Emma Clarke, Dont worry, love, David wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Weve still got plenty of time ahead. Well be parents one day, and our little one will look just like us. You hear me? Itll happen, I promise.
She nodded, pressing her face into his shoulder, trying to cling to those words. Inside, though, a cold weight had settled, making it hard to breathe fully. Three years of marriage, three years of trying, hoping, getting let down. Three years of endless doctor visits, scans, blood testsnothing to show for it.
I know, Emma whispered, though she wasnt sure she believed it any more.
David kissed the top of her head, his smile warm. To Emma it now felt like a mask, hiding disappointment and anger.
At first David kept his promises. He was there, supportive, caring. Hed bring flowers for no reason, whip up weekend breakfasts, hold her tight at night when shed broken down after another negative test. He was kind, patient, loving.
But slowly things shifted. It started almost imperceptibly. David began staying later at the office, then the trips abroad became more frequent. He stopped hugging her in the mornings, pulled away when Emma tried to snuggle on the sofa after a long day. Their conversations shrank to brief, formal exchangesoneword answers and distant eyes.
Emma told herself it was temporary. That David was just worn out by the endless tension, the waiting, the letdowns, and that things would smooth out if she held on a little longer.
Thats how another year and a half slipped by.
One evening, as Emma was washing the dishes after dinner, David said, Emma, we need to talk.
She froze, a plate in her hand, his tone unusually solemn. About what? she asked, the words feeling foreign.
Im filing for divorce.
Four words. Four words that made Emmas world tumble. The plate slipped from her fingers, shattering on the tiled floor. She stood there, eyes wide, trying to process what shed just heard.
What?! she gasped.
Sorry, David looked away. I cant do this anymore. Im tiredtired of waiting, tired of hoping. This isnt the life I wanted. I want kids, a real family. But were not a couple anymore; were just two people under the same roof. Its time to stop pretending everythings fine.
Emma sank onto a chair, her legs giving way, a hollow emptiness filling her head.
I dont blame you, David continued, It just turned out this way. I cant keep pretending Im happy. Im sorry. He turned and left the kitchen. Emma heard the soft click of the bedroom door closing behind him, and then silence.
Days blurred into one grey patch. Emma kept going to work, cooked for herself, tidied the flatjust the same routine, but inside there was a yawning void, a cold fog of loneliness she couldnt shake.
She blamed herself for the breakup, for not holding the family together, for not giving David what he wanted.
The only bright spot was Hannah Patel, a friend from university. Theyd shared rooms, secrets, dreams of the future. Hannah showed up with cakes and tea the night David left, sat beside Emma, hugged her, listened without judging or preaching. Just being there.
Everything will be alright, Emma, Hannah said, smoothing Emmas back. Youre strong; youll get through this.
Emma nodded, though she didnt truly believe it. Still, Hannahs presence was a small source of warmth, proof that she wasnt completely alone.
They met regularlycoffee at a local café or a friends flat. Hannah talked about work, her husband, her plans, and Emma tried to feel happy for her, even as her own heart ached. Hannahs life seemed perfect: a loving husband, a stable job, the family Emma had lost.
But gradually Emma noticed things changing. Hannah answered messages less often, cancelled plans at the last minute, her smile looked strained, her eyes darted away. She was always in a rush, citing urgent errands.
It wasnt just Hannah. Their whole circle seemed to drift away. The group chat went quiet; nobody messaged Emma first. Invitations stopped. It felt as if shed become invisible, ignored by everyone at once.
Emma tried to brush it offmaybe they were busy, everyone has their own life. Still, a nervous chill settled in her chest and wouldnt leave.
Then Hannahs birthday rolled around. Emma remembered it clearly; theyd always celebrated together since universitycake, champagne, gifts, laughter until the early hours. This year, however, there was no call, no text, nothing. Emma waited all day, hoping it was just an oversight, but the phone stayed silent.
That evening Emma couldnt hold back any longer. She bought the scarf Hannah had been eyeing for months, wrapped it nicely, and drove to Hannahs flat just to say happy birthday, to show she still cared.
From the stairwell, muffled music and voices drifted outHannahs party was in full swing.
Emma paused, took a breath, then knocked. The sounds inside didnt stop. After a minute the door swung open.
Hannah stood there in a gorgeous dress, a glass in hand. Her smile froze when she saw Emma. Her eyes widened; she looked genuinely surprised.
Emma, Hannah exhaled. What are you doing here?
I wanted to wish you happy birthday, Emma said, handing over the gift, forcing a smile that felt like a knot in her throat. Happy birthday.
Hannah didnt take the present. She stepped aside, blocking the doorway, her gaze uneasy, as if shed rather not see Emma at all.
Why didnt you invite me? Emma blurted, the dam finally breaking. We always celebrated together. Whats happened, Hannah? Why am I being ignored?
Hannah looked away, ran a hand through her hair. Laughter echoed from the flat. Emma peeked inside and saw what made her freeze.
David was there, leaning over a table, arms wrapped around a lighthaired, smiling woman. He leaned in and kissed herslow, gentle, unmistakably affectionate.
Emmas breath left her. The world spun. David, at Hannahs birthday, with another woman, while Emma stood outside, uninvited.
Hannah grabbed Emmas hand, pulling her toward the stairwell, closing the door behind them.
Emma, listen Hannah began, leaning against the wall, her voice strained. We David and I got close after the divorce. He was my best friends husband, we talked a lot, and after everything we stayed in touch. Hes a good guy, and I enjoy his company.
So you chose his side, Emma snapped, feeling the chill deepen. Weve been friends since uni, Hannah. How could you?
Its not that simple, Hannah replied, crossing her arms. Hes he doesnt dwell on problems, he doesnt complain. Honestly, nobody wanted to hear your endless complaints anymore. We were all exhausted by that heavy atmosphere. We thought it would be easier for everyone if we moved on.
Emma stared at Hannah as if she were a stranger. The words came out flat, like weather talk.
And besides, Hannah added hurriedly, Davids life is sorted now. Hes in a new relationship, theyre planning to get married, and his partner is expecting. Everythings perfect for him. Meeting here would have been awkward for all of us, so we tried to avoid drama.
Emma nodded slowly, mechanically. Inside something finally snapped. David was about to become a father, with a new familyexactly the life hed wanted, the one shed never get.
She realized she meant nothing to anyone now.
I understand, Emma whispered, sliding the gift back to Hannah. Here, take it. Happy birthday.
Hannah took the box without looking up.
For years of friendship, you could have said this to my face, Emma continued, fixing her gaze on Hannah. Instead you only explain it now, when the truth is out. I thought we were honest with each other, but I was wrong.
Hannah stayed silent, eyes on the floor, clutching the present.
Happy birthday, Emma said again, turning toward the stairs. Enjoy your night. From me
The echo of her footsteps resonated as she walked down the stairwell, each step heavy. She clung to the banister, her legs wobbling, breath ragged, just hoping to make it to the street.
Cold air hit her lungs as she stepped out onto the deserted pavement. Tears shed held back for months burst free, hot and fierce, running down her cheeks. She walked aimlessly, cryinghurt, betrayal, loneliness all at once.
In less than a year shed lost her husband and, it seemed, every friend shed counted on. The old saying about true friends showing up in trouble flashed through her mind. Turns out, she didnt have any real ones left. Maybe she never did.
Emma dabbed at her eyes and headed home, to a place where nobody waited for her. Yet a faint thought lingered in her heartthat this isnt forever, and perhaps, in the end, everything happens for a reason.
