**Diary Entry A Twist of Fate**
Its been a rough week. Daniel walked out on me and our little girl, Emily. Just like that. And then, when I thought things couldnt get worse, my mother-in-law showed upMargaret. The last person I expected to stand by me.
I couldnt sleep that first night. Emily dozed in my arms, but I stayed by the window, staring at the street, half-hoping Daniels car would roll back into view. That hed laugh it off, say it was a stupid joke. But he didnt.
Hed come home from work earlier that evening, quiet. I was in the kitchen when I heard him rustling in the bedroom. When I walked in, he was packing.
Where are you going? I asked, confused.
Leaving. Found someone else.
I laughed, shaky. Youre joking. Is this about work? A last-minute trip?
His face stayed cold. Im done, Lucy. You never notice me anymore. Its always Emilyno time for us.
Lower your voice. Youll wake her.
See? Even now, its all about her.
A real man wouldnt abandon his wife and child, I muttered, turning away before he saw my tears.
I knew his temper. Arguing would only make it worse. So I scooped Emily up and retreated to the kitchensomewhere hed have no reason to follow. Through the window, I watched him drive off without a backward glance.
No one to call. Mum had barely cared when I got married; shed always favoured my younger brother. Friends were busy with their own families. Useless to burden them.
By dawn, exhaustion won. I tried calling Daniel. He hung up, then texted: *Dont contact me again.*
Emily fussed, snapping me back. No time to crumble. She needed me.
The numbers in my wallet and bank app made my stomach drop. Even if the landlady delayed rent until my benefits came through, it wouldnt be enough. Food, nappieshow? I couldve freelanced, but Daniel took his laptop.
Two weeks left in the flat. No jobs would take me with a baby. No one to watch Emily while I worked. Moving somewhere cheaper? Already in the cheapest part of London. My brothers overcrowded council flat wasnt an option.
I told the landlady Id leave when the lease ended. Hostels were grimplaces you wouldnt wish on an enemy. Daniel ignored my pleas for child support. Blocked me.
Then, five days before moving, the doorbell rang.
Margaret stood there, lips pursed. My stomach twisted. *What now?*
Pack your things, she said briskly, stepping inside. You and Emily are coming with me.
I blinked. What?
Did you think Id let you crawl back to that hovel your brother calls home? She huffed. Ive got a three-bed. Plenty of space.
No choice. I went.
At her house, she showed us to a tidy room. Once Emily was asleep, I hovered in the kitchen, wary.
Lucy, Margaret sighed, I know weve never seen eye to eye. But Im sorry.
I stiffened. You just wanted what was best for Daniel.
Best? She scoffed. I was selfish. Then he called, bragging about his new girl. That boy Her voice cracked. His father left us when he was three months old. He *knew* how hard it was. But he did it anyway. She gripped my shoulder. Stay as long as you need.
I didnt cry. Not much.
Over time, we grew close. She softened. Helped with Emily. Even when her sharp tongue slipped, shed catch herself.
On Emilys first birthday, we hung balloons, baked a Victoria sponge. Margaret cheered as Emily took wobbly steps.
Then the doorbell. Daniel stood there, some blonde clinging to his arm.
Mum, he said, like no time had passed. Were moving in.
Margarets smile vanished. No.
What?
You havent called in months. Now you remember where I live? She pointed to me and Emily at the table. Todays your daughters birthday. Or did you forget?
Daniel scowled. Doubt shes even mine.
Margaret shoved him out. Get a DNA test if youre that daft. Now *go*.
Later, I found her staring at the garden. Mum if you want me to leave
She cut me off. Hes my son. But thats no excuse.
Four years on, she nudged me about Tom, the bloke Id been seeing. Bring him round, then! As long as he treats you and Emily right.
She beamed at our wedding. Dont think youre getting rid of me, she warned Tom, who just laughed.
When our son, Jack, was born, she declared him hers too. No one argued.
Daniel married his girlfriend, moved up north. Margaret checks on him through cousins, but her hearts herewith us.
Funny, isnt it? The person I least expected became family. Lifes full of twists. Sometimes the hardest walls crumble into the strongest bridges.
