Emma came home from work earlier than usual and found her husband in bed with another woman. But instead of breaking down or causing a scene, she simply gave a gentle smile and walked to the kitchen to fix breakfast for the lovebirds.
Her husband, David, and his mistress never imagined that this breakfast would stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Emma had finished her early morning shift, utterly exhausted and eager to just get home without making a detour to the shops. As she climbed the steps to their flat in Manchester, she sensed straight away that something was off the moment she opened the door.
The hallway was uncomfortably quiet, almost heavy. Emma spotted a pair of unfamiliar high-heeled shoes beside Davids trainers, and a pale womens coat hanging on the rack.
From the bedroom came muffled noisesa short laugh, the tell-tale creak of their old bed. Through the air drifted the unfamiliar sweetness of someone elses perfume. Emma knew instantly it wasnt hers.
She paused at the bedroom door, watching the golden spill of light across the carpet. Behind it, she could hear the uneven breaths of strangers.
She pushed the door open and stopped dead.
There on the bed were David and a woman shed never seen. Both half-dressed, tousled, sitting too close for comfort. The other womans necklace glinted in the morning light. Davids face went sheet-white. His lover scrambled for the bedsheet, cheeks burning.
Emma looked at them serenelyno shouting, no tears, not even anger.
Ill be in the kitchen, she said, her voice steady. Get dressed and come out. We have things to discuss.
She switched on the kitchen light, taking out some eggs and vegetables along with a sharp knife. The blade tapped rhythmically against the chopping board in a strangely calming way.
David and the woman came in, awkward and tense, with no idea why Emma had invited them both to the kitchen.
Emma set plates down before them and took her place at the table.
Lets start with breakfast, shall we? she said, managing a warm tone. Its been a long night at work, and Im starving. After we eat, well chat.
They both relaxed a little. David even forced a small, relieved smile, thinking perhaps things could be resolved calmly. He eagerly dug into his food.
Youve always been a brilliant cook, he mumbled.
Emma nodded. Thank you. Im afraid this is your farewell breakfast, though.
David paused, fork hovering in mid-air.
What do you mean? Are you saying you want a divorce?
Not only that, Emma said, her lips twisting into a peculiar half-smile.
David took another mouthful, then froze. He swallowed, coughed, and suddenly turned deathly pale.
What whats in this? he gasped, grabbing at his throat. What did you put in it?
Emma observed him steadily, her voice calm. Nothing harmful. You know how you panic.
His breathing came faster. The woman leapt up from her seat, worried.
Hes got an allergy, she whispered urgently. David, are you alright?
He started wheezing, yet he couldnt tell if it was real or all in his head.
Emma stood. By the way, Ive put the medicine away, she said indifferently, holding the door. Dont worry. Its not poison.
She stopped at the threshold and looked back.
Youll always remember this breakfastand how, for a moment, you thought it might be your last. Ill remember, toohow you betrayed me.
Emma stepped out and shut the door behind her. The mistress just managed to call for help; David ended up in hospital after an allergic reaction to the pepper shed added to the meal.
Some wake-up calls come in moments of chaos, but its in our calm and our choices afterwards that we show our true strength.
