Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! says Katherine with a grin to the stranger standing at her doorstep.
Hold on a sec, Anne! Someones at the door. Ill call back once I know who it is and what they want, Katherine says reluctantly, ending a call with her longtime friend. Anne has just been describing in detail her motherinlaws birthday party, full of jokes, and Katherine is laughing nonstop as if she were watching a comedy on TV.
Katherine walks to the entrance, peers through the peephole and is taken aback. She expects the neighbour, because strangers rarely get past the secure block. Instead, a strange young woman she has never seen before blocks the hall.
She decides not to open the door its safer to avoid strangers, especially nowadays when scams are everywhere. Katherine lives by a strict rule: no conversations with unknown people. Con artists prey on naïve folk, but she isnt one of them.
She picks up the phone to continue her chat with Anne, but the doorbell rings again. The woman outside is persistent, convinced someone is home and determined to get an answer.
Katherine is alone; her husband Jacob has gone to a mates garden to help with some planting. She returns to the door, looks through the peephole once more, this time scrutinising the outsider more closely.
Theres something odd and a little pitiable about the woman, yet Katherine doesnt sense any danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finish the weekend in peace, she thinks. Maybe shes lost or came to sell something.
She acts quickly and opens the door. The woman in the hallway straightens up, smooths her hair nervously, and begins to speak.
Hi! Are you Katherine? she asks, fiddling with a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you even ask?
Katherine raises an eyebrow. Interesting. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
What do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you in, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Katherine says firmly.
Is Jacob at home? the stranger asks, catching Katherine off guard.
Thats something! Katherine thinks, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared fraud.
Youre here for Jacob? Katherine asks, though she intended to say something else.
No, I came to talk to you. But if Jacobs here, itll be harder for me, the woman replies casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Katherine wonders, curiosity growing.
Dont you have what Im looking for? Katherine finally asks.
Maybe we should go inside. Its tough to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggests, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. Say what you want, and quickly, Katherine retorts.
Do you really expect me to discuss the details of my relationship with Jacob here, in front of the neighbours? the woman says with a smile.
What? What relationship? Katherine exclaims, her voice louder than intended.
Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? asks Mrs. Brown, the neighbour who has just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello Mrs. Brown! Im fine. Hows the weather outside? Katherine tries to deflect.
It looks like it might rain soon, Mrs. Brown replies, lingering near the door, clearly curious.
Come in, Katherine says reluctantly, gesturing the woman inside.
Inside, the woman begins to eye the flat with interest, lingering on various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Katherine says, blocking the path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Margaret, the woman says, removing her scarf and coat. Jacob and I are in love.
Ah, how original! Couldnt you think of something less cliché? Katherine snaps with a sarcastic grin.
Whats clichéd about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Margaret replies confidently, trying to pass Katherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Katherine asks, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Margaret says boldly.
My husband doesnt know love at all. Hes clueless, so youre dead wrong, love, Katherine says calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and since I joined his team, Jacob sorry, Mr Jacob Clarke couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declares.
Really? That sounds unlike him. So what do you want from me, Margaret? Katherine 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 go, even though he hasnt said a word about divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Katherine asks, now amused.
Before Margaret can answer, the door bursts open and Jacob steps in, bewildered to see a stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? Jacob asks, confused.
No, Im here for you, Katherine says, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something at work? Jacob asks, still puzzled.
No, darling. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Katherine says with a grin.
Margaret, flushed, quickly pulls on her coat and backs toward the door.
Leaving already? And what about Jacob? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Katherine jokes.
But Margaret is already at the exit.
What was that supposed to mean? Jacob asks, utterly baffled.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Katherine asks, arms crossed.
Seriously?! Jacob replies, stunned. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Fine. You know I dont joke, Jacob. Women nowadays will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Katherine says, shaking her head.
Jacob looks at her uncertainly, then sighs deeply. Ill never understand what some people imagine. This is all bizarre. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of trouble.
Youre right, Katherine 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, Jacob says, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you and only you.
Katherine returns the embrace, feeling that despite the odd episode, their bond is stronger than ever. I know, Jacob. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sense that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship remains unshakable. Nothing that day can pull them apart.
