“Heartbreak and Hope: A Journey to New Joys”
“Emma, it’s over between us!” James said coldly. “I want a real family, children. You can’t give me that. I’ve filed for divorce. You have three days to pack your things. When you leave, call me. I’ll be staying with my mum until I sort out a flat for the baby and its mother. Yes, don’t look so shockedmy new girlfriend is expecting! Three days, Emma!”
Emma stood silent, feeling the ground vanish beneath her. What could she say? For five years, they had tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended in heartbreak. Doctors insisted she was healthy, yet each time, something went wrong. Emma lived carefully, especially when pregnant. The last time, she collapsed at workthe ambulance didnt arrive in time.
The door slammed behind James, and Emma sank onto the sofa, drained. Packing felt impossible. Where could she go? Married, shed lived with her aunt, but she was gone now, and her son had sold the flat. Back to the village of Oakwood, to her grandmothers house? Rent a flat? And what about her job? Questions swirled, but time was slipping away.
The next morning, the door openedher mother-in-law, Margaret, strode in.
“Not sleeping? Good,” she snapped. “I came to make sure you dont take too much.”
“Im not interested in your sons old socks,” Emma shot back. “Shall we count my things instead?”
“Always so stubborn! You used to be so quiet, so sweet. I told James after the first timeyou werent fit to bear children.”
“Is that why youre here? Then keep quiet and watch.”
“Where are you taking those dishes?” Margaret bristled.
“Theyre minefrom my aunt, a memory of her.”
“Leaving the place empty, then?”
“Thats not my concern. But youll have a grandchild soon.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“The laptops mine, the coffee machine and microwavegifts from colleagues. The car was bought before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“Youve got everythingexcept children!”
“Thats none of your business. Maybe its Gods will.”
“No remorse, eh? Maybe you did it on purpose?”
“Youre talking nonsense. The thought alone sickens me.”
Emma glanced aroundher belongings were gone. Hairbrush, makeup, slippers Had she forgotten something important? Margarets glare distracted her. Then she rememberedthe porcelain kitten, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside was a locket and a simple ringworthless to James, but priceless to her. Had he thrown it away? Emma stepped onto the balcony.
“What are you looking for?” Margaret snapped. “Hurry up and leave!”
The kitten was there, untouched. Now she could go.
“Here are the keys. Lets hope we never meet again.”
Emma stopped by the office. Shed been on sick leave but requested holiday instead.
“We all feel for you,” her manager said. “But were struggling without you. Will three weeks be enough? Half the projects stall when youre gone.”
“Fine. A distraction might help. Thanks.”
“Need anything?”
“No.”
“Well sort your leave and bonuses.”
“Thanks, by the way.”
Emma didnt search for a flatshe drove straight to Oakwood. Her grandmothers house had stood empty since her death three years ago. Emma never knew her mothershe died in childbirth. Now, Emma couldnt become one either.
An hour later, she pulled up to the cottage. The old maple tree, overgrown daisies. The last time she and James were here, theyd had a barbecue in autumn. She stepped insidethe key was still under the stone by the shed. Pushing the door open, she froze.
Silence.
For a moment, she stood there, comforted by the thought that this old house would shelter her againand that grief might yet lead to new happiness.
