One evening, a man returned home and softly said, “I’m sorry. Ive fallen in love with someone else. Ill still help the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can.” With that, he walked out, leaving Emily alone with their children.
The next day, a neighbors remark opened her eyes.
Emily had married later in life, once her studies were behind her. Work had consumed her after that, which was where shed met James. Shed collided with him in her hurry to the office, and hed fallen for her instantly. That evening, as she stepped out of work, James suddenly appeared, holding an umbrella over her head and presenting a bouquet. That was how it beganflowers, surprises, gifts. Six months later, they married. A year after, their first son was born.
During her pregnancies, Emily gained weight, but James never minded. Then came their second boy, and with it, more changes. She never returned to work, devoting herself to the home and their sons. Meanwhile, James built his own small computer repair business. She hadnt even noticed the distance growing between them until this past year, when he vanished into work, taking frequent “business trips.” She hadnt realised they were liesuntil the day he came home and calmly shattered her world with his confession.
Eight months passed.
One evening, the doorbell rang. It was James, here to see the boys. Emily exchanged a few words with him before retreating to the kitchen. Then her phone buzzed. “Hi,” she answered, smiling. “I thought youd forgotten about us.”
“Never,” came the warm reply. “How could I forget my happiness? Ill pick you all up tomorrow. You and the boys will love the new place. I love you.”
She hung up, her face alight. Frank had proposedtheyd be moving in together. As she turned toward the childrens room, James, who had overheard, stared at the floor. “Am I too late?” he murmured.
“Yes!” Emily laughed, her voice bright with joy.
Sometimes, happiness comes when you least expect itjust be brave enough to let the past go.
