A week of solitude would have softened her like silken cloth, yet the moment he stepped over the doorstep and saw what had transpired, he stopped dead in his tracks.
Mollie had not been herself of late. Cracks were widening in her marriage to Tom Fletcher, and the woman felt lost in the painful bind. It had all begun with tiny irritations, as it often does.
After work Tom started snapping at her with venomous remarks. His jokes dripped with anger; every word cut deeper than a slap. Day by day his behaviour grew harsher, even when they were on holiday.
Looking like a crone! he barked, eyes glued to his mobile. Other blokes wives are proper ladies, and mines a shrivelled prune!
Mollie did indeed look older than her years. Her job was demanding and left its mark on her face. Yet the sting of her husbands words was the worst of all. She earned twice as much as Tom, so he had no right to gripe.
Tom spent his money however he liked, without consulting anyone. Where I want to go, Ill spend my cash! No kids to save for!
Mollie endured that too. They werent legally married, but they lived as a couple and werent in any hurry to tie the knot. Toms mother, Mrs. Fletcher, had long called Mollie her daughterinlaw, and Mollie, in turn, treated her as a motherinlaw.
Mrs. Fletcher proved meddlesome and never happy. She constantly interfered in the young couples affairs, and most of her nagging fell on Mollie.
They lived in a detached house on the outskirts of Cambridge. Though the property was in a town, the garden required constant upkeep. Often Mollie asked Tom for help.
I simply cant keep up Im at work from dawn till dusk!
Whats it to me? Tom retorted. This is your house, youre the lady of the home, what do I have to do with it?
In winter the garden was buried under snow until Mollie grabbed a shovel herself. In summer the grass grew up to the windows. She had to hire handymen to tidy things, then finish the work after a long day at the office.
Meanwhile Tom lounged on the sofa, only occasionally checking on the progress.
Mollie forgave much, but the final straw came when she returned home after a grueling shift, her feet dragging like dead weights. She had stopped in a corner shop on the way and her hand throbbed from the heavy bag.
She hoped Tom would meet her she even called, but he didnt answer. Sighing and wiping the sweat from her brow, she heard music drifting from the back garden.
She left the shopping bag by the fence and hurried inside, where a lively party was in full swing. Anger and resentment welled up; tonight she decided to let everything out.
The house was a proper bash: blaring music rattled the windows, a buffet of snacks and the dinner Mollie had prepared earlier lay on the table. Tom, ignoring his wife, was dancing with a woman who had clearly overindulged and was dressed rather provocatively.
Without a word, Mollie crossed the room and switched the music off.
Toms bleary eyes finally focused. What are you doing? he slurred, swaying.
This is what I wanted to ask you! she snapped. Whats going on? Who is that woman?
The other girl kept moving as if nothing had happened.
Whats the big deal? Tom scoffed. Just an old schoolmate I ran into. Cant I relax in my own house?
If you remember, you said this is my home and you have no right to it. So clear her out right now, see her off, then well talk.
I wont! Tom attempted to stand, but his legs gave way.
Mollies disgust for him had grown into revulsion. He was no longer a partner, just a burden. Living with him only out of fear of being alone? No, she thought.
Grabbing the other woman by the elbow, she led her to the gate. Time for you to leave!
She turned back to Tom. Will you go out yourself, or do I have to escort you?
Tom shrugged, snatched a bowl of salad and a bottle from the table, swayed, and headed for the door.
Youll ring me when youve got a life, you drama queen! he shouted as he left.
Mum! My head is splitting! his mother wailed, clutching her temples.
Mum, dont shout! I told her Id meet her, but she sent me away, Tom lied, hoping his mother would side with him.
Why would she expect a greeting? his mother asked, puzzled.
Who knows! Shes always picking on methis, that! Im exhausted from work. Do you think its easy for me? Why should I help in a house that isnt mine?
Exactly! Mrs. Fletcher agreed. Let him sort out the property first, then he can demand anything. Hes acting all highandmighty, but hell have to earn his keep!
Exactly what I told her! She took offence! Tom grumbled.
Let her stay angry! Dont give in! If she wants marriage, shell endure. Shes not a child any more to be coddled!
What am I supposed to do now? Tom asked, his head hung low.
Be patient, son, his mother urged. Shell crawl back like a little lamb after a week alone. Shell realise what shes done. When she returns, demand she registers her address. Otherwise shell be left with nothing!
Mrs. Fletchers advice was taken as gospel, and Tom nodded along, timing his words with her.
Youre right, mum! I wont put up with her whims any longer! Who does she think she is, ordering me around? Im no servant; Im a grown man, my own master!
Following his mothers counsel, Tom vanished for a full weekno calls, no visits.
Mrs. Fletcher, meanwhile, kept pressing Tom: do this, do that. When he tried to argue, she reminded him of the oldfashioned ways of discipline, slapping his back with a wooden spoon.
Youre not at your wifes, youre at your mothers! If you dont work, youll go without lunch! she warned, bluntly.
Finally, after enduring those seven days, Tom gathered his courage. Im going home, Mum. Ill see how shes coping without me. Shell be begging on her knees to have me back!
Go, go! Dont give up! Speak clearlyreturn only on your own terms! she shouted.
He left the house with his chin raised, shoulders straight, a swagger that suggested he was about to claim victory. He approached the gate, stepped into the garden and froze.
Something felt wrong.
He looked around: the garden was immaculate, the grass trimmed perfectly, windows gleamed, flowerbeds were edged neatly, pathways clear of weeds. The gate itself was newsturdy, not the squeaky old one he remembered.
He fished out his key, but it no longer fit. After a moments hesitation he knocked firmly on the door.
Inside, footsteps halted, then the door swung open.
But it wasnt the weary Mollie with dark circles she had been. A freshfaced, smiling woman stood there, eyes sparkling.
I thought youd be alone, suffering you could at least have called, she said softly, tilting her head.
Why would I? Mollie replied, her smile gentle.
What why? Your husband disappears for a week and you expect a word?
I dont have a husband, she said calmly.
And where would he have come from? the woman laughed. There was one visitor, but he was a flop. No point dwelling on it!
Toms face flushed. Youre talking about me? Youll get a slap and a new attitude! I should have raised you better!
He stepped forward, but she didnt flinch.
From the doorway a tall man placed a hand on her shoulder and said firmly, Hey, lad, out. And peacefully.
Whos this? A lover? Tom sputtered. If you chase him away Ill forgive you, promise not to hit! he declared, trying to sound magnanimous.
Then the world seemed to tilt. Time rushed, gravity warpedTom found himself sprinting as if demons chased him, a mysterious force pushing him faster.
Mollie stood on the porch laughing until tears streamed down, watching her older brother barrel Tom toward the gate, giving him a couple of sharp kicks.
When Tom finally tumbled past the gate, her brother slammed it shut and turned to his sister.
Lolly, dont you dare take that fool back! I still cant believe you put up with him for so long!
Mollie sighed deeply. I was a fool, thats why I endured. I kept hoping hed change.
You cant change a man; you can only change yourself. If you need help around the house, give me a shoutIll be there. As for him, let him learn that this isnt his place.
What if he doesnt get the message?
Then well explain again, her brother winked, and together they entered the house.
Inside, guests cheered, glasses clinking.
Heres to the birthday girl! someone shouted.
To the birthday girl! the room answered, and the champagne rang out.
Mollie smiled, grateful for a brother who was caring, strong, and always there.
She realised that freedom and respect are earned, not demanded, and that true strength lies in standing up for oneself, letting the past fall away.
In the end, the lesson was clear: you cannot force love or loyalty; you must nurture selfworth and let those who truly care step forward, while the rest simply fade away.
