Indifference it comes in many shades, the fragment of a woman’s voice floated to Claire, Sometimes you have to close your eyes and pretend you dont see, that it isnt your concern.
Other times it feels criminal.
Oh, Molly, thats just philosophy, a second voice answered.
Claire turned to the window, watching the houses, the cars, the commuters race past. Littleford was finally awake, the high street humming with life.
She sighed at the thought of taking the bus again. Mark had called the night before, saying his work would keep him late into the night, so why should she feel slighted? Work was work. Colleagues had offered liftsone young man had stared at her a little too intentlybut shed refused. A married woman riding with a stranger seemed improper.
She dialed Mark again, listened to the endless ringing, then dropped the call with a weary sigh, tucking her phone back into her bag.
Busy, I guess. Always busy at the worst moments she muttered, glancing at the window once more.
Nausea gnawed at herearly pregnancy was making its presence felt. A sudden cramp tightened her stomach.
At the shop, Claire tried to push through the queasy feeling. The store manager of the nationwide chain rarely gave anyone a free minute. The head office was due for a surprise inspection any minute, and the pressure was crushing.
Emily, go help Anne wash the fridge, or well all get eaten alive! Claire barked, snapping a report together before fleeing to the back office.
Emily, the curlyhaired clerk, watched Claire disappear, then leaned toward her partner, who was arranging milk bottles with meticulous care. She whispered, Did you hear? Marks cheating on Claire.
Annes eyes widened. What? Is that true?
Emily nodded, I saw him leave my old school friend Lucys house this morning. She kissed him goodbye. Can you believe it?
Anne snapped back, Then you should tell Claire. Why are you telling me?
Emily laughed, twirling a finger at her temple. Youre a fool, Anne. Everyone has an affair now and then. Ill just watch them split up eventually.
Anne thought a moment, then said, Whether they split or not is their choice, but Claire deserves the truth. Maybe its better this way; you cant build a family on lies.
Emily chuckled again, eyes glinting. Its not our business, you know. Nice people like you always end up blamed.
Anne sighed, dropping the argument. Still, something gnawed at her. She and Claire were more than colleagues; they were friends.
From childhood, Anne had been taught that a bitter truth beats a sweet lie, that painful honesty is kinder than comforting illusion.
The shops administrator, James, noticed Claires pale face as she slipped into the office. He sipped his coffee, eyes flicking between his laptop and her.
Dont worry, Claire, everything will be fine, he said with a forced smile.
Claire waved a hand, exhaling, Im not worried. Mark isnt answering his phone, thats all.
James fell silent. Hed liked Claire from the first day hed been hiredstarted as a cashier, rose quickly to manager.
Maybe hes busy, James offered, his voice low.
Claire smiled faintly, tucked her phone away, and hurried out. The hall erupted as the inspection team arrived.
The next week, Anne could not sit still. From the rumors shed heard, she knew Mark stayed late more often, that Claire was forced onto the unreliable bus, even though Mark could easily drive her. Littlefords bus service was notorious for cancellations.
Determined to test her suspicion, Anne told her boss shed be late and showed up at Lucys door.
Her mother had once warned her that caring too much for someone could break your heart. That warning rang true when Anne saw Mark embracing the striking blonde, kissing her tenderly, promising to be home later. A cold knife pierced Annes chest. Claire lived with a man who treated her like a pawn!
That evening, Anne resolved to act. She wouldnt confront Mark directly; shed use another route. When Claire left for work, Anne slipped into the staff room where James was packing up to go home.
James, we need to talk, Anne said, eyes narrowed.
James looked puzzled.
Its about Claire, she replied. I saw Mark with Lucy. Hes been seeing her.
James hesitated, Thats their private life. Isnt it wrong to interfere?
Interfering is exactly what she deserves, Anne snapped. Shes pregnant. If something happens to her what then?
James sighed, So what? You want me to?
Take me to my village, Anne said, My grandmother knows folk remedies. Shell help. The truth will find her.
James stared at her, then, after a pause, You like Claire, dont you?
Anne leaned in, If you care for her, help her see the truth.
James exhaled, Alright.
In Annes village lived Grandma Jenkins, a wiry old woman with a shock of silver hair, a faded cardigan, and a long skirt that hid arthritic legs in warm tights. Her grey eyes were sharp, boring straight into ones soul.
Anne handed her a photo of Claire. Grandma Jenkins smiled at James, lit a candle, and hovered it over the phone screen.
I see the husband is not meant for her. They will part, but not today. He lies, she is kind, she murmured.
Can you speed it up? Anne whispered.
Nothing I can force, the old lady replied. But I can help her see.
She shuffled to the cold porch, fetched a canvas bag and a large pot, scooped a handful of dried herbs, and whispered as she poured them into the bag:
Fields of grass, breezes of the meadow, reveal the truth for Claire. Let it be so.
Shes pregnant, James noted, eyes wide.
Grandma Jenkins squinted, Only harmless herbschamomile, yarrow, a few others. No poison. Will you marry the child if she drives away the rogue?
James gulped, I will.
Back at the shop, adding the herbs to Claires tea was the hardest part. Claire was already queasy. That evening, just before closing, she craved instant noodles.
Sit tight, Ill get it for you, Anne said, dashing to the storeroom, grabbing a packet, and slipping the herb bag from her pocket.
James watched, torn between hope and doubt. He wanted Claire to leave Mark, yet feared the consequences of meddling in such a personal matter.
Claire finished the last spoonful of noodles, her appetite sated, and Anne exhaled in relief. Both she and James felt the weight of their decisions, yet duty and friendship pushed them onward.
The following morning, Claire took her usual seat by the window on the bus, staring out at the countryside. The drivers voice crackled over the speaker, Ladies and gentlemen, well have to detour due to a road closure.
The bus lurched, and the scene unfolded like a nightmare: Mark emerged from a house opposite, arms around the blonde, sharing a lingering kiss. Claires head spun, her stomach clenched, and the world blurred.
She awoke in a hospital bed, the fluorescent light humming above. Annes worried face hovered over her.
Claire Im sorry, this is my fault Anne whispered.
What are you saying? Claire croaked. I saw Mark with Lucy. He
Mark shuffled in, guilt etched on his face, but he could say nothing.
Are you working nights with Lucy? Claire demanded.
Mark stammered, Claire, the doctor told me you shouldnt I need you to understand if you want to keep our family
Get out! Claire shouted. When Im discharged, Im filing for divorce!
Mark fled, stumbling over his own feet.
Do you know whats happening with the baby? Claire asked.
The doctor said everythings fine. There was a risk of miscarriage, but its all clear, Anne assured.
James entered, carrying a basket of fruit, his entrance halted by a nurses warning about too many visitors.
Let him in, please, Claire pleaded, settling back onto the bed.
The nurse waved him away. James sat beside Claire, trembling.
Claire, Ive been worried about you about you and the baby, he began, voice shaking.
You always worry about me, Claire smiled faintly, Unlike some.
Forget it, James chuckled weakly.
Annes head popped back into the room. Claire, I have to confess. I set this up so youd learn the truth. I couldnt stand watching him lie to you. Please dont be angry.
Claire laughed, then paused, Id be angry if youd know and stay silent. I hate lies. By the way, I dreamed of an old woman saying the cheater isnt meant for me. She said, When you wake, the visitor will bring a gift.
She glanced at James, who stared intently.
Anne moved to the edge of the bed, took Claires hand, and gently squeezed. Now Im sure I did the right thing. Scoundrels must be cut out before its too late. Theres still a chance to start anew, with true friends and love. The little things will sort themselves out.
