Don’t Take What Isn’t Yours

You Must Not Take What Is Not Yours
Emily was her parents only child, cherished by them in every way. Her mother and father, both well-educated, worked at a research institute; her father was a professor. As far back as Emily could remember, their home was always bustling with guests.
Her mother, Margaret, was an excellent cook, famous for her huge pies and her beautifully arranged dinner table.
Margaret, youre always true to formelegant and delicious. One look at your table and my appetite wakes right up, their guests joked each time they visited.
Emily was a good student, not quite top of her class, but always achieving solid As and Bs. Her parents never forced her to study; she was responsible and organised from an early age. After school, shed change, eat, and settle into her homework without needing prompting.
Emily, did you get to your music lesson today? her mother asked.
Yes, Mum, Emily replied. She attended violin classes at music school and loved playing; holding the violin made her forget everything else. Inspiration would strike and she would play for hours. Her music teacher often praised her to the other students.
School passed quickly. Emily made many friends and was always kind and helpful. Living in London, she hoped to attend university there after graduation.
You wont have any trouble, Emilyyour parents work at the university. Theyll make sure you get in somehow. Me? I barely scrape by at school. Higher education is just a dream, her friend Molly told her.
So, where are you planning to go after school? Emily asked.
Nowhere. I have to start working. My mum is on her own, struggling to provide for us. If I earn, itll be easier for her. Indeed, Molly and her mother lived modestly and had to be careful with money.
Emily couldnt quite understand Mollys life; her own family was well-off and there were no real wants.
Mum, Dad, Emily said, I need a new dress and shoes for prom.
Of course, dear, her mother replied. Tomorrows Saturday, we can go shopping.
Emily found a lovely dress and matching shoes. All that remained was to do well in exams, enjoy the prom, and then step into adult life.
Emily was accepted to the Polytechnic Universityher parents’ connections helped, but Emily was capable enough herself. Her mother knew people everywhere, so to be safe, shed spoken to those who mattered.
Well, Mum and Dad, your daughter is now a university student! Emily beamed when she saw her name on the admission list.
Congratulations, darling, her father said cheerfully, gifting her a mobile phone, which at the time was still a luxury.
Emily enjoyed university life: the studies, lecturers, friendships. It was a whole new worldparties, exams, projects, and so much more, quite different from school. She rarely saw Molly now; Emilys time was taken, and Molly worked at a factory, with her own circle and life.
In summers, Emily joined work camps, which she found exciting and full of adventure. She was lovely and outgoing, liked by many, but her deepest romance had yet to come. There was friendship and some dating, but nothing serious.
In her final year, Emily met James. Hed returned from military service and worked in a workshop repairing household appliances. They met by chance at a cinema, where Emily went with Molly for a rare outing together.
Hello, ladies, mind if I join you? James asked politely while they sipped milkshakes at the cinema café.
Sure, Molly replied, as Jamess gaze lingered on Emily.
James, he introduced himself, glancing around at the crowded café, half-apologising for joining their table.
Im Molly, and this is Emily, her friend smiled.
I wanted to see the new filmmy mate said it was good, James explained.
We hardly ever get time together, with Molly working and me studying, explained Molly. She liked James, but his eyes were fixed on Emily.
After the show, they agreed to meet again; their seats had been scattered due to the crowd. The three strolled together late into the evening, then James escorted them homefirst Molly, then Emilyand asked for Emilys phone number.
James was strikingly handsome and intelligent; Emily fell in love. From then on, they dated, and within six months married. Her parents liked James upon meeting him; he was a promising son-in-law.
After graduation, Emily worked for a short time before taking maternity leave. She gave birth to a son, George, and was happy with Jameshe was a caring husband and father, dependable and supportive in all things.
Mum, Im so lucky with James, Emily often said. It feels like Im safe behind a stone wall.
Im happy for you, darling. James is a real man and family man, Margaret would reply. Emilys father doted on his son-in-law; they played chess together and talked about everything.
But happiness does not last forever. When George was five, Emily and James were in a car accident. A motorcycle came out of nowhereEmily was thrown from the car, which probably saved her, but James died. Thankfully, George was with his grandparents.
God, why? Emily whispered, in the hospital, her mother weeping beside her.
Thank heavens youre alive, Emily, even with your broken bones, cried Margaret.
Emily buried James while in a wheelchair. She spent months recovering, supported by her parents and living with them and George. She grieved deeply, missing her beloved husband; only George could lift her spirit.
Thank you, Lord, she prayed in gratitude, looking at the family photo. What would have happened to my son without him? Thanks to George, Emily found the will to live again.
She had to start anew without her husband.
Mum, Ive decided to move to the seaside. We have a little house there, and I want to settle by the seathe climate will help me, and George loves the ocean. You can visit us regularly. Everything here reminds me of James.
Her parents agreed. In her new home, Emily found peace. She worked as a hotel manager, met many people, and George began school. On weekends, they enjoyed the beach, relaxing in the sunshine.
One day, Emily lost her wedding ring at the beacha precious memory of James. She cried and searched desperately in the sand.
Why are you crying? a mans voice asked. Whats happened?
I lost my ringits very special to me.
Really, who takes rings to the beach?
I do. Do you have more questions?
Fine, Ill help you, said the man, Im Simon. And you?
Emily, she replied. They sifted sand together until the ring turned up, tucked in Emilys clothes.
Thank you, Simon.
Are you here on holiday? Simon asked. Im here with a friend, but hes back at the hotelwent a bit overboard last night, so Im on the beach alone today.
I live here actually, replied Emily.
After chatting, Simon invited her to a café.
Lets get off the beachits very hot, we might get burnt. Coffee sounds good, Emily agreed.
In the cool café, they enjoyed cold drinks. Emilys son was visiting his grandparents for a month, so she had time to spare. Simon confessed he was married, with a daughter, and worked at the airport in his hometown.
Emily shared her story, about Jamess death.
Thats why I wanted a fresh start, she explained, so my son and I moved here.
Simon was easy to talk to, straightforward and kind. After the café, Simon walked Emily home and they parted there. Three days later, Simon waited outside her house with a large bouquet.
Hello, I missed you, he said, handing her the flowers.
Hello! Emily was genuinely glad to see him. And tomorrows my holidayIm thrilled.
Perfect, more time for us together! Simon was delighted. Lets celebrate at a restaurantyoull meet my friend.
That night was festive, and afterwards, Simon walked Emily home and stayed. They became lovers.
Oh my, Im in love, Emily admitted to herself.
Since Jamess death, shed had no one. She spent almost her entire holiday with Simon, who arranged extra time off work. Still, he had to return home. Their parting was painful. A week later, Simon called.
Emily, Ill be back soonI cant live without you. Ive told my wife everything, shes filed for divorce.
Fate tested her again.
Emily was happy now, never once considering what Simons wife or child felt. Her only thought:
Im a woman, and I deserve happiness.
Simon returned, and they were soon married, once his divorce was finalised. A year later, Emily gave birth to a daughter. Both were blissful.
But life wasnt done testing Emily. After ten years, their idyll ended. In a town full of temptations, Simon began to stray. Arguments followedfirst Simon lied, then admitted the truth. Emily saw him at the beach with younger women.
Emily filed for divorce, and Simon returned to his former home, eventually reconnecting with his ex-wife. He did not abandon his daughter, paying generous child support. The children grew up and moved on: George went to his grandparents for university and got married there; her daughter married and lived with her husband.
Emily now has two grandsons and a granddaughter. They visit, and her aged parents sometimes come with George. Her life revolves around her children and grandchildren.
Simon never returned to her life. Emily decided never to let another man into her world, certain:
I paid dearly for loving a married man you must not take what isnt yours. Happiness cant be built on someone elses sorrow.
She didnt want to tempt fate again, believing the consequences always return. And so, she lives alone, treasuring her family and the lessons she learned.
Thank you for reading and for your support. Wishing kindness and good fortune to all!