Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! said the wife with a grin to the陌woman standing at her front door.
Hold on a sec, Anne! Someones at the door. Ill call you back when I find out who it is and what they want, said Katherine reluctantly, ending a chat with her old school friend. Anne had just been detailing her motherinlaws birthday party, full of jokes, and Katherine had been laughing nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on TV.
Katherine padded over to the door, peered through the peephole and was taken aback. Shed expected a neighbour strangers dont just stroll into a block of flats in London. Instead there was a young woman shed never seen before, looking a bit out of place.
She decided not to open better to keep strangers at arms length, especially these days when con artists are everywhere. Katherines rule was simple: no chatting with unknowns. Scammers prey on gullibility, but she wasnt going to be one of their victims.
She lifted the phone to finish her talk with Anne, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Katherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone over to a mates house to help out with some gardening. She turned back to the door, looked through the peephole more closely this time, and studied the stranger.
There was something odd almost pitiable about the lady, yet Katherine didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace, she thought. Maybe shes lost or trying to sell something.
She acted fast and swung the door open. The woman standing in the hallway 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 clever nowadays. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you in, so either tell me why youre here or get lost! Katherine said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Katherine off guard.
Thats something, Katherine mused, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name a planned scam, no doubt.
Are you here for James? Katherine asked, though she had a different question in mind.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is around, itll be harder for me, the woman replied casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Katherine wondered, curiosity spiking.
Is he not where you think he is? Katherine finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its tough to discuss this in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
No way! I dont let strangers into my flat. Say why youre here, and make it quick, Katherine snapped.
Do you really want 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, louder than intended.
Just then, Mrs. Brown, the neighbour who had just stepped out of the lift, called out, Katherine, love, why are you shouting?
Oh, hi MrsBrown! All good. Hows the weather outside? Katherine tried to steer the conversation away.
It looks like rains on the way, MrsBrown replied, still eyeing the scene.
Come in, Katherine said reluctantly, gesturing the woman inside.
Inside, the stranger started scanning the flat, her eyes lingering on various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Katherine warned, blocking the doorway to the lounge. This isnt a museum.
My names Megan, the woman said, slipping off her scarf and coat. James and I are together.
Right, how original! Couldnt think of anything more inventive? Katherine quipped with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so unoriginal about that? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Megan retorted, trying to walk past Katherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fell for you? Katherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Megan replied boldly.
My husband doesnt know love at all. Hes clueless, so youre way off, love, Katherine said calmly.
You think Im wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, MrJamesKowalski cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Megan declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him. So what do you want, Megan? Katherine asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Megan announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he hasnt mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Katherine asked, now amused.
Before Megan could answer, the door opened and James stepped in, looking bewildered at the stranger in the hallway.
Megan? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, puzzled.
No, I came for you, Katherine said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happened at work? James repeated, still confused.
No, darling. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Katherine said with a grin.
Megan, flushed, hurriedly threw on her coat and backed toward the door.
Youre leaving already? And James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Katherine joked.
But Megan was already out the door.
What was that all about? James asked, completely baffled.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and claiming youd live with her? Katherine pressed, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James replied, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She acted odd at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Fine. You know I dont mess around, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Katherine said, shaking her head.
James looked uncertain, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all bizarre. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Katherine said with a soft smile. But Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can pull the strings of our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, moving to hug her. Thanks for having my back, always. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Katherine returned the embrace, feeling that despite the weird 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 how unexpected the hurdles, their relationship was rock solid. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
