Alice was heading home earlier than usual. Her colleague had started the shift ahead of time, allowing Alice to leave work sooner. Her spirits were high; her grandmother had whisked the children away for the whole summer, and her husband was at home. They rarely got a chance to spend time together, so the thought of an unexpected evening together filled her with joy. On her way back, she popped into the shop, picking up crisps, sweets, biscuits, and planned to surprise him. They used to have a family tradition of watching films together, but lately, with work piling up and endless chores, there was never enough time.
She unlocked the front door and stepped inside. The kitchen lights were on, but her husband wasnt there. She suddenly noticed odd noises coming from the bedroom. There, in her husbands arms, was Louise. Louise had been Alice’s closest friend since their school days.
She was completely unprepared for such betrayal from the two people she trusted most. Alice glanced around. Clothes lay crumpled everywhere. On the table stood wine glasses, a half-opened bottle, and a bowl of sweetsthe setting made it clear this was not their first meeting.
Louise, avoiding Alices gaze, hurriedly tried to get dressed and slip out. Her husband stammered through excuses.
Its laughable listening to you. Just spare me the nonsense.
All right. Im sorry. Its just that Louise and I are in love. We should get a divorce. We can sort out things with the children and finances later, okay? Ill go now.
Once her husband had left, Alice poured herself the rest of the wine and sat down, reflecting on what her future might look like. It was clear that she would have to start over. But as she sipped her drink, she realised that sometimes, painful endings can become the beginning of new and better chapters in life. And though trust had been broken, she now had the chance to rediscover herself, and perhaps create new and happier traditions of her own.
