorcycle sped toward them; Clara was thrown from the car and survived, but Jamie died. Thankfully, Thomas was at home with his grandparents.
Oh God, why? Clara murmured, waking up in hospital with her mother at her side.
Thank God youre awake, Clara! Anne cried. Broken leg and ribs, but youre alive, darling.
Clara buried Jamie from a wheelchair, then spent a long time recovering at her parents house with Thomas. She fell into depression, missing Jamie deeply; only Thomas gave her strength to carry on.
Thank you, God, she prayed, looking at a small icon by her bedside. What would I do without my boy? He keeps me alive.
Clara had to start over, rebuilding her life from scratch.
Mum, Ive decided to move to the seaside we still have that house in Devon. I want to settle there. The sea air will help me heal, and Thomas loves the beach. You can come visit. Everything here reminds me of Jamie.
Her parents agreed. In Devon, Clara found peace, became a hotel receptionist, and enjoyed meeting new people. Thomas was in school; weekends saw them at the beach, sunbathing and relaxing.
One day, Clara lost her wedding ring at the beach. It was precious, a memory of Jamie. She wept, searching the sand.
Why are you crying? a mans voice asked. Whats wrong?
I lost my ring. It means so much to me
Who wears rings on the beach? he asked.
I do Any more questions?
Well, lets help you look, he replied. Im Kevin. And you are?
Clara, she answered, and together they sifted sand. In the end, the ring turned up in her clothes.
Thank you, Kevin.
Been here long? Kevin asked. Im here with a mate, but hes resting after a wild night, so Im on my own.
I live here, actually, Clara replied.
After chatting, Kevin invited her to a café.
We should leave the beach well burn! Lets go to the café, its sweltering today, Clara said.
They drank cool cocktails in a shaded café. Clara wasnt in a rush; Thomas was with his grandparents in Birmingham for the month, and would return before school. Kevin admitted he was married and had a daughter. He worked at the local airport in his city.
Clara shared her story, her husbands tragic death.
So, I decided to start afresh, she explained. Moved here with my son.
Kevin was easy to talk to, kind and straightforward. He walked her home after, and they parted. Three days later, Kevin was waiting outside her house, handing her a huge bunch of flowers.
Hi, Ive missed you, Kevin announced.
Hello, Clara was pleased to see him. Ive got time off from tomorrow! she said brightly.
Great, then well have more time together, Kevin grinned. Lets celebrate at a restaurant, and you can meet my mate.
They had a fun evening at the restaurant, and after, Kevin stayed at Claras. Relationship blossomed.
Oh my word, Im in love, Clara admitted to herself.
She hadnt had anyone since Jamie died, and most of her holiday was spent with Kevin. He called work and arranged unpaid leave. Still, he had to eventually leave, and parting was difficult. A week after leaving, Kevin rang her.
Clara, Ill be back soon I cant be without you. Ive told my wife everything; shes filed for divorce.
Another Test from Fate
Clara was happy, not thinking about what Kevins wife and child were going through.
Im a woman too; I want happiness.
Kevin moved back, and they soon married after his divorce. A year later, Clara gave birth to a daughter. They were both happy.
But fate seemed determined to test Clara further. The idyll lasted only ten years before Kevin began straying the temptations of a seaside town proved too much. Arguments erupted; he began lying, then confessed. Clara saw him on the beach with younger women.
Clara filed for divorce. Kevin returned to his city and reconciled with his ex-wife. He didnt abandon his daughter, always sending generous child support. The children grew up. Thomas returned to Birmingham, studied at university, and married. Claras daughter eventually settled with her husband.
Clara had two grandsons and a granddaughter; they visited often, as did her ageing parents sometimes with Thomas. Claras whole life revolved around her children and grandchildren.
But Kevin never returned to her life. Clara made a decision: no more men, convinced that
I paid the price for loving a married man. You cant take what isnt yours; happiness founded on anothers sorrow never lasts.
Clara didnt want to tempt fate again, fearing that what goes around comes around. So she chose to live alone, finding peace in her family.
Life has taught Clara that true happiness can never be built on the misery of others. She now values honesty and kindness above all, cherishing the blessings she still has.
