**Diary Entry**
I dont have a spare room, my daughter said when I arrived with my bags.
Mum, did you pack everything? Did you remember your documents? Emily fidgeted with her handbag strap, standing by the kitchen window.
Do you think Ive gone senile? I waved her off, checking my suitcase for the third time. Passports here, moneys here, medication Oh, I forgot my dressing gown! Em, wheres my blue one?
In the wardrobe. Mum, do you really need it? Sarah probably has something you can borrow.
I stopped and gave her a long look.
Emily, love, Im not staying just one night. Sarah invited me for a proper visitfresh air, the countryside. You said yourself itd do me good.
I did, I did Emily turned back to the window. But I didnt know then that Mark would lose his job again. Third time this year.
I stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder.
You didnt tell me. What happened?
Whats there to say? New manager came in, wanted fresh blood. Mark was first to go. Experience didnt matter; theyd rather hire kids wholl work for pennies.
I sighed and sat on the stool.
Im so sorry, love. Maybe I should stay? Help somehow
No, Mum. Go. Sarahs expecting you. Emily tried to smile, but it didnt reach her eyes. Youll rest, recharge.
I wanted to say more, but her phone rang.
Hello? Mum? Its Sarah! Are you coming? Ive aired out the room, fresh sheets and all!
On my way, love. Emilys taking me to the station.
Brilliant! I was starting to worry. Mum, Ive missed you! The apple trees are blooming, the airs incrediblenothing like that city smog.
Sounds lovely, dear. See you soon.
Hanging up, I glanced at Emily.
Hear how happy she is? Its been six months.
Yeah. Thrilled. She grabbed her car keys. Come on, or youll miss your train.
The drive was silent. I tried to talk, but Emilys answers were clipped, distant.
Em, maybe I *should* stay. I can tell youre struggling.
Mum, stop. Well manage. Marks been jobless before.
But the bills? The mortgage?
She braked sharply at a red light.
Well figure it out. My salary covers basics, and hell get benefits. We wont starve.
But the flat
Mum, *please*. Were adults. Well sort it.
I turned to the window, unease settling in. Emily was never this sharp with me. Something was wrong.
At the station, she hugged me tightly before I boarded.
Sorry, Mum. Im just stretched thin.
I know, love. Call me if you need me. Ill come straight back.
Have a good rest. Say hi to Sarah.
The train pulled away. Emily stood on the platform until it vanished.
Sarah met me with a bouquet of lavender and a beaming smile.
Mum! Finally! She squeezed me. How was the trip?
Fine. You look radiant, love! So tanned.
Country air. No pollution here. Come see the house!
It was lovelycozy, with a garden and river view. Sarah proudly showed me her renovations.
This is your room, she said, opening a door to a sunlit space. Morning sun, river evenings. Perfect, yeah?
Gorgeous. Wheres James?
Still at work. Hell be chuffed to see you. Misses your roast dinners.
Ill make one. You two seem happy.
We are. James loves his job, I do freelance. Maybe start a family soon.
About time for grandkids!
Sarah squeezed my hand. Hows Emily? She sounded off when I called.
Mark lost his job again. Moneys tight.
*Again*? Bloody hell. Hes skilled!
Bad luck, I suppose.
Sarah frowned. Could they move here? Plenty of work, cheaper living. James might know openings.
Doubt it. Their flats mortgaged, and theyre city folk.
True Well, rest up. Dinners soon.
That evening, James was delighted to see me. We chatted on the porch over tea, and for the first time in months, I felt at peace.
A week passed. I helped Sarah, read, took walks. My calls with Emily were tense and brief.
How are things?
Okay. Marks interviewing.
You sound exhausted.
Im fine.
Em, I can come back
No. Sarah planned this for ages.
But I couldnt shake the worry. Emilys voice grew thinner, once cracking into tears before she brushed it off.
Sarah, I think Ill head home, I said at breakfast. Emilys not right.
Mum, you just got here! Weve plansthe museum, the river
I know, love. But my gut says she needs me.
Sarah sighed. Alright. Jamesll drive you.
The journey twisted my stomach. Emily didnt answer her phone.
I reached her flat by evening. The lift groaned; the hallway felt darker. My key didnt workthe chain was on.
Em? Its me!
Silence. Then footsteps.
Mum? Youre supposed to be at Sarahs
Let me in.
The door opened. Emily stood there, gaunt, eyes red.
Love, whats wrong?
Nothing. Just tired.
Inside, suitcases crowded the hall. Papers littered the table.
Emily. Wheres Mark?
She sank onto the sofa, face in her hands.
He left. For good. Said we were dragging each other down. Moved in with a mate.
I held her as she shook.
Oh, love And the flat?
Selling it. Cant pay the mortgage alone. Buyers lined up.
Where will you go?
Rent a room. Somewhere cheap.
I hesitated. Or live with me?
Mum, your flats tiny. Where would I sleep?
The sofa, for now.
She shook her head. I wont burden you. And works too far.
Sarahs then? She said theres jobs
No. I wont be a charity case.
We sat in silence, my arm around her. Sometimes, presence is enough.
Next day, we signed the sale. The buyers were decent, no haggling. Emily exhaled after.
Feels lighter, honestly, she admitted. Mortgage cleared, a bit left over.
What next?
Start fresh. Maybe Sarahs offer.
Go, love. Clean air, good people.
Emily stopped mid-step.
Come with me?
Me? Ive my life herethe library, my doctor
But youll be alone.
I smiled. Ill manage. Visit you often.
On moving day, Emily packed lightclothes, documents, a few keepsakes.
Rest Ill sell or donate, she said, surveying the empty flat. New start.
Brave girl.
At the station, she broke down.
Mum, Im sorry. For snapping, for hiding things I was ashamed.
Hush. Life isnt over. I hugged her. Sarahs thrilled. Jamesll help. Ill visit soon.
The train carried her away. Home felt quiet, but not empty. Id done rightnot clinging, trusting them to find their way.
A week later, Emily called, bright-voiced.
Mum! Got a jobhistory teacher at the village school. Headmistress hired me on the spot!
Wonderful! And housing?
With Sarah for now. She insists I take my time.
Good lass.
Mum I think this is where Im meant to be.
I hung up, smiling. Theyd landed softly. That night, I wrote to Sarah, thanking her for welcoming Emily. Sometimes, the kindest help is just *being there*.
Next morning, I rang a travel agent, eyeing seaside breaks. At my age, new beginnings arent just for the young. The girls had their paths. Nowit was my turn.
*No spare rooms, no spare people. Just time and place, each to their own. A parents wisdom is knowing when to hold onand when to let go.*
