**Diary Entry A Lesson in Trust**
The air was thick with tension as I spoke to Daisy. “Ive got to go up north for workthose debts wont pay themselves. I wont turn to crime, so this is the only way. A year, maybe less, and Ill be back. Enough to settle what I owe, fix up your cottage, and buy little Sophie that bike shes been wanting.”
The whole village knew Matthew had been courting Daisy, the young widow. Theyd talked of marriage, but the weight of debt forced his hand.
“I see,” Daisy said flatly. “So youre running off to the north, just like your ex did. Whats so special about that place?”
“Daisy, you know shes got nothing to do with me anymore.”
But she wouldnt listen. Words spilled outsharp, bitter thingsand Matthew knew arguing was pointless. He left without another word. She ignored his calls, even changed her number.
Time passed. That summer was sweltering, and on one stifling morning, the old folks muttered, “Storms coming by nightfall. Just wait.”
No one expected the hurricane that evening. Dark clouds rolled in, the wind howled, tearing down wires, uprooting trees, ripping slates from roofs. Everyone huddled inside, waiting out natures fury.
By morning, the damage was clear. “My chicken coops flooded,” grumbled Mrs. Wilkins. “My tomatoes are ruined,” sighed Anna.
“Tomatoes? Never mind thatweve no power! Who knows when theyll send a crew from town?”
By noon, electricians arrived. Most houses flickered back to lifebut not Daisys. Her wiring had burnt out, leaving a blackened streak on the wall. The old cottage couldve gone up in flames.
“Dont fret,” Mrs. Wilkins said. “Charlie from next villages a whiz with electricswont charge much.”
Sophie tugged Daisys sleeve. “Mum, Im hungry.”
“I know, love. At least the gas works.”
Daisy cooked, cleaned, and glanced at the ruined wall. Charlie was busy elsewhere. Another night in the dark.
The next morning, a broad-shouldered man strode into her yard. “Morning. Heard youve got wiring trouble. Names Charlie.”
She showed him the damage. Sophie peeked out, shy, until Charlie winked.
“Couldve been worse,” he said. “Lucky catch. Ill fetch my toolsneeds a full rewire.”
While he worked, Daisy fixed lunch. “Ill pay, but feeding hims the least I can do.”
By midday, it was done. “All set,” Charlie grinned, flipping the switch. Light flooded the room.
“How much?” Daisy reached for her purse.
“Not a penny. Lunchll do.”
She served him, chatting idly. Sophie stayed quiet, uneasy. Later, she whispered, “Mum, I dont like him.”
“Why? He helped us.”
But Daisy noticed how Charlie looked at her. At thirty-one, she was still young, still hopeful after losing her husband when Sophie was a baby.
Three days later, he returned. “That fence of yours is a hazard. Let me fix itjust feed me, yeah?” He smiled. “Truth is, Ive taken a shine to you.”
Her heart lifted. Maybe luck was turning.
Over lunch, she asked, “You live alone?”
“Wife left mecaught her cheating.” He took her hand. “But I fancy you, Daisy.”
She wavered. Charlie was strong, handsome, hardworking. What more could a woman want? Yet Sophie watched, tense.
Charlie visited often after that, though Daisy kept her distance. Then the gossip reached Matthew, back from the north.
“True, then? Daisys with that Charlie bloke?” His sister nodded.
“After a bloody light switch?” Matthew seethed.
“She was lonely. You left.”
He found Daisy walking home. “You and himserious?”
“None of your business.”
“It is.” He kissed her, and despite her anger, something stirred.
That evening, Charlie brought wine. Sophie was at her grandmas. But Daisy was distracted, thoughts tangled.
“To us,” Charlie slurred, eyes glazed.
“Youve had a few.”
He grabbed her, rough, ignoring her protests. “Quit playing hard to get. You owe me.”
She fought back. “Stopyoure drunk!”
He slapped her. “After all Ive done”
Then Matthew was there, tossing Charlie out. The village saw him stumble away, bloody and torn.
Matthew glared at Daisy and left. Charlie never returnedturns out, his ex had fled his temper too.
Three days later, Matthew came back. Sophie raced to him, giggling as he lifted her.
Daisy stepped out. “Checking up on me?”
“Someones got to.” He smiled, pulling her close. “I missed you.”
She saw the warmth in his eyes. Sophie beamed.
**Lesson learned:** A childs instinct is sharper than pride. And some debts arent paid with moneybut with trust.
