When I first saw her, Sarah had just been left with a baby on her doorstep after her marriage fell apart. A year later, the village women gathered outside her cottage, their curious eyes fixed on her.
Is your man not coming back? they asked, eyebrows raised.
Sarah lowered her gaze, unsure what to say.
No, and why should he? Weve already split, she replied, trying to sound steady.
The split the split you know, Brian isnt a dream either. Its unlikely anyone will swoop in and call it a treasure, the women chattered on, but Sarah didnt want to stay. She grabbed her shopping and slipped out of the shop.
She knew the gossip would spread through the whole village. Divorce was rare here; even if a husband drank too much or raised his hand, the locals believed the couple should stay together.
Brian, however, was different he never drank, never argued, and because of that he was something of an outcast. Folks didnt understand.
Most blokes can barely make it home after payday, and hes always sober as a judge, theyd say. They tried to set him as an example, but envy still took hold, and Brian didnt get much sympathy. That envy soon passed to Sarah. Rumours swirled that Brian had someone on the side, yet neither the whispers nor the sidetalk altered the couples course. Their fights were always behind closed doors.
When the breakup finally became obvious, it shocked everyone.
Sarah withdrew into herself, sharing nothing. Though neighbours seemed ready to help, she kept her distance. She trudged home through the crunching snow, a hollow feeling gnawing at her.
Six months passed after Brian left, and thoughts of him lingered.
It was Sarah who first pushed for the divorce. Brian hesitated, only agreeing when life grew unbearable. It all began when she caught his wistful stare at the children playing outside the local nursery.
Brian, we need to talk seriously, she said one afternoon.
Alright, whats on the menu for dinner? he joked, but Sarah was unmoved.
I want a divorce, she declared, as if thunder had split the sky.
Why? he asked, baffled.
In a complete family there should be children, and we have none. Probably never will. I think we should split. Youll find another woman and start a family, she explained, hoping hed understand.
Brian was genuinely upset.
Did you even ask if I wanted a child if you werent there? Lets drop that subject and not revisit it, he snapped.
No, Brian, well come back to it. Ive filed for divorce, she replied.
He skipped every court hearing; the divorce was granted in absentia.
When Sarah returned home and unfolded the divorce certificate, Brian fought to keep his emotions in check.
So thats it, he muttered through clenched teeth.
Yes, Brian. I want you to leave, Sarah said.
She shut herself in her room, listening to him pack. She thought about saying a final goodbye but couldnt bring herself to stop him. When the door slammed, she rushed to the window and watched Brian walk away.
His departure left Sarah feeling as if her soul were fleeing her body. She couldnt adjust to life without him. Evenings found her leafing through old photographs, remembering the days when their home bustled with friends. Now nobody visited; shed turned them all away.
One evening, returning home, Sarah found a large basket on the porch. It wasnt the roughwoven kind youd expect from a village; it looked like something from a city shop, big enough to hold three potatoes. She looked around no one in sight. Who had left it there?
She stepped closer and peered inside.
Who could have played such a trick? she wondered aloud.
Suddenly something stirred. She jumped back, then leaned in again.
My word! she gasped, hoisting the basket and hurrying inside.
Inside lay a tiny baby, no more than a newborn. Sarah had never cared for an infant, yet she instinctively began to look after the child. It was a girl. She swaddled her and wrapped a blanket around her.
When the little one fell asleep again, Sarah sat beside her and asked with a soft smile,
What am I to do with you, little one?
She named her Christina. She was sweet, with the tiniest fingers. Sarah couldnt tell her age, but the baby could sit up a bit, propped on pillows, and happily ate a spoonful of sweetened porridge.
The night was restless; Sarah fretted over the sleeping child. Watching the babys gentle breaths filled her with a wondrous feeling.
The next day, she decided not to rush to the authorities. She took the child out at night, hoping the neighbours wouldnt spot them. She took a leave from work, shopped while Christina slept. She knew shed eventually have to place the child, but she kept postponing it.
Three weeks later, the local constable knocked on Sarahs door. He inspected the room, then turned to the trembling homeowner.
Well, Sarah, shall we have a chat?
He drafted a report while Sarah, eyes wet, asked where the baby would be taken.
Im not sending her away, just passing the information on. Why are you crying? Dont you want to part with her? If a mother doesnt need her child, who else will? the officer said.
Ive heard that an unmarried woman might be turned down for adoption, Sarah replied.
We can write a good reference, help you. Nothing happens without effort, the constable noted.
Sarah hadnt expected the paperwork to chew up five months of her life, but it was nothing compared with the joy she felt when Christina finally stayed with her legally.
She took a oneandahalfyear parental leave, the kind given to those who adopt from a care home.
Today Christina turned one. Sarah didnt know the exact birthdate; the doctor had given an approximate year. She wanted the day to be special. While the baby still slept, she filled the room with colourful balloons, giving the place a festive feel.
Then she fetched a large doll from the shop. The saleswoman laughed.
Why are you buying such a huge doll?
Sarah answered firmly, Let the doll keep watch over Christinas cradle.
When the village learned Sarah had taken in a child, their attitudes shifted. Talk swirled about who the real parents might be. Many agreed that Sarahs cottage, right by the road, was an ideal spot for someone to leave a baby. The constable backed the rumours, noting that since Christina meant so much to Sarah, she should remain with her.
Sarah feared one day a knock would demand the child be returned, but every morning Christinas smile lit Sarahs world.
Good morning, my little sunshine, Sarah chuckled.
Christina beamed, and Sarah dressed her. Their house was cosy, so Christina played on the rug. Sarah placed her before the big doll, and the child examined it with awe, glancing at Sarah now and then. Sarah laughed as the little one tried to reach the doll. She moved the doll a bit closer, and Christina pulled herself up, stood on her tiny legs, and froze. Sarah held her breath, watching.
Sunshine, give it a go! she encouraged.
Doctors assured Sarah Christina was healthy, yet she remained nervous. The girl took a step, then another, and soon clutched the dolls rubber arms. Sarah was thrilled and spun the child into the air.
Their merriment was broken by an abrupt knock. Sarah pressed Christina close, her heart pounding. The door creaked open slowly, like a scene from a horror film.
There stood Brian, gaunter, thin, but with the same warm eyes. He looked at Christina, scanned the room.
Sorry I see youve got a good life here. Whats your daughters name? he asked.
Christina, Sarah replied, noticing a flicker of confusion on his face. Brian, she isnt ours. I adopted her. Come in.
Brian halted his stride at her invitation.
Take off your shoes, Brian. Its Christinas birthday. Lets have tea and cake; Ill fill you in.
He slipped off his coat and boots. Sarah watched his face with a hint of sadness.
Are you well? Are you eating anything? she asked.
He looked at himself, smiled wryly.
Appetites been missing. Thats how it happened, he said softly, his grin warming Sarahs heart. How shed missed him
Christina reached for Brian, a clear sign hold me. He nodded, smiled, and said,
Let me hold her while you make the tea.
Sarah watched them play with the doll on the floor. Brian joked,
Wheres the dolls mouth? And its eyes?
Christina pointed confidently, then burst into giggles. Sarah brushed away happy tears.
They only talked after Christina fell asleep after lunch. Sarah poured out everything.
Why didnt you try to contact me? Must be hard on your own, Brian asked.
Its fine. Besides, I thought youd found someone and maybe were expecting a child, Sarah answered.
Brian looked away, mumbling,
I already found love once. A shame she turned out so stubborn.
Night fell, and Brian began to gather his things.
Two hours more on the road, he said.
Sarah crossed her arms, realizing his departure was near.
Maybe its for the best, he added, but you cant imagine how hard it is. Without you, I dont need any kids. I try to leave the past behind, yet you keep haunting my dreams. I came hoping to see you and forget, but it only got worse.
Sarah, fighting tears, replied,
I dont know what to do. I feel the same. Not a minute passes without thinking of you. What should we do, Brian?
Brian smiled suddenly.
I know what we should do, he said.
Sarah stared at him, surprised.
Its simple, he continued. We split because we had no children. Now we have Christina. We could be a family again.
Marry again? Sarah asked.
Brian tossed his coat aside, grabbed a vaseshaped glass, and stood before her.
My love, will you marry me? I promise to care for you and Christina.
Sarah sat down gently, looked into his eyes.
Yes a thousand times yes, she whispered.
Brian slipped a simple ring onto her finger and embraced her tightly.
All this time without you felt like a dream. Now Im waking, as if life starts anew.
A year later, Sarah and Brian welcomed a son, Michael. The hospital initially turned him away, but after endless paperwork he found a home with them.
Now we have a princess and a prince, Brian said, eyes soft. Hes small now, but hell grow to protect his sister.
They stood together, cradling their children, their gaze saying it all: this was a truly happy family.
