**Diary Entry 12th March**
And who are you to decide? the ex-wife snapped when she spotted me by his hospital bed.
Excuse me, could you tell me where to find ward 217? an elderly woman asked the nurse at the station.
Down the corridor, then right, the nurse muttered without looking up from her magazine.
Margaret tightened her grip on the bag of food and walked slowly in the direction given. Hospital corridors always made her uneasythe smell of antiseptic, the squeak of trolleys, the hushed voices behind closed doors. Shed hated hospitals ever since her mother passed away in one.
When she reached the right door, she knocked and entered. Four men occupied the ward, but her eyes went straight to the one shed come to see. Edward lay by the window, pale, his eyes closed. A vase of wilted chrysanthemums sat on the bedside table.
Eddie, she said softly, stepping closer.
He opened his eyes, surprised. Maggie? How did you know I was here?
Mrs. Thompson told me. Ran into her at the supermarket and asked why I hadnt seen you around. She mentioned the hospital.
Margaret set the bag on the table and sat beside him. Edward looked awfulhollow cheeks, dull eyesnothing like the cheerful man she remembered.
What happened?
Just my heart acting up, he said with a weak wave. Doctors say it was a mild heart attack.
Good Lord, Eddie. She clasped her hands together. I had no idea.
Why would you? We dont exactly keep in touch.
No accusation in his voice, just a sad statement of fact. They hadnt spoken much since he married Linda. The occasional nod at the shops or the bus stop, polite questions about healthnothing more.
Brought you some food. She unpacked jars of homemade preserves. Pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry compote. I remember you liked them.
Ta, Maggie, he said, smiling for the first time. Thats kind of you.
What do the doctors say? When will they discharge you?
Next week, if alls well. But Ill need to stick to a diet, take my meds. Healthy living from now on.
She nodded, hesitating before asking, Hows Linda? Hasnt she visited?
Edward turned to the window. Linda shes not my Linda anymore. We divorced.
What? Margaret nearly stood. When?
Finalised three months back. Been living apart for half a year.
Eddie, what on earth happened?
He stayed quiet, staring outside. Suppose she grew tired of me. Said the love was gone. Wanted a fresh start.
Margaret didnt know what to say. Edward and Linda had been together eight years. They seemed happyLinda at the salon, him at the factory, not rich but comfortable. Theyd bought a flat, a car.
Was the heart attack because of?
Who knows? Doctors reckon stress didnt help. But my hearts been shaky for a while. Ignored it.
Where are you living now? Who kept the flat?
She did. I moved in with Mum. Lucky she took me innowhere else to go.
Margaret remembered Edwards mother, Doris. A stern but fair woman whod always been warm to her when she and Edward were together. A shame her one-bed flat was cramped for two.
How did it come to this, Eddie? I remember how happy you both looked at the wedding.
So did I, he sighed. But people change, Maggie. Thought love lasted forever. Turns out
He didnt finish, but she understood. Shed been there herself when her ex, Richard, left her for another woman. That was years ago, when their daughter Emily was still little. Now Emily was married, living in Manchester.
Eddie maybe things can still mend? Have you talked to her?
No, Maggie. Shes with someone else. Says she finally knows what real love is.
It hurt to hear. She pictured Edward learning of the affair, enduring the divorce, alone in his mothers flat.
Sorry for prying. Just didnt expect this.
Salright. Nice to talk to someone. Dont want to burden Mum.
Margaret pulled a thermos from her bag. Teastill hot, with honey and lemon. Good for the heart.
You always think of everything, he said, taking the cup. Remember how you used to look after me?
*Used to*. Twenty years ago, when they were young. She was twenty-one, he twenty-threefull of plans, dreaming of a future. Theyd even set a wedding date for autumn.
Then Richard stormed into her lifehandsome, ambitious, full of promises. Shed been a fool, leaving Edward for him. Richard married her, gave her Emily, then left five years later for another woman. Left her with a mortgage and a broken heart.
Eddie, I need to apologise, she blurted.
What for?
For what happened back then. I treated you terribly.
He set the cup down and looked at her. Maggie, that was a lifetime ago. No point dredging it up.
There is. Ive always wanted to say it. Seeing you here, ill and alone weve both made mistakes.
Havent we all?
Not everyone leaves good people for empty promises.
He covered her hand with his. I never held it against you. Hurt like hell, but if a person can walk away, it wasnt real love. We just werent meant to be.
And neither were Richard and me, she said with a sad smile. Lost you both, didnt I?
But youve got Emily. Shes turned out well.
How do you know?
Mrs. Thompson mentioned it. Said shes married, doing well. Youve every right to be proud.
She nodded. Emily *was* her pridea doctor now, happily settled.
You and Linda no children?
No. She didnt want them. Said it wasnt the right time, then blamed money, then work. Now I see she just didnt want *my* children.
A nurse entered with medication. Margaret stepped aside.
How are we feeling? the nurse asked.
Alright, thanks.
Lets check your blood pressure and give you this injection. And you, she turned to Margaret, family?
Margaret hesitated. Family? Ex-fiancée? Just an old friend?
Yes, family, Edward answered for her.
After the nurse left, they were alone again.
Eddie, what will you do after discharge?
Dunno. Cant work yetsigned off sick. Mum says shell keep me busy with her garden. Got an allotment.
Fresh air will do you good.
Aye. And you? Still on your own?
Yes. Used to it now. Emily calls often, visits sometimes. Promises grandchildren.
Grandkids are a blessing. Id have liked that.
The ache in his voice twisted her heart. A man of fifty-three, alone, unwell, no family. Life could be cruel.
Eddie, maybe I could have your number? Ill check in, see how youre doing.
Aye. Give me yours toojust in case.
They swapped numbershers into his smartphone, his into her old button phone.
Need any help after discharge? Cooking, cleaning?
Ta, Maggie, but Mumll manage. Dont want to trouble you.
No trouble. Were friends.
Friends, he repeated, smiling. Sounds nice.
The doctor arrivedan older man in a white coat.
How are we, Mr. Carter? Any complaints?
No, Doctor. Feeling a bit better.
After checking charts and vitals, the doctor nodded. Improving. If this continues, well discharge you Monday. But rememberno stress, stick to the diet, take your meds.
Will do.
And its good youve family visiting, the doctor said, glancing at Margaret. Support speeds recovery.
Once he left, Edward checked the clock.
Getting late. You should head home.
Right. Buses run less often this time of night.
Ta for coming. Didnt expect it.
Couldnt stay away. Weve known each other too long.
She packed the empty thermos.
Ill come tomorrow, if thats alright. Bring some homemade soup.
More than alright.
She kissed his cheekfriendly, yet her pulse jumped.
Get well soon.
Ill try.
At the door, a woman walked intall, blonde, in a sharp coat and heels. Margaret recognised Linda instantly, though shed changed. Slimmer, dyed hair, younger-looking.
Eddie, hello,
