22October2025
Dear Diary,
Ive just gathered my things and slipped out the back door, announcing to my brothers wife, Victoria, that I was leaving. Victoria, can you hear me? I shouted before even stepping inside the house. She replied without looking away from the tablet she was sketching on, I hear you.
Ian and his wife, along with their little girl, are asking if they can stay over.
Victoria knew exactly who Ian wasmy younger brother by two years, a restless lad who seemed born with a camera in his hand. He was always clicking away, mostly photographing models because he adored the feminine form. He started out at a local newspaper, moved to an advertising agency, and somehow wound up on a beautypage competition, which he called his own gold mine. He never stopped: weddings, corporate launches, any gig that paid. Even at my own wedding he couldnt sit still, darting around the bride to get a perfect shot.
I set my stylus aside, straightened up, and just then Alex entered the room. I smiled at him and said, So I give my blessing. Hearing him ask about guests warmed meafter all, we live by the sea and everyone seems eager to drop by. The only snag was our modest cottage; wed only begun building a guest house last year. We need to finish the renovation, I reminded my husband, whose handywork left much to be desired. Just a few little things left.
How soon do they want to come? I asked.
If theyre all right, I reckon two weeks. I told him to welcome them. He suggested a walk, but I reminded him of the endless chores. I rarely leave the house, preferring the cooler evenings to tend the garden; most of the day Im holed up in my studio, drawing, drawing, drawing. Thats why Ive been on diets, counting calories, then binging, berating myself, and starting over again.
Outside the sea roared, roses perfumed the garden, and a fluffy cat dozed on the windowsill, halfopening its eyes at passing swallows. Alex left the room. I stood, massaged my lower back, stepped onto the scales and sighed as the needle crept up. Again, I thought sadly, half a kilo more.
I glanced at the packet of biscuits Id brought to my office that morninghalf eaten already. Maybe just one more, and Im done, I mused, reaching for another, then felt a flush of shame and put the packet back, carrying it to the kitchen instead.
Working from home, all Im judged on is the resultillustrating bookswhereas Alex, who launched his own ad agency five years ago, is perpetually elsewhere. He started by buying businesscard equipment, then a camera, hired a few artschool students, later graphic designers, writers, and eventually web developers. He now runs a modest team of fifteen staff plus freelancers, which brings in decent earnings. We once lived up north, but after a summer down south we nearly left when the lady of the house on the plot wed bought wanted to sell. Alex dismissed it; he lives for work. I, however, fell in love with that 20acre plot on a gentle slope, even if it wasnt prime land.
After talking it over with my father, Alex supported me and sent the money. When the land appeared, Alex finally admitted we needed to build something. A couple of years later we had a threeroom house, and when guests arrived we decided to add a small guest cottage.
Even though Victoria and Alex married before Ian, their daughter Olivia is the same age as Natalie, my own little girl. Perhaps Ian would have stayed single longer, but Juliahis wifeended up marrying him, and theyre now expecting a child. At the start of summer I sent Natalie to my mothers house; shes five, nearly schoolage. I wanted her to meet Olivia, so after consulting Alex I planned a quick trip. Ill be back in a flash, I told him, keep the guests entertained and, please, I covered the monitor with a protective film, make sure no one wanders in here. Alex joked, Ill lock it up.
With a calm heart I flew out. A few days later Ian arrived with his wife and daughter. Julia gasped, Wow!shed heard countless stories about my brothers house but had never visited.
Its all Victorias, Alex said proudly, gesturing toward the garden. It was mostly wild: a pear, a walnut, apple and plum trees scattered about, grass growing so fast even a mower struggled to keep up. Olivia, over theres a cherry tree, Alex said gently, pointing to a high branch. The girl sprinted off.
Ian admired the place, hauled his luggage into the guest cottage, and asked Julia, What do you have inside? I spent nearly an hour strolling the grounds, pointing out each tree, then we all descended the slope to the main house. Seeing the studio door ajar, Alex stepped in. Olivia, like a little hostess, peeled away the protective film from the screen and grabbed her stylus.
Stop! Alex said calmly but firmly. Dont touch that. He took the stylus from her and placed it on a shelf. And, really, you shouldnt be in that room. Olivia darted out, and Alex shut the door behind him.
Julia, with a teasing smile, asked Alex, Is your wife still as robust as ever? He winced; he knew Victoria wasnt exactly modelthin, unlike Julia, who had once been a fashion model. Trying to be diplomatic he replied, Not everyone can be as slender as you. Julia smirked, But you really shouldnt talk about that. She added, If you want to stay slim, just eat less. Alex agreed, Victoria has tried many diets, counted calories, but Julia repeated, Eat less. Alex realized his hint hadnt landed, so he bluntly said, Dont say that to Victoria. Julia huffed, shrugged, and, leaving the cottage, muttered, Just dont eat so much, alright? Dont be a pig.
I felt a pang of embarrassment. I didnt understand why those models were so harsh. They prided themselves on looks they never earned, using natures gifts to judge others.
The next day, as promised, Victoria returned with Natalie. I met them, sighed, sat down and embraced my daughter. Olivias cheeks were rosy, her lips plump. Grandma, I whispered protectively. Alex reassured, Shell be fine; a few days of running around and swimming will set her right.
What about our guests? Victoria asked. Theyve gone to the sea; theyll be back soon. I joked, Did they starve, eating only pizza? as I opened the fridge. No, Julia cooked something, so we didnt go hungry.
Ill make lunch now, Victoria said, changing into an apron and heading to the kitchen. An hour later the guests returned. Julia was quiet, but her eyes and expression showed she was displeased not just with Victorias appearance but also with Olivias. She kept her criticisms to herself. I served a hearty meat bake, salads, fruit, and two pies. The children ate everything, but after ten minutes Julia scolded her daughter, Dont eat so much, or youll end up as chubby as Natalie. Luckily, by then Olivia and Natalie were already outside, though I heard everything.
My face flushed with anger; I was ready to confront her when my own daughter burst in, Dad, dad, dad! Can I go up the hill? The cottage sat in a shallow valley, the hill behind it leading to the land Id boughtperhaps thats why it wasnt too pricey. The slope was carpeted with hazel and wild vines. Dawns birdsong woke us without an alarm; at first it irritated me, but now it feels like a blessing.
Take Olivia with you, I suggested. My daughter ran to Olivia, offered her hand and said, Come, Ill show you the nest, theres a rockfall and stones! Olivia turned to her mother, glared at Natalie, and declared, I dont make friends with pigs. I lifted Olivia, told her to fetch her mother who was watering the garden, and watched as Olivia ran off, offended.
I turned to Ian, who had been sitting beside Julia and Olivia. Youve hurt my daughter, I said, by letting her be called a pig. Ian protested, I never said that! I replied, You stayed silent, just as your wife did. I stared at them, then at Olivia, and said, You all called my daughter a pig at the same time. Julias face turned crimson; Ian had nothing to sayhe truly had kept quiet. I gave the family a cold stare, then left the room.
That evening, when Victoria set the table, Ian arrived with his family. I expected an apology, but they acted as if nothing had happened. Victoria, ever the perfect hostess, served a wonderful dinner. Ian praised the food, and I echoed his compliment. Natalie, full and content, lounged in a chair. Victoria brought tea and biscuits that Alex had bought. Julia took one, cut off the frosting and started eating, as did Olivia. I reached for a biscuit but, remembering my promise to stop, set it aside. Julia noticed, smiled, and whispered, If you dont want to get fat, just stop eating.
I slammed my hand on the table. The sudden noise made Julia jump, looking bewildered at me. Go for a walk, I told Victoria. She gathered Olivia and stepped outside, leaving the house quiet except for the remaining guests.
I returned to Ian, because after all, hes still my brother. Youve insulted my wife this time, I said.
It wasnt like that! Ian replied.
You were silent when she I pointed at Julia, said my wife was heavy.
But she is heavy! Julia snapped, defending herself.
In that instant I struck the table again. Julia flinched and, with a sigh, said, Im not to blame for how she looks. I stared at her coldly, then slowly, so they would hear, said, Ill let you stay the night, but youll leave first thing in the morning.
What?! Ian shouted.
And thats because Im right? Shes heavy, and your daughter is heavy too! Julia shrieked. I lifted my voice, One more word, and youll be out of my house right now. Julia leapt from her chair, fled to the guest cottage, and Olivia followed her.
I turned to Ian, Ive said my piece. He remained silent, probably understanding the weight of his wifes presence.
At dawn, skipping breakfast, Ians family hurried to the door. The scent of blooming magnolias filled the air, and the sun just began to warm the earth.
Where are they going? I asked Victoria, wiping the table with a kitchen towel. Did they dislike the cottage or my cooking?
Its fine, I said, pulling her into a hug and adjusting the curtains. What if we head to the sea today and spend the whole day there?
Hearing that, brighteyed Natalie sprinted to her bedroom, returned in a swimsuit with a huge inflatable ring, her footsteps echoing through the house. Im ready! she shouted, humming a cheerful tune.
My mother, wait! her mum called, also changing clothes.
I felt a pang of sadnessIt had been ages since Id seen my brother, and I hoped the two girls would become friends. Victoria, ever the practical one, said, Weve packed water, fruit, towels, and sunscreen.
Great, lets go, I replied, shedding the weight of Ians familys presence from my mind, and we all dressed for a beach outing. Within minutes we were descending the hill toward the sea, the southern sun growing hotter, the salty breeze carrying the scent of seaweed.
I cant help but reflect on how tangled family ties have become, yet theres a strange comfort in the familiar crash of waves and the laughter of children. Perhaps tomorrow will bring clearer skies, both outside and within.
AlexAs the tide rolled in, I finally felt the weight of the day lift, knowing that tomorrow the sea would wash away the quarrels and leave only the gentle rhythm of waves and the promise of new beginnings.
