Sometimes, it happens that a marriage becomes dull, and what once was a warm, affectionate relationship quietly slips into routine. Sometimes, that routine makes you want to run away. I never thought of my marriage to David like that, but what if he had? There really was no other explanation for the fact that, without a word, he packed a few suitcasesjust whatever he could carry in one goand walked out the door, not even saying goodbye.
Everything seemed fine between us. We had a good life together and always looked after one another. Perhaps, lately, work had kept us both busy, leaving us simply too tired on evenings and weekends. Instead of going out, wed just sleep or tidy the flat, and maybe that monotony was weighing on him. But to just leave, without a single word? Not even the tiniest chance for me to explain
David stopped answering his phone and ignored all my messages, clearly determined to cut off any communication. I was terribly afraid Id only hear from him again when he sent divorce papers in the post. My sister suggested I ring his relatives, so I tried his mum first. Wed always got on very well, and I trusted her. At first, she pretended not to know where he was, but soon she relented.
Im afraid hes here with me, she admitted. His friend got into a motorbike accident, and you know he had a little boy. The poor thinghes never known his mother, and now he has no father either. David wants to adopt him, so he doesnt end up in a childrens home. He knows you dont want children just yetyoure still so young
Those words shook me to my core. Did my husband really not know me well enough to think Id refuse if he asked about adoption?
That evening, I drove straight to my mother-in-laws in Surrey, where both David and the six-year-old boy were waiting.
Lets do it, I said as soon as I walked in. We can be wonderful parents. Sooner or later, wed have talked about children anyway, and now we have a chance to give one a loving home.
David was visibly moved. I think he truly hadnt expected that from me. That very night, we all went back home togethernot just with two suitcases, but also a handful of belongings and a few toys.
