Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the wife announced with a grin to the strange woman at her door.
Hold on a minute, Emily! Someones at the front door. Ill call back when I find out who it is and what they want, said Katherine, reluctantly ending a phone chat with her old school friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, her motherinlaws birthday bash, full of jokes, which had Katherine laughing nonstop as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Katherine padded over to the door, peeked through the peephole, and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour, since strangers rarely get past the secure entry of their block. Instead, a bewildered young woman shed never seen before stood on the landing.
She decided not to open the door better to avoid strangers, especially these days when scammers seem to be everywhere. Katherine lived by a strict rule: no conversations with unknown people. Scammers prey on naïveté, but she wasnt one of them.
She grabbed her phone to get back to Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The lady outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Katherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to a mates house to help with some gardening. She returned to the door, looked again through the peephole, this time studying the outsider a little more closely.
There was something odd and a touch pitiful about the woman, yet Katherine sensed no immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to go away? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace, she thought. Probably shes lost or trying to sell something.
She acted quickly, swung the door open, and the woman straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Katherine? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why would I ask?
Katherine raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting cleverer. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Katherine said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger inquired, catching Katherine off guard.
Now thats something, Katherine thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared fraudster.
Youre here about James? Katherine asked, though she intended to say something else.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is home, itll be harder for me, the woman replied nonchalantly.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Katherine wondered, curiosity building.
Dont you have what hes after? Katherine eventually asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its hard to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
No way! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Katherine snapped.
Really? You want me to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Katherine shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? asked Mrs. Patel, the neighbour who had just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello Mrs. Patel! Im fine. Hows the weather out? Katherine tried to deflect.
Looks like rains on the way, Mrs. Patel replied, lingering by the door, clearly intrigued.
Come in, Katherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman began to scan the flat, her eyes lingering on various items.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Katherine said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Margaret, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Oh, how original! Couldnt you have thought of something more creative? Katherine retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats unoriginal about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Margaret replied confidently, trying to walk past Katherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and has fallen for you? Katherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be standing here, Margaret said boldly.
My husband doesnt know love. Hes clueless, so youre wildly mistaken, dear, Katherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Smith couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So, what do you want from me, Margaret? Katherine asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Katherine asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, looking bewildered at the stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, confused.
No, I came for you, Katherine said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James pressed, still taken aback.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Katherine said with a grin.
Margaret, blushing, hurriedly slipped on her coat and backed toward the door.
Leaving already? And what about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Katherine joked.
But Margaret was already at the exit.
What was that about? James asked, completely perplexed.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Katherine demanded, crossing her arms.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Katherine said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all rather strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that sort of drama.
Youre right, Katherine replied with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in unchecked. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into a hug. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Katherine returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both realised that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship remained unshakable. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
