**Heartbroken, Yet Hopeful: A Path to New Joys**
“Emma, its over between us,” Thomas said coldly. “I want a real family, children. You cant give me that. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to pack. Call when youre leaving. Ill stay with my mother until I sort the flat for the baby and its mother. Dont look shockedmy new girlfriend is expecting! Three days, Emma!”
Emma stayed silent, the ground slipping beneath her. What could she say? For five years, they had tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended tragically. Doctors insisted she was healthy, yet something always went wrong. She lived carefully, especially while expecting. The last time, shed collapsed at workthe ambulance hadnt arrived in time.
The door clicked shut behind Thomas, and Emma crumpled onto the sofa, drained. Packing felt impossible. Where could she go? Shed lived with her aunt after marrying, but her aunt was gone now, and her cousin had sold the flat. Return to her grandmothers cottage in Willowbrook? Rent somewhere? What about her job? Questions swirled, but time was short.
The next morning, the door swung openher mother-in-law, Margaret, strode in.
“Still awake? Good,” she said sharply. “Im here to make sure you dont take more than your share.”
“Im not interested in your sons old socks,” Emma snapped. “Are we counting my things now?”
“So stubborn! You used to be so sweet and quiet. I told Thomas after the first timeyoure barren.”
“Is that why you came? Then be quiet and watch.”
“Where are you taking the dishes?” Margaret demanded.
“Theyre minemy aunts. A memory of her.”
“The place will be empty without them!”
“Not my concern. But youll have a grandchild soon.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“My laptop, coffee machine, and microwavegifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“You have everything except children!”
“Thats none of your business. Perhaps God wills it this way.”
“No remorse, eh? Maybe you did this on purpose?”
“Dont be ridiculous. The thought alone hurts.”
Emma glanced aroundher belongings were gone. Hairbrush, makeup, slippers Had she forgotten something? Margarets presence clouded her thoughts. Then she rememberedthe little porcelain cat, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside it hid a locket and ringworthless to others, priceless to her. Thomas called them rubbish. Had he thrown them out? She rushed to the balcony.
“Whats out there?” Margaret called. “Hurry up and leave!”
The cat was there, untouched. Now she could go.
“Here are the keys. Lets hope we never meet again.”
Emma stopped by the office. She was on sick leave but requested holiday instead.
“We all feel for you,” her manager said. “But were struggling without you. Will three weeks help? Be readyhalf the projects stall when youre gone.”
“Fine. Itll distract me. Thanks.”
“Need any help?”
“No.”
“Well sort your holiday pay and bonuses.”
“Thanks.”
Emma didnt search for a flatshe drove to Willowbrook. Her grandmothers cottage had stood empty since her death three years ago. Emma never knew her mothershed died in childbirth. Now, Emma couldnt become one either.
An hour later, she arrived. The old maple tree, overgrown daisies. The last time she and Thomas were here, theyd grilled burgers in autumn. She pulled into the drivethe shed key was under the stone. Opening the door, she froze.
Silence.
Standing there, she took comfort in knowing this old house would shelter her againand perhaps sorrow would someday lead to new happiness.
