25October2025 Diary
The clock ticked past six. I was still smoothing the napkin under the vase of roses, my hands trembling despite the warm tea in my mug. Less than an hour remained before the guests arrived, and my 60th birthday felt like a looming exam. After sixty years of teaching English literature, I wanted everything to be flawless.
Emily, are you almost done? I called toward the kitchen, where I could hear the clatter of plates.
Almost, Mum, just finishing the salads, she shouted back. Could you check on Mark? He said hed pop out for some sparkling water.
I sighed and made my way to my soninlaws room. After a decade under the same roof, I still couldnt get used to his leisurely pace. Everything was always in a minute or right after this. Mark was now glued to his laptop, scrolling through something on the screen.
Mark, you were supposed to go to the shop, I said, trying to keep my tone gentle, though irritation flared.
Right, Mum, Im heading out, he replied without even looking up, mouse clicking away.
The guests will be here any second now.
Ill be back before they do, he assured.
I left the room, teeth clenched. It was the same routine every year. If it werent for Emily, I would have already asked Mark to move out. Ten years together and still promises of buying their own place that never materialised. At least we had Sophie, our twelveyearold granddaughter, to bring some joy.
Grandma, will there be cake? Sophie asked as she appeared in the hallway, eyes bright.
Yes, love, there will be. Your dad is supposed to collect it from the bakery.
She frowned. He wont forget, will he? Yesterday he missed my swim lesson even though he promised to drive me.
I ruffled her hair. Dont worry, Ill remind him. Now go put on that lovely dress we bought last week.
When she hurried off, I returned to Marks door. Dont forget the cake. I ordered it from Sweet Corner on High Street.
I remember, he said, waving a hand. First the sparkling water, then the cake. Itll be perfect.
Fifteen minutes later Mark finally rose, threw on his coat, and headed for the door.
Mark, have you taken the money for the cake? I called after him.
Isnt it already paid? he paused in the doorway.
No, I only paid the deposit. The balance is due on collection.
Emily popped her head out of the kitchen, towel in hand. Mum, the cards on the table. Grab it, please. Marks always tight on cash.
Marks finances were always a strain, but I kept quiet. I didnt want the evening to start on a sour note. I slipped the required amount from my purse and handed it to him.
Dont dawdle, and remember the sparkling water, I warned.
When Mark closed the door behind him, I turned back to the table setting. This wasnt just a family gathering; former colleagues, old school friends, and a few neighbours would be here. After thirtyfive years teaching, Id earned their respect, and now, five years into retirement, I didnt want to let anything slip.
Dont worry, Mum, Emily said, hugging me. Everything will be fine.
Im not worried, I lied, I just want it to be proper.
She nodded, Youll be the best host, as always.
The first knock sounded. James and his wife Claire arrived, bearing a large wrapped gift. Happy birthday, Victor! Sixty is the new forty! Claire beamed, planting kisses on my cheeks.
Thanks, you two, I said, ushering them inside.
Soon the flat filled with laughter, chatter, and the clink of glasses. Former colleagues, Margaret and her husband, and a cousin from the suburbs all arrived. The room buzzed, but Mark was still missing.
Emily, call him, I whispered, as the guests settled around the table. Hes running late.
Emily slipped away, returned with a strained smile. He said there was a queue at the shop.
I merely shook my head. I knew those queues all too welllikely a story hed spin to avoid us.
Lets get on with the meal, I announced, trying to sound upbeat.
The spread was generous: classic pork pies, a smoked salmon terrine, roast beef with horseradish, buttery carrots, and a salad of boiled potatoes and peas. The guests dug in, and the atmosphere lightened.
Time passed, yet Mark remained absent. Emily kept checking her phone, each call making her more anxious. I tried to distract the guests with anecdotes.
Do you remember our trip up to the Lake District? Claire chuckled. Those union holidays were something else.
Everyone laughed, and for a moment I forgot my worries. Then a faint knock at the hall door caught my attention.
Emily opened it, her face pale. Mum, can I have a word?
I excused myself and followed her. In the hallway stood a courier, a tall man with a large box.
Good evening, Im from Sweet Corner. Did you order a cake?
Yes, I stammered. Hasnt Mark collected it?
No, the shop is closing and no ones picked it up. I thought Id bring it over myself.
A knot formed in my throat. Where was Mark? What had happened to him?
How much do I owe? I asked, pulling out my wallet.
He gave me a receipt, I paid, and the cake was set down on the kitchen counter. I turned to Emily, Wheres Mark?
I havent heard from him in half an hour, she whispered, tears brimming.
I forced myself to stay calm. Go greet the guests, Ill sort this out.
Emily left, and I sank onto a stool, the weight of ten years of his unreliability crushing me. I opened the box: a beautiful sponge cake, layered with buttercream roses and the words Happy Birthday! written in icing. Sophie burst into the kitchen.
Grandma, wheres dad?
Im not sure, love, but look at this cake! I showed her, smiling.
Her eyes lit up. Can I carry it to the living room?
Just be careful, I warned.
She trotted off, the cake balanced perfectly on a serving tray. I followed, ready to catch it if needed. She made it to the dining room without a wobble, and the guests cheered.
Just then, the neighbours husband stood, glass raised. To Victor, on this wonderful milestone, he began.
Before he could finish, the front door slammed open. Mark staggered in, reeking of cheap whiskey.
Here I am! he declared, grinning. Happy birthday, everyone!
An uneasy silence fell. I felt a chill as I saw the hurt in Emilys eyes.
Mark, where have you been? Emily asked softly.
Whats the big deal? he shrugged, taking a seat. Met a mate, had a few pints and the cake is already here, thanks to the courier. He laughed.
The cake was delivered because you didnt collect it, I said coldly.
He waved it off. No worries, Im here now. Lets drink!
The guests exchanged glances; the atmosphere was ruined. Claire quietly gathered her things.
I stood, heart pounding, and addressed everyone. Thank you all for coming. I have something important to say.
A hush fell, even Mark fell silent.
For ten years I have let my daughter and granddaughter live with me, tolerating Marks disrespect, laziness, and broken promises. All for Emilys sake. But today is my birthday, and Im giving myself a gift.
I turned to Mark. From tomorrow, you are no longer living in this flat. You have twentyfour hours to pack your things and find somewhere else.
What? You cant
I can, I replied steadily. This is my home, and I decide who stays.
Emily looked at me, eyes wide. Are you sure?
Absolutely, I affirmed. Ive made my decision.
Mark barked, Youll regret this! and slammed his fist on the table, rattling the cutlery. He stumbled toward the door, knocking a picture frame off the wall as he went. The front door slammed shut behind him.
Sophie, oblivious to the tension, asked, Can I have a piece of the cake now?
Everyone laughed nervously, the tension easing a little. I sliced the cake, trying to hide my shaking hands.
The cake, finally, did mark the end of a long, difficult chapter with Mark.
Guests gradually left, understanding the evening had run its course. When only Emily, Sophie, and I remained, Emily turned to me.
Mum, I need to tell you something
I dont need to hear anything, love. I understand.
No, you dont. Ive wanted a divorce for ages but was scared youd object. I thought youd say I should endure it for Sophies sake
I pulled her into a hug. Youre not foolish, dear. I see your pain. Sophie sees it too. She needs a happy mother, not a façade.
What will happen now? she whispered, clinging to me.
It will be fine, I said confidently. Well get through this together.
By nightfall, Mark returned, sober and quiet, gathering his belongings. Emily stood firm; ten years of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Could you at least give me the TV back? he muttered, packing a bag. I bought it.
Its yours, on my terms, Emily replied, closing the door.
When the door finally shut, I turned to Emily. I have some savingsenough for a deposit on a flat for you and Sophie. The rest can be a mortgage; youre now head of the department, the bank will approve.
Her eyes widened. Youre serious? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay together until you have your own place, I smiled. Then Ill visit when you need help, or just for tea.
She laughed through tears. Youre impossible!
Its only because I want you both happy, I said earnestly. And, you know, at thirtyfive you could still have another child for Sophie. Just choose a good partner this time.
She giggled. Youre a madwoman!
I laughed, Maybe, but this birthday turned out better than I expected. Its the start of a new chapter.
We stood in the kitchen, arms around each other, the sunset painting the sky outside. The unfinished cake with its frosting roses and Happy Birthday! inscription lay on the table, a silent witness to the changes.
Six months later Emily and Sophie moved into a cosy twobed flat in a new development. I visit often, fixing leaky taps and offering advice on interior décor. A year after that, a new neighbour, Dr. Samuel Clarke, a physics teacher from my old school, knocked on my door with a bunch of daisies and tickets to the theatre.
Colleagues say you love Shakespeare, he said shyly. Theres a production of A Midsummer Nights Dream at the local playhouse
I welcomed him in. Come in, Samuel. I was just about to have another slice of cake with my tea.
Lesson learned: even after a lifetime of putting others first, the most important birthday gift is the courage to set boundaries and shape your own future.
