**Diary Entry**
I’ve always been the convenient one. Forgotten until I’m needed.
Daniel drove to his mother-in-law’s to pick up his wife after yet another “small argument.” He parked his car outside the old high-rise, adjusted his collar, and walked toward the entrance. Just as he reached the door, movement at a first-floor window caught his eye. His stomach twisted.
“Mum?” He frowned, recognizing his mother. “What are you doing here?”
“Quiet,” whispered Margaret, her voice tight. “Come here.”
“What’s going on?”
“Just listen,” she murmured, nodding toward the slightly open window.
Inside, loud, careless voices carried from his mother-in-law’s flat—his wife, Emily, and her mum.
“Mum, you should’ve seen their faces,” Emily laughed. “Especially her—eyes all teary, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t protect my grandson!’” She snorted. “Went just like we planned. And Daniel? Bless him, he’s such a pushover. Rushes in like a loyal little spaniel. Even drove me to hospital! Knew he’d never propose unless I dangled a ‘pregnancy’ over him.”
“Emily… that’s awful,” her mother muttered.
“Oh, don’t be daft. The goal’s getting that three-bed in Westminster. I’ve already told them we need to move in together—baby on the way, and all that. Once we’re in, we’ll nudge the old folks out. Daniel won’t kick up a fuss. He’s not the type. Just needs a gentle nudge… in the right direction.”
Daniel’s chest hollowed. He stood frozen, every word like ice. His mother gripped his hand.
“You heard?” she whispered.
He nodded, his face pale.
“Come on.”
They walked upstairs. Daniel jabbed the doorbell. Emily answered, still glowing from her victory speech.
“Darling! You’re early—” Her smile wavered at his expression.
“Don’t bother. I’ll bring your things myself,” he said quietly. “And tomorrow, I’m filing for divorce.”
“What? Have you lost your mind? Why?”
“Because I heard everything. The ‘pregnancy.’ The flat. What a ‘pushover’ I am. Cheers for showing your true colours so efficiently.”
Emily opened her mouth—nothing came out.
Margaret glanced at her ex-daughter-in-law. “I blamed myself, you know. Thought I’d failed to welcome you properly. Turns out a mother’s gut was right all along—just didn’t want to see it.”
They left. Daniel didn’t look back. The weight in his chest lifted, like he’d finally set down a burden he hadn’t realized he was carrying. He walked in silence, his mother beside him—for once, not lecturing—just squeezing his hand. No words needed. Sometimes silence speaks loudest.
