JUST IN CASE: Vera glanced indifferently at her tearful colleague, turned back to her computer, and began typing rapidly. —“Heartless, you are, Vera,” she heard Olga, the department head, say. “Me? What makes you say that?” “Well, just because things are good in your private life doesn’t mean it’s the same for others. You see the girl’s in pieces—couldn’t you show some sympathy, maybe offer advice? Share your experience, since everything’s fine with you.” “Me? Share my experience—with her? I doubt Nadine would like that. I tried, years ago, when she used to come into work black and blue—said she fell, apparently. You weren’t here yet back then. And no, it wasn’t her fella hitting her—she walked into things or fell down, and when he finally left for good, the bruises vanished. He was the third one to bolt. That’s when I decided to help her, try sharing my experience. Guess what? I ended up the villain.” My colleagues later explained it was a lost cause—Nadine knows better than everyone, apparently. Evil homewrecker—that’s what I was called. Stopped her from being happy. She used to run to fortune tellers for love charms—now she modernised, goes to see psychologists instead. Working on her ‘trauma’. No idea she lives the same script, only the names change. So, sorry, but I won’t be handing out tissues or pity. “You still shouldn’t, Vera.” At lunch, everyone at the same table, all the talk was about Nadine’s ex—the cheater and deceiver. Vera ate in silence, poured herself a coffee, and slipped away to a quiet corner for a social media scroll; she needed a brain break. “Vera…” giggled cheerful Tanya, who today, for once, looked glum. “Don’t you feel even a little sorry for Nadine?” “Tanya, what do you all want from me?” “Leave her be!” said Ira, walking past. “She’s got her beloved Basil—living the life, couldn’t imagine what it’s like to end up alone with a child, no help, no nothing. Try chasing alimony from a deadbeat dad!” “Shouldn’t have had the kid in the first place, let alone by some random bloke—and at your age, too.” That was Tatyana Ivanovna, oldest of the lot, known as ‘Granny Tanya’ behind her back. “Vera’s right—how many times has she cried now? He was driving her mad when she was pregnant, and before that… oh.” The women stood around Nadine, who was still sniffling, offering advice. Well? Ms. Strong-and-Independent Nadine finally decided to show her true colours. She got fed up with crying, called her mum in from the village to help with her son and the ungrateful ex, and began to get herself together. New fringe, eyebrows tattooed, false lashes—almost got a nose ring, but the whole office talked her out of it. Off she went. “It’s all right, Nadine,” her friends cheered, “he’ll be sorry, he’ll shed some tears.” “He won’t,” Vera muttered quietly, but the tipsy ladies heard her. “How can you say that?” “He just won’t, and he won’t regret it, either. Nadine’ll find another one, just like him, before long.” “Easy for you to say—you have your Basil, I bet he’s not like that…” “No, he isn’t. My Basil is the best man in the world—never hits, doesn’t drink, doesn’t cheat, just loves me like mad.” “Sure, they’re all dogs underneath. Careful, Vera, one of us might steal yours away.” “Not a chance. He wouldn’t.” “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure!” “Well, you be sure then.” Wine got to their heads—soon they were arguing heatedly. “Let’s go to yours and see if Basil can resist our charms! Bet you won’t invite us—you’re worried one of us will steal your Basil.” “Let’s go then.” “Let’s all go, girls, to Vera’s! Tatyana Ivanovna, coming?” “No, girls, my Misha’s waiting at home—but off you go,” she smiled. They burst into Vera’s flat laughing, busied themselves in the kitchen. “Let’s whip something up, girls! Vera’s Basil isn’t here yet, let’s set the table for him.” “No need—he hardly eats, fussy with food, but yes, you’re right, he’ll be home soon.” The mood calmed; they remembered their own families and filtered away—only Nadine, Olga, and Tanya stayed. They drank tea, chatted in Vera’s cosy kitchen, a bit awkward as they awaited mysterious Basil. Someone came in. “Basil, my sweet boy, darling boy,” Vera baby-talked in the hallway— And in stepped a tall, handsome young man. Ah, they all understood—Vera’s ‘husband’ was far younger than her. “Meet my Dennis,” Vera smiled. “Dennis? What do you mean? Where’s Basil?” their eyes asked. “My son, Dennis. Basil, how is he?” “He needs rest, Mum. He’ll be fine tomorrow—just don’t let him lick…” The women blushed. “We’ll, uh, be off…” “Wait, I haven’t introduced you to Basil—shhh, he’s just had surgery, Dennis and Lena took him to the vet, I was at work. Had him neutered, little devil kept spraying everywhere. Come see!” There he was—her cat, sleeping peacefully. The women tried not to laugh as they fled the room. “Vera—that’s a cat!” “Of course! What did you think?” “But your… husband?” “I don’t have one. You all assumed after I said I had a wonderful man, Basil—that was it. I never finished the sentence. You imagined and believed what you wanted.” I married young, first love, you know, dropped out of uni, had Dennis. Three miserable years, then split. My parents helped a lot. Second time, I was nearly thirty—he had it all planned out: heir, pretty daughter, Dennis off to a military school, or at least to my mum. Sent him packing. He complained, his mum blamed me—amazing, since she was twice married herself. Dennis and I managed fine. Third try, I finally got it—by then I knew I wasn’t top shelf on the bride market, and well, God loves a trinity. During courtship the guy gave me a shiner—reckons he loved me too much. Dennis did martial arts from age six, I used to practice with him at home—he was weak, so it gave him strength. I learned a bit myself—gave that Othello what for. Decided enough was enough. Dennis married, I got bored, so I got Basil. We get on just fine. I have someone to go to the cinema or on holiday with—no one owes anybody. Sometimes I cook a nice dinner, invite Dennis over—everyone leaves happy, no nagging, no accounting, for either of us. Dennis didn’t get it at first—asked why we don’t live together. Why bother? We’re adults, we’ve got our own lives, habits. It’s different if you’ve been together forever like my brother and his wife, or my parents—but I couldn’t do it. No point pretending, just to boast I’m married. No thanks. Basil and I do just fine. Yes, my darling, you woke up! Told you, keep on yowling and marking your territory and you’d lose your jewels… The women went home thoughtful—especially Nadine. But—Nadine couldn’t live like Vera. A month later, she was gushing about a new man, getting lavish bouquets at work. Vera and Granny Tanya smiled quietly. “How’s your Misha? How’s his paw?” “Oh, all better, on a walk must have trodden on something, but it’s healed, thank goodness. Grandkids wanted me to enter him in a dog show—I told them we’re happy as we are… Nadine seems happy again, too.” “Yep, Tatyana Ivanovna—some adopt pets, some adopt husbands…” “Well, each to their own. Maybe she’ll get lucky this time?” “Let’s hope…” “What are you two whispering about?” “You, Nadine—hoping you’ll have luck this time.” “Girls, I know how it looks—but I just can’t be on my own.” “That’s your business. No need to explain yourself—everyone has their own life…” Walking to the car park, she heard Nadine. “Vera—could you give me tips on looking after cats? Should I get a tom or a queen?” “Go on, they’re waiting for you…we’ll see!” Vera laughed. “I just want to be ready—just in case…”

JUST IN CASE

Vera glanced at her weeping colleague with a cold sort of detachment, turned back to her computer, and began to type furiously.
Youre heartless, Vera, came the voice of Olga, head of the department.
Me? Why do you say that?
Oh, come off it, just because your private lifes sorted doesnt mean everyone elses is. Cant you see the poor girl is beside herself? Couldnt you at least try to comfort her? Share some advice, maybe. You, of all people.
Me? Advice for her? Please, Nadia wouldnt have any of it. I tried once, about five years ago, when she used to show up at work with black eyeswalking the long way round home, I suppose. You werent here back then. And no, it wasnt some chap hitting her. Shed bash into things herself, fall over, but when he took off into the sunset, the bruises disappeared with him. That was number three, that one. I thought Id do the supportive colleague bit, you know, share wisdom. Ended up the villain, of course.
Apparently, Nadia knows everything. Whole place informed me it was a losing game. Some cruel homewrecker disturbing her happiness, thats me. Back then shed go to fortune tellersspells for love, that sort. Now shes modern: therapists and trauma. Doesnt realise shes running the same script, only the names change.
So, forgive me if I pass on waving tissues and sympathy.
Still, Vera, you cant be so hard.
Over lunchit was always one large tablechatter revolved around Nadia, her ex, that villain and cheat. Vera ate in silence, poured herself a mug of tea, and retreated to the corner for a quiet scroll through her socials.
Vee, said cheerful Tanya, who always wore a smile like a badge, though today her round English face turned sour. She sat next to Vera. Truly, you dont feel even a drop of pity for Nadia?
Tanya, honestly, what do you expect from me?
Oh, leave her be, said passing Irene. Shes got her precious William, shes got it cushy, rolling about in clover. She wouldnt get what its likeleft to raise a child alone, no help, no dosh, nothing. And now, try and wring child support from that sorry excuse for a dad.
Well, thats what happens, having babies with Lord knows who, and at her age! piped up Mrs Taylorthe matriarch, known as Auntie Tay. Veras right, you know. Nadias been crying over blokes for years; theyd wind her up terribly through her pregnancybefore that as well, mind. Oh sigh…
The women, huddled around perpetually weeping Nadia, produced an endless variety of advice.
What else?
Well, iron-willed and fiercely independent Nadia now decided to make a spectacle of herself. Shed had enough tears. Mum was summoned from the countryside to help with her son and that no-good dad. Nadia began to pull herself together. She grew in a fringe, had her brows microbladed, glued on lashes. Tried for a nose ringmanaged to be talked out of it by popular demand.
And off she went, barreling back into life.
No worries, Nads, her friends cheered, hell cry, hell miss you!
Oh, he wont cry, Vera mumbled almost to herself. The tipsy ladies caught her words.
What do you mean, he wont? Go on. Explain.
Vera shrugged, He just wont. And he wont miss her. But Nadia will find someone else, if not now, tomorrowjust you watch.
Easy for you to say, youve got that Williamsurely hes not like that
Not at all. Williams the best chap in Englanddoesnt fight, doesnt drink, doesnt run around, adores me.
Yeah right, as if theyre any differentmen are all the same.
Best watch out, Vera. Someonell snatch him up.
No chance. Williams not that sort.
I wouldnt be so sure.
Well, you should be.
Wine-fuelled, the girls debated like unruly foxes.
Why dont we all pile round your place, Vera, see how William stands up to temptation? Bet you wouldnt dare, in case we steal him away!
Lets do it then.
Were going, girls! Vera, ready or not, were off to pinch William. Auntie Tay, you in?
No, girls, Michaels waiting for me at home You lot go ahead, she smiled.
Off they stormeda laughing, bustling crowdto Veras little house.
Right, lets whip up something fancy, Vera. Will William be back soon?
Dont bother, he doesnt eat much. Fussy, that one. But yes, hell be home soon enough.
As the evening waned, bravado faded. Everyone recalled their chores and said goodbyes, all but Nadia, Olga, and Tanya, who stayed sipping tea in Veras cozy kitchen, chatting, a bit shy above the unknown William. They were quietly packing up to leave when footsteps sounded.
William, my Will, you lovely boy, Vera cooed into the hall.
The women instantly wilted, uneasy as a hare in a dog show, but then a tall, handsome young man came in.
A revelation passed arounda gasp that Veras husband was much, much younger than her.
Girls, meet Denis, said Vera.
Denis? What was that about William?
My son, Denis. Hows William, Den? Been good?
Yeah, Mum. He needs some peace. Hell be running about again in no timebut dont let him lick
The women blushed crimson.
We should probably get going
Wait up! You havent met William yetbut best shush, he just had an operation. Denis and Lena took him in, I was at work, had himerseen to. That rascal kept marking the curtains. Come in.
There, curled on the sofa, was a ginger tomcat, snoring away, bandaged.
Trying not to giggle, the ladies dashed from the room.
Vera, its a cat!
Well, obviouslya fine one. What did you think?
Butyour husband?
Oh, I dont have one. The William bit, you all assumed. I said I had a wonderful Williamno one let me finish. Story spun itself, didnt it?
I married young, too young, for all that first love palavernever even finished school, had Denis. We suffered through three years, then split. Parents helped loads.
Married again near thirty, proper, sensible sorthe drew up all the plans, wanted me to pop out his little heirs and a daughter, full set. Denismy boyoh, send him off to military school, hand him over to Mum, whatever.
I sent that husband back to his mother. He never understood. Funny thinghis mum, second marriage herself, but my boy wasnt good enough for her.
Lived alone with Denis for years. Gave it a third go when I was well past my prime on the bride market. This one? Gave me a black eyeout of love, he said.
Well, Denis, took up judo from age six, and I used to practice throws with him at home. So, Id learned a thing or two.
I decked that Othello and decidedenough.
Denis got married; I got bored, got myself William. Were happy.
I have someone to watch films with, go on holiday with. No obligations, no rows. Sometimes, I cook him a fine supper, he leaves happy, no fuss.
Denis used to ask why we didnt live as a family.
What for? Were grown. Each with their ways and habits. If wed started together young, like my brothertogether thirty years, knotted like old ivy, think as one. Not me. Why force myself, just for the sake of being married?
Not for me. Me and Williamsorted.
Isnt that so, darling? Oh, I warned youmark the curtains again, and youd lose something precious.
The girls wandered home, pensiveNadia especially.
But Nadia? She couldnt follow Veras path.
Within the month, she was singing the praises of a new suitor, bouquets arriving at work.
Vera and Auntie Tay shared secret smiles.
Hows your Michael, Tay? Hows his paw?
All better, love. Mustve scratched it walking, but like a dog, healed up, heaven help us. The grandkids say I should show Michaelthe dogat Crufts. Poor thing, I say, better off at home, arent we? Looks like Nadias back to herself, too.
Yes, Auntie Tay, some have dogs, others, husbands
Well, each to their own. Maybe this time itll stick for her?
We can only hope
Whats the gossip over there?
Oh, just wishing you luck, Nadsmay this one work out.
I know how it looks, girls, but on my ownI just cant.
Its your business. No need to explain. Everyone lives their own life.
As Vera later walked to her car, she heard Nadias voice call,
Veracould you give me some tips about cats? Which is bettera tom or a queen?
Go on. Off you go, theyre waiting If you need any help, Im around Vera laughed.
Just in caseNadia caught up to Vera just as a breeze ruffled the leaves overhead. She was clutching her handbag to her chest, uncertain, her eyes half hopeful, half embarrassed.

Vera, reallyhow do you do it? Arent you lonely? Truly? she whispered.

Vera unlocked her car and smiled, not unkindly. You know, Nadia, lonely isnt always the absence of someone else. Sometimes, its not recognizing yourself in your own company. William purrs, sun shines in, kettles onthats enough for me. The rest? I let it come or go.

Nadia bit her lip thoughtfully. So maybe happiness isnt she started, but Vera was already waving her inside, unlocking the passenger door with a flourish.

Hop in. Ill give you the number of the rescue shelter. Maybe your happiness is stalking its own little patch of sunlight, waiting for you to notice.

Nadia slid in. For a second, the afternoon seemed to hold its breathtwo women hurtling forward, one sure, one searching, both a little lighter than the day before.

As Vera started the engine, Nadia glanced over and laughed, truly laughed, a sound that promised something new.

And above, unseen, a ginger tomcat yawned in his window, already dreaming up more mischief for when his human returned home.