22October2025
The key clicked in the lock, and I slipped into the flat as quietly as possible. The hallway was cloaked in darkness, the only light a thin ribbon leaking from the kitchen. My parents were still awake, even though it was well past midnight. Lately, this had become a routinelong nocturnal conversations behind a closed door. Usually hushed, but occasionally drifting into a muted argument.
I slipped off my shoes, set my laptop bag on the nightstand, and crept down the corridor to my bedroom. I didnt want to explain why I was late, though the reason was legitimate: a work project kept slipping, and the deadline was breathing down my neck.
From the next room came muffled voices.
No, Simon, I cant go on like this, my mother whispered, irritation thinly veiled. You promised last month.
Lucy, nows not the time, my father replied, sounding defensive as ever.
I let out a tired sigh. My parents have been bickering constantly of late, yet they pretend everything is fine in my presence. Yes, theyre both in their fifties and Im an adult, but it still hurts to sense the cracks in their marriage.
I stripped off my coat, brushed my teeth, and crawled under the duvet, but sleep refused to come. My thoughts kept circling the same worries. My brother James lives in Manchester and visits rarely. If Mum and Dad decide to split, who gets the flat? Who will they each live with? Why are they keeping their problems hidden?
The voices behind the wall didnt fade. I reached for the nightstand and found my headphones, hoping music could drown out the tension. My hand brushed the phone; it slipped onto the carpet. Picking it up, I accidentally opened the voicerecorder. My finger hovered over the screen.
What if I recorded them? Just to know whats really happening, rather than guessing. If I asked directly, theyd probably brush it off and say everythings fine.
A pang of conscience hit meeavesdropping is wrong, let alone recording. Yet its my parents, my family. Dont I have a right to the truth?
Resolute, I pressed record, set the phone near the wall, and pulled the blanket over my head.
The next morning, while getting ready for work, I noticed both Mum and Dad looked exhausted. Over breakfast they exchanged only the usual pleasantries.
You came home late yesterday, Mum said, pouring tea. Work kept you?
Yes, the project ran over, I replied. Did you both have a bad night?
Just watched a film, Mum shrugged, avoiding my eyes.
Dad buried his face in the newspaper, feigning interest.
I wont be home for dinner, he said without looking up. Client meetings may run late.
Mum pursed her lips but stayed silent.
All the way to the office I fought the urge to listen to the nights recording. The tube was too crowded, and the thought of spying felt shameful. I decided to wait until evening.
The day dragged on. When I finally got home, Mum was gonea note said shed visited a friend and would be back late. Dad was still at work, just as hed promised. Perfect timing.
I flopped onto the sofa, wrapped myself in a blanket, and hit play.
At first I heard fragmented phrases; then the recording cleared.
Should we tell Megan? Dad asked, concern in his voice.
I dont know, Mum sighed. Im afraid she wont understand. Its been so many years.
But she has a right to know.
Of course she does, but how do we explain why we kept quiet for so long?
I froze. What were they talking about? What truth were they shielding?
Remember how it all started? Dad asked, a faint smile in his tone.
Of course, Mum replied, chuckling. I thought it would be temporary, but it turned out to be forever.
What a life weve built, Dad said, a hint of pride. Sometimes its been tough.
Especially after Megan was born.
My heart tightened. Especially? Was I an unwanted child? Or something else?
But we managed, Dad continued. Shes grown into a wonderful woman.
Yes, Mums voice softened with pride. Now we need to decide our next step. Im tired of this double life, Simon.
A double life? My mind racedhad one of them been having an affair? The thought turned my stomach.
Lucy, lets wait for James to arrive. Well discuss everything together, as a family.
Okay, Mum agreed. But after that there are no more delays. Either we change everything, or I dont know what then.
The tape cut off, likely because they left the kitchen or the phone ran out of battery.
I sat there, stunned. What secret were they protecting? Why wait for James? Should I record another conversation? Nothis felt wrong. Perhaps I should call James; hes older and might know more. Or talk to Aunt Violet, Mums sistershes always been candid with me.
I decided Id call James tomorrow and, over the weekend, visit Violet.
The whole day James didnt answer my calls; he finally rang back in the evening.
Hey Megan, sorry I missed you, was on site and left my phone in the van, he said, his voice as lively as ever.
When are you coming back? I asked straight away.
This weekend, why?
Mum and Dad have been odd lately.
Odd how?
They whisper at night, act like everythings fine, but talk about a double life.
There was a pause.
Megan?
Yeah, Im here, he said, coughing. Listen, dont read too much into it. People keep secrets, even parents.
So you know whats going on?
I I think I have an idea, but if they dont bring it up, theyre not ready. Wait for me, okay? Ill be there Saturday, and we can talk then.
Fine, I replied reluctantly. What about Aunt Violet?
Dont drag her into this, he said quickly. Lets keep it between us.
After hanging up, my anxiety grew. He really seemed to know something, and he was protecting Violet for some reason. Could it be infidelity? A family scandal?
Later that evening Mum returned from her friends house, her cheeks flushed with laughter.
Guess what, love? Im thinking of selling our flat! she announced as she entered. I want to move to the countryside. Tired of the city noise.
I nodded, unsure how to react.
Would you like to live in the country? I asked, surprised by my own question.
Mum hesitated, then answered cautiously.
I dont know sometimes it sounds nice. Fresh air, a garden
And Dad?
What about Dad?
Mums expression hardened.
Ask him yourself. Hell be back late tonight, dont expect him for dinner.
Dad arrived earlier than promised, just as I was making tea. He shook off his coat, unbuttoned his tie, and headed to the kitchen.
Want a cuppa? I called.
Sure, he replied, sliding into a chair. Wheres Mum?
Shes watching a film, I said, pouring him a mug. Hows work?
The client finally signed off, so the project launches next month, he said, sighing with relief.
I seized the moment.
Is it true you two have something important to tell me?
He looked startled.
Where did that come from?
James mentioned youd be back this weekend and that youd explain everything, I lied, avoiding his gaze. He said youd finally talk.
Dad pressed his thumb against his nose.
Yes, we do have a conversation to have. But lets wait for James, alright? Itll be better then.
Is it a divorce? I asked directly.
His eyebrows shot up.
No, of course not! Why would you think that?
Youre always whispering, arguing. Mum talked about a double life.
Dads face shifted from confusion to realization, then to a sort of relief.
Megan, youve misunderstood. Were not splitting up. In fact he paused, searching for words. Its the opposite.
He smiled weakly.
Ill explain fully tomorrow. Promise nothing bad will happen.
Really?
Absolutely, he said, squeezing my hand. Now have some tea before it gets cold.
That night sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, piecing together the fragments Id heard. If not a divorce, then what? Illness? Money trouble? A move? The possibilities gnawed at me, especially since I was just starting to build a career, make friends, and love this city.
A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
Cant sleep? Mum asked, peeking in.
No, I propped myself up. What are you doing up?
Just thinking about everything, she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. What did your dad and I talk about?
Nothing special, I shrugged. Just work and James coming over this weekend.
He called, Mum replied. Hell be here soon.
A silence settled.
Mum, are you and Dad really okay? I blurted.
She gave a wry smile.
Completely. Life just throws a few surprises at us, even at our age. We just have to decide how to handle them.
Good surprises?
Some are good, some are challenging. Dont jump to conclusions yet, she said, ruffling my hair. Youll find out soon enough.
She kissed my forehead and left, leaving me with a swirl of unanswered questions.
The weekend arrived abruptly. James pulled up at noon, suntanned and full of energy, his luggage spilling onto the back seat, and an odd tension flickering in his eyes.
So, family council time? he joked as we all settled in the living room after lunch.
Dad and Mum exchanged a glance.
Yes, its time, Dad said. We have some news for you both.
I held my breath.
Were moving, Mum announced.
Where to? I asked, heart pounding.
To the countryside, Dad replied. Specifically, the village of Ashwick, about two hundred miles from here.
Why? I turned to look at both of them.
Because thats where our true home is, Mum said simply. We bought the place fifteen years ago. It started as a holiday cottage, then became a fulltime farm.
A farm? I echoed, surprised. You keep bees?
We have fifteen hives now, Dad beamed. The honeys excellent.
Chickens, goats even a cow next year, Mum added. Weve turned the place into a proper homestead.
I stared, trying to process.
So youre farmers? I asked, halflaughing.
Exactly, Dad said, chuckling. Our work isnt just a desk job; its also the land out there.
I turned to James.
Did you know about this?
Of course, he shrugged. Ive helped with the renovations. The house is twostorey, plenty of space.
Why didnt anyone tell me? I demanded, the frustration bubbling up. I always said I hated the country.
Mums eyes softened.
You always complained about trips to Grandmas, about being taken away from home, she recalled. We never wanted to hurt you with the reality of it.
That was childhood, I muttered. Im an adult now.
Dad nodded.
But you never asked where we really went. It felt awkward to admit we had a whole other life.
Mum interjected, We called it a cottage, not a farm, because we didnt want to overwhelm you.
I remembered the whispered arguments.
So the double life was you being city workers by day and country farmers by night? I whispered.
Dad smiled ruefully.
Precisely. In the city were consultants; out there were cultivators. And were genuinely happy.
And youre moving permanently? I asked. What about your jobs?
Mums face brightened.
I retire next month, she said. Dad has arranged to work remotely, only coming into town once a week for meetings.
The flat? I wondered aloud.
We can leave it for you, if you like, or sell it and split the proceeds, Dad offered.
I sank back onto the sofa, the information hitting me like a wave.
So youve had an entire farm hidden from me all these years, I said, bitterness lacing my tone. Fantastic.
Mum moved closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
We never meant to keep it from you, she said gently. We just didnt know how to tell you without upsetting you. Were sorry.
I stayed silent, letting the words settle. Then I asked, Can I visit? See the house, the bees?
Of course! Dad exclaimed. Even tomorrow if you want.
Tomorrow then, I replied, a small smile forming. Ill come with you.
That night sleep again evaded me. A mix of resentment, curiosity, and excitement churned inside. How many years had I missed while chasing deadlines, coffee, and city life? My parents had been living a split existencepart urban professionals, part rural farmers. Why had they been so scared to share it?
Morning came, we piled into the car and headed out. The farther we drove from London, the more animated Mum and Dad became, chatting about neighbours, experimental crops, the sauna Dad built himself, and Mums newfound love for canning.
When the road turned to a gravel lane, Mum turned to me.
Weve wanted to tell you this for a long time, especially now that were moving for good, she said. We feared youd laugh at usold city folk playing at farming.
Dad added, Wed look foolish.
I shook my head. I wont laugh. I might even be impressed.
Mum smiled. Youve grown, and we should have trusted you sooner.
The car stopped at the gates of a sprawling estate, the brick farmhouse standing proudly amid rolling fields. A gentle breeze carried the scent of grass and wildflowers. In the distance a cow lowed, chickens clucked, and a hive buzzed somewhere nearby.
Dad turned off the engine and faced me. Ready to meet the other side of us?
I opened the car door, stepped out, and inhaled the fresh countryside air. James was already unloading the luggage, his grin wide.
I still cant believe you kept a whole life from me, I said, halfserious, halfamused. But I like it.
Mum hugged me tightly. Weve even prepared a spare room for you, just in case you want to spend weekends here.
Dad winked, Or maybe an entire summer?
I laughed. Lets start with the bees. I want to know why you swapped city lights for hive smoke.
We walked toward the garden, and for the first time in years I felt I was gaining more than just a family secretI was being offered a new world, one I never imagined existed. Perhaps there was room for both the bustling streets I love and the quiet fields that now hum with possibility.
