THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR
She hurried along, her heels clicking sharply against the deserted pavement. Above, the moon peered down with a cheeky grin, casting the city in a ghostly haze. Buildings loomed cold and proud under its indifferent glow, while streetlights flickered here and there, fighting back the dark. Windows glinted like spectacles perched on the faces of houses.
Ahead, a tram flashed into view, strung with lights like a Christmas tree. It rattled around the corner and vanished into the night, melting away like a phantom.
The sound of her heels grew louder, echoing off the walls. Noshed missed the last tram. The moon seemed to chuckle at her misfortune.
Shed stayed late at her friends, then stubbornly refused an escort, certain shed catch the tram. Now, her footsteps slowed, then stopped altogether. Exhausted, she sank onto a bench and wiped away frustrated tears. Suddenly, brakes screeched, and a cheerful voice called out from a car, Fancy a ride?
She shrank back, wishing she could disappear. Adventure was the last thing she wantedhome was all she dreamed of. A man leaned out. Dont be scared. Ill get you there in no time. The passenger door swung open, and hesitantly, she slipped inside. The leather seat embraced her, warm and comforting. On the back seat, a child slept curled against a huge dog, whose hot breath stirred the little curls at her neck. She froze.
The man smiled. Dont worryBellas gentle as a lamb.
James, he said, offering his hand.
Emily Thornton, she mumbled.
He laughed. Bit young for a Thornton, arent you?
Catching her reflection in the mirrorsmudged mascara, wide eyesshe barely recognised herself. Thats a matter of opinion, she huffed.
Teacher, then? he guessed. She stayed silent, lost in thought.
Were out late too, he ventured.
Slowly, her fear faded. Something about him felt familiar, as if theyd known each other for years. The night took on a cosy warmth. James handed her a handkerchief. Peering into her phone, she tidied her smudged makeup and smiled gratefully.
Youre quite pretty, he remarked, lifting her spirits. They joked and laughed like old friends, while Bella gave a warning woof*keep it down, youll wake the little one.*
The car turned into a dark alley. Her heart lurched.
Just popping into the chemist, James explained. Promised Mum her medicine. Wont take a mo.
It was well past midnight, tomorrow was a day off, and no one waited for Emily at homejust a stack of unmarked essays. So they drove through the sleeping city, the car slicing through the night like a ghost. Then, impulsively, James invited her back to his. She didnt hesitate.
His flat was on the seventh floor. James carried his sleeping son gently. In the dim lift light, they stole glances at each other, then laughed like mischievous children. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his fair hair bright against his tan. Emily, even in heels, barely reached his shoulder.
The flat was spotless, everything in its place. James tucked his son into bed, Bella flopping down beside him. Over tea and classical musicthey agreed on BeethovenEmily felt strangely at ease. That odd sense of familiarity returned, as though little Oliver were her own.
Later, over wine, James grew solemn. His wife had died three years agocomplications from childbirth. Shed insisted the doctors save Oliver instead. His mother helped now, stepping in when work kept him late.
He asked Emily to stay. She nodded, whether from the wine or something deeper, she couldnt say.
Morning found her in his bed. A tiny hand patted her cheek. Mummy, Oliver lisped, peering into her face. Bella sprawled at her feet. Tears welled as Emily embraced him. Mine, she whispered.
James appeared with a steaming breakfast tray. Getting on already? he teased. Then, abruptly: Marry me.
She blinked. You dont even know me.
I know enough. Lifes longwell learn the rest. Oliver and Bella already adore you. Youll be a wonderful mother.
Outside, dawn crept in, painting the room pink. Later, Emily lay half-awake, replaying the dreamlike nightthe city swallowing her, the stranger whod rescued her, the proposal.
Her drowsy eyes fluttered open. James slept beside her, Oliver between them. Bella, a warm weight at her feet, cracked one eye and sighed. The alarm was hours away. Emily mentally planned her lessons, then drifted off again.
Beyond the window, the sun chased the last shadows away. High above, the moon winked down, as if sharing a secret.
