When Eleanor first sees him, she instantly feels it is destiny. He is tall, handsome, with unusually kind eyes. He looks at her across the bustling dining hall of the Cambridge Institute of Scientific Research, where she has been a librarian for seven years. Her heart tells her he is exactly the man she has dreamed of all her life.
What are you staring at? asks Lucy, her workmate, as they share a lunch. Oh, thats the new fellow from the physics lab! He just finished his doctorate and everyone says hes a rising star.
Eleanor blushes, looks away, and buries her face in a bowl of vegetable soup.
Just glancing around, she murmurs.
Right, right, Lucy smirks. Your face says it all. By the way, I think hes still single. I asked around.
Hes still very young, Eleanor stammers.
How old are you? Thirtytwo? Hes only twentyseven, at most. Does that matter?
Eleanor stays silent. The age gap feels tiny, yet it looms like an insurmountable chasm. She has long accepted that she may spend her life alone. After a failed romance at the institute, she threw herself into work; books become her friends and confidants. And nowhe appears.
The next day the young scientist walks into the library. His name is Daniel Hart. He asks for a rare monograph on quantum physics. Eleanor, nervous, heads to the back shelves, taking a while to locate the volume.
Sorry to keep you searching, Daniel says when she returns with the hefty tome. I could have fetched it myself.
Its my job, Eleanor replies, keeping her voice calm and professional.
I saw you in the cafeteria yesterday, he adds suddenly. May I invite you for a coffee after work?
Eleanor is taken aback; she did not expect such a turn.
I Id love to, she manages to say.
That evening marks the first of many they spend together. Daniel proves not only brilliant but also a fascinating conversational partner. He explains his research in a way that even Eleanor, who knows nothing about physics, can follow and become intrigued. In return, she shares impressions of the books shes read. He listens attentively, asks questions, and debates. Their arguments stretch for hours, and time slips by unnoticed.
Eleanor, youre amazing, Daniel says one night as they stroll through a leafy park. Youre wise, you know so much, you feel things so deeply. Ive never met a woman like you.
Its all the books, she answers shyly. I read a lot.
No, its more than that. You think, analyse, you see what others miss. In the lab they call me a promising scientist, but beside you I feel like a schoolboy.
Dont be ridiculous, Eleanor brushes off. Youre a physicist who understands the world, and I just hand out books.
Dont undervalue yourself. You understand human souls, and thats far harder than grasping the laws of physics.
Six months after they meet, they marry. Daniels parents oppose the union. His mother, Margaret Hart, a strongwilled, ambitious woman, tells her son outright that he is making a mistake.
Shes older than you! She has no prospects! Just a librarian! What could she possibly give you or our future children?
Mother, I love her, Daniel replies firmly. She isnt just a librarian; shes intelligent and welleducated. We will have children, I promise.
The wedding is modest. After the ceremony they sit in a tiny café with friends; Daniels parents do not attend.
At first the newlyweds live in a rented flat. Money is tight, but they are happy. Eleanor creates a cosy home that Daniel returns to eagerly after work. They continue to discuss books, films, and his experiments.
Then the miracle they have both waited for occursEleanor becomes pregnant. Doctors had once told her that, because of a medical condition, she was unlikely ever to have children.
Dan, Im pregnant, she says one evening as he walks through the door.
He freezes at the threshold, then rushes to her, lifts her into his arms, and spins her around the room.
My love, thats wonderful! Were going to have a baby! Our baby!
Throughout the pregnancy he cares for her tenderly: he makes broth when she suffers from nausea, fetches salty pickles in the dead of night, reads aloud books about motherhood, and even dives into child psychology to prepare for fatherhood.
When their daughter is born, they name her Grace.
Grace, our hope and joy, Daniel whispers, looking at the tiny bundle swaddled in a white blanket.
Margaret, surprisingly softened, arrives at the maternity ward with a huge bouquet of roses and a basket of fruit.
Let me see my granddaughter, she demands, then coos, She has your cheek dimple and his nose!
From then on Margaret becomes a frequent visitor, bringing gifts and offering advice on caring for the baby, while also critiquing Eleanors parenting methods. At first Eleanor tolerates itafter all, its her motherinlaw. Gradually however, her interference grows invasive.
Eleanor, youre doing it wrong! Let me show you, she says. Why dont you put her on her tummy? All the paediatricians recommend it! What nonsense! Grace needs more vitamins! Daniel stays silent, rarely taking sides.
One day Margaret proposes, What if we all move into our house? We have a large spare room for you and Grace, and I can help with the child while you return to work.
What do you think, love? Eleanor asks cautiously.
Its a good offer. It would ease the finances, and wed be thrilled to have our granddaughter nearby, Daniel answers.
Eleanor agrees, though an inner voice warns her it might be a mistake. They relocate when Grace is six months old. Initially everything seems fine; Margaret truly helps with the baby, and Eleanor returns to her job. But tension builds as Margaret begins to dominate decisions about feeding, sleeping, and playtime. Eleanor feels her authority slipping, while Daniel increasingly sides with his mother.
Why do you let her cry? Margaret asks when Grace is fussy. Pick her up, calm her! Crying is normal, Eleanor replies. Grace needs to learn to manage emotions herself. A childs childhood should be happy, not full of tears! Margaret huffs.
The clashes intensify until one day Grace falls ill with a high fever and cough. Margaret insists on folk remedies.
Lets use mustard poultices, give her raspberry tea, and shell get better! she declares.
No, Eleanor says firmly. Im calling a doctor.
Dont need a doctor! I raised three children without one! Margaret exclaims.
Dan, say something! Eleanor pleads.
Caught between the two most important women in his life, Daniel hesitates.
Maybe we should try the home remedies first? he suggests uncertainly.
No! Eleanor snaps. Im the mother, and I decide whats best for my child.
She summons a doctor, who diagnoses early pneumonia. Prompt treatment saves Grace.
After that episode the family relations deteriorate completely. Margaret feels hurt and constantly reminds them that she almost lost her grandchild by ignoring her wise advice.
Daniel spends more time at work to avoid home conflicts, returning home irritable and exhausted.
Eleanor, can we talk? he says one night after Grace is asleep and his parents have gone to visit neighbours.
Of course, she replies, sensing something amiss.
They offered me a sixmonth fellowship in London at a leading research centre. Its a prestigious chance, once in a lifetime.
Thats wonderful! When do we move? Eleanor exclaims.
Daniel averts his gaze. The thing is Im thinking of going alone.
Alone? What about us and Grace?
Youll stay here with the parents. Itll be easier for everyone. Theyll look after the child and I can focus fully on the work.
Eleanor cant believe her ears. You want to abandon us?
Im not abandoning you! Its only six months. After that Ill come back, or you can visit me if it works out.
Daniel, you dont understand. If you leave, your mother will finally take over Graces upbringing. She already believes she knows better than me what my child needs.
Youre exaggerating, Daniel snaps. Mum just wants whats best.
For whom? For herself? For Grace? Definitely not for me.
What do you mean?
Look around, Daniel. When was the last time we had a real hearttoheart? When did we discuss books or films? You hide in work to avoid conflicts, and now you want to run away completely.
Thats not true! I work hard, I have a responsible position.
You used to work hard but still made time for us. Now you choose the easy way.
Daniel becomes angry. Easy way? You call a fellowship at the countrys top scientific centre an easy way? Do you know how many people dream of such an opportunity?
Im not talking about the fellowship, Eleanor says tiredly. Im talking about you fleeing problems instead of facing them.
Its not fleeing! Its a step forward in my career!
And what about stepping forward in our family? In our marriage? Have you even thought about that?
They argue fiercely that night, the worst fight theyve ever had. The next morning Daniel announces his decision: he will take the fellowship alone, and if Eleanor loves him, she must accept and support it.
Eleanor spends the following days mulling over everythingher own wishes, her husband, her daughter, their future. She sees two paths: submit to a life that slowly erodes her sense of self and her marriage, or make a change.
On the day Daniel leaves, she packs his suitcase, helps Grace into a stroller, and calls a cab.
Where are you off to? Daniel asks, surprised.
Were taking you to the station.
Alright, then.
At the platform, with minutes left before the train departs, Eleanor kisses him and says, I love you, Daniel, and I always will. But I cant keep living under your parents roof. Grace and I are going back to our old flat.
What? he stammers. Youre leaving? What about Mum and Dad?
Theyre wonderful people, but I want to raise my daughter myself and try to save our marriage, if theres still a chance.
You cant do that!
I can, Dan. I will. Go on your fellowship, work, grow. Well be here, waiting for you, in our home.
She turns and walks out, hand tightly clasping Graces tiny fingers. Her heart pounds like a drum. She isnt sure if shes making the right choice, maybe the foolishest, but something tells her that a wise wife would act just like this.
Mom, did Dad go to work? Grace asks in the cab.
Yes, love. He went to work. Hell certainly come back.
Where are we going?
Home, sweetie. Were going home.
The first days in the old flat are hard. Grace whines, calls for her grandmother, and the phone rings nonstop with Margarets demands to have her back. Eleanor takes a leave from work to establish a new routine for her daughter.
Daniels messages are sparse. After a week, she receives a brief text: How are you both?
Fine, settling in, she replies.
Life gradually finds a new rhythm. Eleanor dives into motherhood, taking Grace to parks, the zoo, a puppet theatre. Evenings are spent reading, drawing, and modelling with playdough. She notices Grace is calmer and happier than she ever was in her grandparents house.
Daniel calls infrequently, giving short updates about the fellowship, new colleagues, and discoveries, never asking how they manage. Eleanor doesnt push, but she regularly sends photos of Grace and recounts her little triumphs.
Three months pass. One night, after putting Grace to sleep, Eleanor sits in an armchair reading. Theres a knock at the door. Daniel stands there, holding a massive bunch of wildflowersher favourite.
May I come in? he asks hesitantly.
She steps aside, letting him enter.
Is Grace still asleep? he asks, taking off his shoes.
Yes, she just fell asleep.
How is she?
Fine. She misses you.
He sits on the sofa, places the bouquet on the coffee table.
And you? he asks quietly. Do you miss me?
Eleanor sits beside him, not touching.
Yes, very much, she admits.
I finally understand, Ellie, he says suddenly. I was running from problems, making cowardly, easy choices.
What now?
Now I want to make the right choice, the hard one. I want to come back to you. If youll let me.
What about the fellowship?
Its over. I finished early, did everything required and more. They offered me a permanent post in London with a good salary and prospects.
You turned it down? Eleanor guesses.
Yes. Because I realised I need none of that without you. I want to be with you. It doesnt matter whether were here or elsewhere; what matters is being together.
What about your parents?
I spoke to them, seriously, maybe for the first time in my life. I told them well decide our own way of raising Grace. They can help, but they wont dictate. Mum was shocked, of course, but I think shell accept it with time.
Eleanor looks at Daniel and sees in his eyes something she hasnt seen for a whiledetermination and love, the deep, genuine kind.
Do you know what else Ive realised? Daniel continues. You truly are wise, far wiser than me. You saw what I couldnt, and you did what I lacked the courage to dopull us out of that endless loop.
I wasnt sure I was doing the right thing, Eleanor admits. It was a risk.
That risk wasnt foolish. It was a wise choice.
Daniel reaches out and gently touches her cheek.
Will you forgive me?
Instead of answering, Eleanor leans forward and kisses him. From the bedroom comes a tiny voice:
Mummy, is Daddy home?
They laugh, stand, and walk together to their daughter. Eleanor thinks that sometimes the choices that seem the most foolish at first turn out to be the wisest. And sometimes one must gather courage and take a decisive step to save what truly matters.
