**Diary Entry**
One evening, a man came home and simply said, Im sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill still help with the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can. Just like that, he walked out, leaving Emily with the children. The next day, a neighbours confession opened her eyes.
Emily had married late. Before then, shed been focused on university, then consumed by her career. Thats where she met James. She bumped into himliterallywhile rushing to the office one morning. He fell for her instantly. That same evening, as she left work, James appeared unexpectedly, holding an umbrella over her and presenting a bouquet. That was how it began. Flowers, surprises, gifts. Six months later, they married. A year after that, their first son was born.
Emily gained a little weight during pregnancy, but James never minded. Then came their second boy, and she put on a bit more. She never returned to work, devoting herself to the house and the children. By then, James had his own small business fixing computers. Emily hadnt even noticed when he began drifting away. The past year had been especially hardJames was always at work, always on business trips. She never realised those trips werent to other cities at all. Then, one night, he came home and calmly said, Im sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill still help with the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can. Emily hadnt seen it coming. Only the next day did their neighbour reveal James had been unfaithful for ages. She wasnt herself for months.
Then, eight months later, the intercom buzzed one evening. James had come to see the children. Emily exchanged a few words with him before stepping into the kitchen. Thats when her phone rang. Hello, she answered, smiling. I thought youd forgotten about us.
Never. How could I forget happiness? came the reply. Ill pick you all up tomorrow. You and the boys will love the new flat. I love you.
Emily hung up, her face alight. Frank had just proposedtheyd be moving in together. She turned to head to the boys room, only to find James standing there, having heard everything.
Am I too late? he asked, staring at the floor.
Yes! Emily laughed, brighter than she had in years.
