You mustnt take what isnt yours
My parents had one child, their cherished daughter, Charlotte. Everything revolved around her. My folks were both refined, hard-working people employed at a research institute; Dad was a professor. As far back as Charlotte could remember, our home was always filled with guests.
Charlottes mother, Margaret, cooked marvellously and baked grand pies, always setting the table beautifully.
Well, Margaret, youre true to form: everything looks delicious and beautiful! A glance at your table, and youre instantly hungry, the guests would joke every time they visited.
Charlotte did well at school; she wasnt a straight-A student, but her grades were firm: plenty of As and Bs. Her parents never pushed her to study. She was responsible and well-organised from childhood. After school, shed change, have her meal, and settle in to do her homework.
Charlie, did you go to your music lessons today?
Yes, Mum, I was there and got back not long ago.
She attended a music school, learning violin. She truly loved playing; whenever she picked up her violin, she would forget everything else, inspiration sweeping over her. Her music teacher often held her up as an example for the other students.
Her school years flew by. Charlotte had a lot of friendssocial and kind, always ready to help. She lived in a big city and hoped to enrol in a university there after school.
Youve nothing to worry about, Charlotte: your parents work at the university; theyll get you in somehow. But me, I barely scrape by at school. Universitys no place for me, said her friend Sophie.
So where do you plan to go then?
Nowhere. Ill get a job. It’s just Mum and me, and shes exhausted. If I start earning, lifell be easier for her, replied Sophie. Truly, it was tough for them, and they had to scrimp on everything.
Charlotte couldnt quite grasp her friends circumstances, as her own family was comfortably off and shed never really wanted for anything.
Mum, Dad, Ill need a new dress and shoes for graduation, she announced.
Yes, love, I know. Tomorrows Saturday; well go shopping, promised Margaret.
They picked a stunning dress and matching new shoes. All that remained was to do well in her exams, celebrate at the prom, and step into adulthood.
Charlotte was accepted into the polytechnic university. Her parents helped, of course, but she probably would have managed regardlessher mum was sociable and well-connected, so she discreetly spoke to the right people.
Well, Mum and Dad, your daughter is officially a university student, Charlotte told them happily, after seeing her name on the admissions list.
Congratulations, love, her father said cheerfully, and he gifted her a brand-new mobile phone, still a novelty in those days.
Charlotte enjoyed university life: lectures, tutors, friends, and classmates. Life was entirely different: student parties, coursework, exams, so much to donothing like school life. She rarely saw Sophie now; Charlotte’s days were so busy, and her friend worked at a factory, in her own world with a different crowd.
Summers brought the excitement of student work groups building projectsa lively and interesting experience. Charlotte was popular, sociable, and attractive, many lads fancied her, but real romance had yet to find her. Her relationships were light, just friendship and casual dating.
During her final year, Charlotte met Adam. Hed finished his service in the Army and now worked repairing household appliances in a city workshop. They met quite by accident at the cinema, when Charlotte finally got out with Sophie for a weekend treat.
Hello, ladies, may I join you? Adam asked politely, as they sipped their milkshakes in the cinema café.
Of course, Sophie answered, but Adam kept his gaze fixed on Charlotte.
Adam, he introduced himself, its busy tonight, he looked around as he spoke, as though justifying his choice of seat.
Im Sophie, and this is Charlotte, Sophie smiled.
I decided to try the new film; my friend recommended it.
We hardly ever get time together. I work, Charlotte studies, Sophie explained. She liked Adam, but he never took his eyes off Charlotte.
They agreed to meet again after the film, since their seats were separated and the place was packed. The three strolled about late into the evening, then Adam saw them homefirst Sophie, then Charlotteand asked for her phone number.
Adam was handsome and fun to chat with, bright and well-read, and soon Charlotte fell for him. They began dating, and half a year later, they married. Her parents, having met Adam, were happy about the match; future son-in-law looked trustworthy.
Once Charlotte finished university, she worked briefly before leaving on maternity leave. She gave birth to a son, Oliver. She was blissfully happy with Adam; he was caring and dependablea good father and husband, protective and supportive.
Mum, how lucky I am with my husband, Charlotte often said, With Adam, I feel completely safe.
Im glad, love. Yes, Adams a real man and family man, Margaret would reply, and her dad absolutely adored Adam; theyd play chess together for hours and chat about anything and everything.
Starting over without a husband
But happiness is never guaranteed. When Oliver was five, Adam and Charlotte were involved in a car accident. Out of nowhere, a speeding motorbike barrelled towards them Charlotte was thrown clear of the carperhaps that saved herbut Adam died. Luckily, Oliver was with his grandparents at the time.
Oh Lord, why, Charlotte whispered, coming round in the hospital, with her mother by her side.
Thank Heaven, Charlie, youve woken, sobbed Margaret, Your leg and ribs are broken, but youre alive.
Adams funeral saw Charlotte in a wheelchair. Recovery was long, her parents gave support, and she moved in with them with Oliver. She spent months in depression; longing for her late husband, only Oliver kept her going.
Thank you, God, shed thank Heaven, gazing at the keepsake Adam gave her, What would I have done without my son? Because of Oliver, I found the will to live.
Charlotte had to start again, alone.
Mum, Ive decided to move to the south coast. We have a house there, and I want to settle by the sea. The climate will help me, and Oliver loves the beach. You can always visit us. Here, everything reminds me of Adam.
Her parents agreed. Relocating brought Charlotte peace. She found work as an administrator at a seaside hotel and engaged with guests. Oliver started school and, on weekends, theyd enjoy the beach.
One day, Charlotte lost her wedding ring at the beacha precious memento of Adam. She was sobbing, digging through the sand.
Why are you crying? came a mans voice, What happened?
I lost my ring. It means so much to me
Who wears rings to the beach anyway?
I do Any more questions?
Alright, let me help you, he replied, My names Patrick. And yours?
Charlotte, together, they sifted the sand, and, eventually, the ring turned up in her clothes.
Thank you, Patrick.
Are you here on holiday? Patrick asked, I arrived with a mate; hes still back at the hotel nursing a hangover, so Im here solo today
Actually, I live here, Charlotte replied.
They soon found themselves chatting, and Patrick invited her to a café.
Time to get off the beach, Charlotte agreed, or well burn. A cold drink sounds perfect today.
In the cool café, they sipped iced drinks. Charlotte wasnt in a rushOliver was with his grandparents for a month, and theyd bring him back for school. Patrick confided that he was married, with a daughter, and worked back in his city at the airport.
Charlotte shared her story and told him about Adams death.
So I chose to start over, she explained, We moved here, just Oliver and me.
Patrick was easy-going, warm-hearted, and straightforward. After their drinks, he walked her home and that was that. But three days later, they met againhe was waiting outside her home with a big bouquet when she returned from work.
Hello, I missed you, Patrick said as he handed over the flowers.
Hi, Charlotte was truly glad to see him. And Ive got time off starting tomorrow, she added cheerfully.
Brilliant, more time for us, Patrick smiled. Lets go to dinner and meet my mate.
The restaurant was lively, and afterwards, Patrick walked Charlotte home and stayed over. Things developed as they inevitably would.
Good grief, Im in love, Charlotte admitted to herself.
She hadnt been with anyone since Adam died, and she spent nearly her whole holiday with Patrick. Hed call work and ask for unpaid leave. But, eventually, Patrick had to go home. When he left, it was difficult to say goodbye. A week later, Patrick phoned.
Charlie, Im coming back soon I realised I cant be without you. Ive told my wife everything, and shes filed for divorce.
Fate wasn’t finished testing her resolve
Charlotte was happy. She gave no thought to Patricks wife or child, didnt agonise over it at all.
Im a woman, too, and I want happiness.
Patrick returned, and once his divorce came through, they married. A year later, Charlotte gave birth to a daughter. Both were overjoyed.
But fate must have wanted to test Charlotte a bit more. The bliss of their marriage lasted ten years, then trouble arrived. Patrick began strayingfar too many temptations in the holiday town. Arguments started; he tried to deceive her, but, soon enough, confessed. Charlotte herself saw him at the beach with young women.
She filed for divorce. Patrick returned to his city and reconciled with his ex-wife. He didnt abandon his daughter, thoughhe paid generous child support. The children grew up; Oliver moved to his grandparents, studied at university, and married there. Their daughter stayed with Charlotte, later married, and moved out.
Charlotte now has two grandsons and a granddaughter. They visit regularly. Her now elderly parents also drop by occasionally, together with Oliver. Charlottes life revolves around her children and grandchildren.
And Patrick? Patrick never reappeared. Charlotte decided, once and for all, that men wouldnt enter her life again:
I paid dearly for falling for a married man you mustnt take what isnt yours; anothers misery is no foundation for happiness.
Charlotte never wanted to challenge fate again, knowing the consequences could be painful. And so she lives alone.
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