The Broken Hearts Journey: A Path to New Hope
“Emma, its over between us,” said William coldly. “I want a proper family, children. You cant give me that. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to gather your things. If you leave, let me know. Ill be staying at my mothers until the flat is ready for the baby and his mother. Yes, dont look so surprisedmy new love is expecting! Three days, Emma!”
Emma stood silent, feeling the ground vanish beneath her. What could she say? Five years they had tried for a child, yet three pregnancies had ended in heartbreak. The doctors assured her she was healthy, but each time, something went wrong. Emma lived carefully, especially during those fragile months. The last time, she fainted at work, and the ambulance arrived too late
The door slammed behind William, and Emma, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa. She hadnt the strength to pack a single thing. Where could she go? Before the marriage, shed lived with her aunt, but the woman had passed, and the flat had been sold by her cousin. Return to the village of Ashford, to her grandmothers old house? Rent somewhere? And her job? Questions swirled, but time slipped away.
Morning came, and the door creaked open. In stepped her mother-in-law, Margaret Whitmore.
“Not asleep? Good,” she said sharply. “Ive come to ensure you take nothing that isnt yours.”
“Ive no interest in your sons old socks,” Emma frowned. “Would you like to count my belongings?”
“How rude youve become! You were so meek once. I told William after the first loss youd never bear a child.”
“Is that why youre here? Then be quiet and watch.”
“Why are you taking the tea set?” Margaret snapped.
“Its minefrom my aunt. A keepsake.”
“The place will look bare without it!”
“Not my concern. At least youll have a grandchild.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“The laptop, the coffee maker, the microwaveall gifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“Youve everything but the one thing that matterschildren!”
“Thats none of your business. Perhaps it was Gods will.”
“Arent you sorry? Maybe you did it all on purpose?”
“Dont be absurd. I cant even think of it without pain.”
Emma glanced aroundher things were disappearing. Her brush, her makeup, her slippers Had she forgotten something vital? Margarets presence grated. Then she rememberedthe little porcelain cat, a treasure from her grandmother. Inside was a hidden compartment with earrings and a ringworth little, but precious. William had called it rubbish. Had he thrown it away? She stepped onto the balcony.
“What are you doing out there?” Margarets voice rang out. “Hurry, take your things and go!”
She found the cat, everything untouched. Now she could leave.
“Here are the keys. Goodbye. Lets not meet again.”
Emma went to the office. She was on sick leave but requested a holiday.
“Were here for you,” her boss said. “But its hard without you. Will three weeks suffice? Stay in”
Emma closed her eyes and felt the gentle squeeze of Thomass hand, knowing that after so much sorrow, her new life was only just beginning.
