Never Take What Isn’t Yours

You Cant Take What Isnt Yours
Claire was the only child in her family, and her parents doted on her utterly. They were well-educated, both working at a research institute, her father a professor. For as long as Claire could remember, their home was bustling with guests.
Her mother, Margaret, was an exceptional cook, always baking huge pies and setting the table beautifully.
Oh Maggie, you never fail to impress! Such beauty and taste, one look at your table and youre instantly hungry, their guests would joke whenever they visited.
Claire did well at schoolnever quite top of the class, but she always earned solid As and Bs. Her parents never had to force her to study; she was naturally responsible and organised. Shed come home, change out of her uniform, have her tea, then settle down with her homework.
Have you been to your music lesson today, Claire?
Yes, Mum, Ive just got back.
Claire attended a music school, learning the violin. She loved it; when she picked up her violin, the world faded away, and inspiration swept over her. Her music teacher often set her as an example for the other students.
School years flew by. Claire had plenty of friends, lively and helpful to everyone. She dreamed of attending university in her hometown, a big city.
Easy for you, Claire, her friend Sarah would sigh, Your parents work at the university, so youll get in one way or another. Me, I barely muddle through at schoolno chance at a degree.
So what will you do then?
Ill start working. Single mum, you knowshes stretched thin. Earning a wage will help her out, Sarah replied. She and her mum didnt have much, and had to save wherever they could.
Claire never quite understood Sarahs struggles, as her own family was comfortable, and she wanted for nothing.
Mum, Dad, I need a new dress and shoes for graduation, she informed her parents.
Of course, love. Tomorrows Saturday, well go shopping, promised her mother.
They bought a gorgeous dress, shoes to match, and all Claire had left to do was finish her exams, enjoy her final school dance, then step into adulthood.
With her parents help, Claire was accepted into the Polytechnic. Her mother, outgoing and well-connected, made sure to speak to all the right peoplejust in case.
Well, Mum and Dad, your daughters now a student! she beamed when her name appeared on the list.
Congratulations, love! her father said cheerfully, gifting her a fancy new mobileat that time, not everyone had one.
Claire loved university: the studying, the lecturers, her friends, and the vibrant student parties, coursework, and exams. It was a completely new world. She and Sarah rarely met; Claire was busy and Sarah worked at a factory, living a whole different life.
That summer, Claire left with a group for volunteering campsfull of excitement and activity. She was a pretty and sociable girl, popular, but romance wasnt her focus yet. She dated occasionally, but nothing serious.
In her final year, Claire met Adam. He was back from his time in the army and worked repairing appliances. They met by accident at the cinema, where Claire had finally arranged to go with Sarah.
Hello ladies, mind if I sit here? Adam asked politely as they sipped their milkshakes at the cinema café.
Not at all, Sarah answered, while Adam gazed intently at Claire.
Adam, he introduced himself, its busy tonight, glancing around, almost apologising for joining their table.
Im Sarah, and this is Claire, Sarah replied with a smile.
I heard this films goodmy mate recommended it.
We rarely get together, Sarah explained, with me working, Claire at uni.
After the film, they agreed to stroll together, as they had seats in different parts of the theatre. The three walked until late, and Adam accompanied them home, first Sarah, then Claire, asking for her number.
Adam was genuine and charming, and Claire fell for him quickly. They began dating, and six months later, married. Her parents met Adam and immediately liked him.
After graduating, Claire worked for a short while, but then went on maternity leave and had their son, Oliver. She was happy with Adamhe was a caring husband and father, reliable and supportive.
Mum, Im so lucky with Adam, Claire often said, With him, I feel safe.
Im pleased, sweetheart. Adams a real family man, Margaret said, and her father adored his son-in-law, playing chess and chatting about everything.
life after loss
But happiness isnt endless. When Oliver was five, Claire and Adam suffered a car accident. A speeding motorbike crashed into them. Claire was thrown from the carperhaps saving her lifebut Adam died. Thankfully, Oliver was with his grandparents.
Why, Lord, why? Claire whispered, waking in the hospital, her mother at her side.
Thank God, darling, youre awake, Margaret sobbed, Its just a broken leg and ribs, but youre alive, my girl.
Claire buried Adam from a wheelchair. Her recovery was long, with her parents caring for her and Oliver. For months, Claire mourned her beloved husband, barely making it through except for Olivers presence.
Thank you, Lord, she prayed, looking at the family photo, What would I do without my son?
She had to start anew, without Adam.
Mum, Im moving to the seaside. Weve got a house there. The sea air will do me good, and Oliver loves the beach. You can come visit. Everything here reminds me of Adam.
Her parents agreed, and after moving, Claire found peace, working as a hotel manager and socialising with guests. Oliver started school. On weekends, theyd relax on the beach together.
One day, Claire lost her wedding ring on the beachthe precious reminder of Adam. Distraught, she dug through the sand.
Why are you crying? a mans voice interrupted, What’s happened?
My ring, its very dear to me.
Who wears rings to the beach?
I do. Any other questions?
Alright, Ill help you then, he said, Im James, and you?
Claire, she replied. Together, they sifted through the sand, finally finding the ring in her beach bag.
Thank you, James.
Are you here on holiday? James asked. Im with a mate, but hes resting at the hotelwent overboard last night, so Im here alone.
I actually live here, Claire replied.
After chatting, James invited her to a café.
We ought to leave the beach, Claire agreed, Too hotwell get burnt. The café sounds perfect.
Inside, the cool air and cold drinks were a relief. Claire didnt rush; Oliver was with his grandparents for the month, shed sent him for a visit, and theyd return him for school.
James soon confessed he was married, with a daughter. He worked at his citys airport.
Claire shared her story, including Adams tragedy.
Thats why I needed a fresh start, she explained. Oliver and I moved here.
James was easy companyrelaxed and kind. He walked her home, and they parted. Yet three days later, he was waiting outside with a bouquet.
Hello, I missed you, he said, handing her the flowers.
Hello, Claire smiled, genuinely happy to see him. Starting tomorrow, I’m on holiday!
Thats brilliant, well have more time together, James said eagerly. Lets celebrate your holiday at a restaurantyou can meet my friend too.
At the restaurant, they enjoyed themselves, and James walked her home, staying over. Their relationship deepened.
Oh goodness, I’m falling for him, Claire admitted to herself.
Shed been alone since Adams death. That holiday, they spent almost every day together. James called work to take leave. But eventually, James had to go back, and parting was painful. A week later, James phoned.
Claire, Im coming soon I cant live without you. I confessed everything to my wife. She filed for divorce.
lifes trials continue
Claire was overjoyed. She didn’t consider what his wife and child were going throughshe simply wanted happiness herself.
Im a woman too, and I want happiness, she told herself.
James returned, and soon they married after his divorce came through. Within a year, Claire had a daughter. They were happy.
But fate wasnt done testing Claire. The idyll ended after ten years. Living in a seaside townfull of temptationsJames began straying. Rows started, he tried to hide his behaviour, but soon admitted it. Claire saw him with young women at the beach.
She filed for divorce. James went back to his home city and reconciled with his ex-wife. He didnt abandon his daughterhe paid generous child support. The children grew up: Oliver moved to his grandparents, attended university, and married there. Claires daughter married as well and started a family of her own.
Claire now had two grandsons and a granddaughter. They visited her, and her ageing parents sometimes came with Oliver. Her entire life was entwined with her children and grandchildren.
As for James? He never appeared in her life again. Claire resolved never to let another man into her life, believing:
I paid for loving a married man You cant take what isnt yours; happiness built on anothers pain wont last.
She didnt want to test fate again, fearing the boomerang of regret would return painfully. So she lived alone, cherishing her family.
Thank you for reading and for your support. Wishing you kindness and good fortune.