Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! Sarah says with a smile to an unfamiliar woman standing at her doorstep.
Hold on a minute, Emma! Someones at the door. Ill call back once I find out who it is and what they want, Sarah tells her old friend on the phone, ending the call as Emma describes in detail the comedyfilled birthday party of her motherinlaw, which has Sarah laughing nonstop as if she were watching a sitcom.
Sarah walks to the entrance, peers through the peephole and is taken aback. She expects to see the neighbour, because strangers rarely get past the secure front doors of their block. Instead, a young woman she has never seen before stands there.
She decides not to open the door its safer to avoid contact with unknown people, especially nowadays when scammers are everywhere. Sarah lives by a strict rule: no conversations with strangers. Scammers prey on naïve people, but she isnt one of them.
She grabs her phone to continue the chat with Emma, but the doorbell rings again. The woman outside is persistent, clearly convinced someone is home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah is alone in the flat; her husband, James, has gone to a friends garden to help with some planting. She returns to the door and looks through the peephole once more, this time studying the visitor more closely.
Theres something odd and slightly pitiful about the woman, yet Sarah feels no immediate threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to leave? Then I can finish my weekend in peace, she thinks. Maybe shes lost or has something to sell.
She decides to act quickly and opens the door. The woman in the hallway straightens up, smooths her hair nervously, and begins to speak.
Hi! Are you Sarah? she asks, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why would I ask otherwise?
Sarah finds it amusing. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Sarah says firmly.
Is James at home? the stranger asks, catching Sarah off guard.
Thats something, Sarah muses, her suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared con artist.
Are you here for James? Sarah asks, though she plans to say something entirely different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is home, itll be harder for me, the woman replies casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Sarah wonders, curiosity growing.
You dont have what she wants? Sarah finally asks.
Maybe we should step inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggests, becoming more confident.
Never! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my home. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Sarah replies.
Do you really want me to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman says with a smile.
What? What relationship? Sarah exclaims, her voice louder than intended.
Sarah, are you all right? Why are you shouting? asks Mrs. Brown, the neighbour who just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello Mrs. Brown! Im fine. Hows the weather outside? Sarah tries to divert the neighbours attention.
It looks like its about to rain, Mrs. Brown replies, lingering by the door, clearly curious about the commotion.
Come in, Sarah says reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman begins to look around the flat with interest, her eyes lingering on various objects.
You have five minutes. Speak, Sarah says, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Margaret, the woman says, removing her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Thats so clichéd! Could you not think of anything more original? Sarah retorts with a sarcastic grin.
Whats clichéd about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Margaret answers confidently, trying to walk past Sarah.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fell for you? Sarah asks, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Margaret says boldly.
My husband doesnt know love. He has no idea what it is, so youre completely wrong, dear, Sarah says calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Whitaker couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declares.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want from me, Margaret? Sarah asks, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret announces, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband leave even though he hasnt mentioned divorce? Are you sure you have the right man? Sarah says, now amused.
Before Margaret can answer, the door opens and James steps in, surprised to see a stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Is this about work? James asks, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, Sarah says, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James asks, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Sarah says with a grin.
Margaret, flustered, quickly pulls on her coat and backs toward the door.
Youre leaving already? And what about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Sarah jokes.
But Margaret is already at the exit.
What was that supposed to mean? James asks, utterly confused.
You tell me! Why did this brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and saying youll live with her? Sarah asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
Seriously?! James replies, looking shocked. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you this would be the end of the nonsense.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women nowadays will do anything to fix their chaotic lives, Sarah says, shaking her head.
James looks at her uncertainly, then sighs deeply. Ill never understand what some people imagine. This is all very strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Yes, youre right, Sarah says with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James replies, moving to hug her. Thank you for standing by me. You know I want no trouble. Im with you and only you.
Sarah returns the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond is stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sense that, regardless of unexpected hurdles, their relationship remains unshakable. Nothing today can pull them apart.
