**Diary Entry A Turning Point**
The golden leaves crunched underfoot as I walked home, lost in thought. Emma stared blankly at the medication chart, mechanically popping pills from blister packs into plastic cups. Another day, another routineher life slipping away in a blur of monotony. Alone. Her chest ached as if an old wound had reopened, raw and stinging. Yesterdays argument with her husband replayed in her mind, each cruel word leaving a fresh scar.
She tossed an empty blister into the bin, grabbed a bottle, and poured a handful of tablets onto her palm, her movements growing faster. Her mind, however, was miles away
Emma, what on earth are you doing? The sharp voice of Matron Collins snapped her back. Startled, Emma dropped the bottle, sending pills scattering across the tray.
Whats wrong with you? You couldve killed someone with an overdose! Matron Collins shoved her aside. Christ, look at this mess!
Im sorry, I justI wasnt thinking Emmas hands trembled as she stared at the chaos.
If I hadnt walked in, God knows what mightve happened! Fancy a prison sentence, do you?
Emma slumped onto a chair, covering her face. Silent sobs wracked her shoulders.
Please tell me you hadnt started injections?
Emma shook her head, still crying.
Youve never been this careless before. Whats gotten into you?
My husband he left me yesterday. Her voice was muffled, broken.
Matron Collins sighed, dumping the ruined pills. Right. Ill sort this. Youyoure in no state to work. Go home. Write up a leave request starting tomorrow.
But I was saving my leave for when Sophie has the baby
Take the week. Sort yourself out. Matron Collins waved her off. And for heavens sake, pull yourself together. If word gets out, youll be sacked.
Numb, Emma scribbled the request, changed, and stumbled outside. A black cab waited. She slid in, gave her address, but dreaded going home. *Hes probably thrilled with his new life, while I nearly killed patients. Get a grip.*
Her phone rangSophie. The cheerful voice was a lifeline.
Mum, you alright? You sound off.
Just tired. Theyve put me on leave. Mind if I visit?
Of course! When?
Tomorrow, if I can get a train
The cab stopped. Were here, love, the driver said.
Right. How much do I?
Paid by card when it was booked.
*Matron mustve ordered it.* Emma stepped out, still chatting, then frozeher handbag was gone. The cab had driven off with it.
Her legs gave way. She collapsed onto a bench, sweeping aside fallen leaves. *Im falling apart.*
Panic set in. Her walletcards, cash. She blocked the card immediately, then trudged inside. The emptiness hit her like a slap. Anger flared. *This is his fault.*
She dug out her emergency cashjust enough for a trainpacked lightly, and left.
London greeted her with drizzle. Over tea, she confessed about her husband.
Mum, dont you dare take him back, Sophie warned.
Returning home days later, she knew he hadnt been back. Her neighbour, Evelyna thrice-married septuagenarianmentioned a distinguished gentleman asking for her.
Probably a scammer, Evelyn fretted.
If he was, hed have robbed me already, Emma reassured her.
The next day, a knock. A handsome man held out her handbag.
Found this in a cab. You left it.
Stunned, she checkedeverything intact.
I blocked my card, she blurted.
Smart. People cant be trusted.
She offered money; he refused. Then, that weekend, he returnedwith flowers.
Im Thomas. Fancy a dance lesson?
She laughed. Ive two left feet.
Ill teach you.
Against her better judgment, she went. Clumsy at first, but soon, she was laughing, spinning, forgetting her pain.
Until she returned one evening to find her husbands suitcase in the hall.
Em, I made a mistake. She cant even cook
Too late, she said coldly.
He begged, then threatened. You wont keep the flat
Its half Sophies. And soon, her sons.
He stormed out. She laughed until tears came.
At the next dance class, Thomas waited anxiously. I thought you wouldnt come.
She danced like never beforelight, free, as if shed grown wings.
Bravo, Emma! the instructor cheered.
But she only saw Thomass smile.
**Lesson Learned:**
Life doesnt end with a broken heart. Sometimes, its the beginning of something betterif youre brave enough to dance through the pain.
