**Diary Entry**
Do they really have no family left? Why on earth did you bring them here? Pity, is it? Pity? What about us? We barely have enough space as it is! Call social services tomorrowI mean it! Let them sort it out!
John glared at his wife. Shed just returned from her best friends funeralnot alone. Standing beside her were two children: three-year-old Lily and thirteen-year-old Oliver, shuffling awkwardly by the doorstep, unsure how to react to their unwelcoming host.
Emma gently nudged them toward the kitchen and, keeping her voice level, said, Oliver, love, pour Lily some juice, and take some for yourself. Theres some in the fridge.
Once the children disappeared behind the door, she turned to her husband, indignant. Arent you ashamed? Sophie was my closest friend! Did you really think Id abandon her children when theyre grieving? Imagine how they feel! Youre thirty-eight and still run to your mum whenever things get tough. Put yourself in their shoes!
Alright, I get it, John said, softening. But youre not seriously planning to keep them here, are you?
I am. Im applying for guardianship. Theyve got no one elseunderstand? Their fathers vanished. He didnt even show up to say goodbye.
Sophie lost her parents young. Theres some aunt, but she refuses to take themsays shes too old. And its not like we have kids of our own.
Emma, Im your *husband*. Dont I get a say?
John, come onyoure a good man. I know you. I wouldnt have brought them without trusting youd come around. What, are you scared of the expense? Well manage! Besides, theyre not babies. Oliver will stay in school, and Lily can start nursery. Our lives wont change much.
Fine, but my mother John groaned. Emma, shell skin me alive if she finds out! She already nags me constantly about not giving her grandchildren.
Your mum doesnt get a vote in our family. We *wanted* to adopt anyway. Why take a strangers child when we already know Oliver and Lily? Its easier for everyone.
John sighed. Maybe youre right. But we planned to adopt *one* childa baby! Lilys still little, but Oliver? Hes a teenager! Thats a whole other set of headaches!
You and I were teenagers once. We turned out alright.
Fine, well figure it out. They can stay for now.
Emma kissed his cheek, grinning. She never doubted him. He always grumbled first, then stepped up.
—
The paperwork was endless. Social services nearly sent Oliver and Lily to foster care, but Emma and John fought to keep them.
Lily adapted quickly, distracted by new toys and treats. Oliver struggled. One evening, John pulled him aside. I know it hurts. I cant imagine losing my mum. But youve got to be strong for Lily. If you need to cry or shout, tell me. Well go somewhere private. Just dont bottle it up.
After that, Oliver treated John with quiet respect. Emma often saw them walking together, returning like old mates.
They took out a loan to prove they could provideredoing a bedroom, buying clothes, toys. When Oliver missed his football mates, they paid for his club fees.
Finally, guardianship was granted. John took a second job to clear debts; Emma tutored physics students for extra cash.
—
A year later, the children had settled. Lily even called Emma Mum. Even Johns sceptical mother, Margaret, warmed to them.
That summer, John suggested, Lets go to Spain! Found a last-minute dealIll book it now.
Emma agreed, exhausted from the years stress.
Later, a colleague called, sighing, Lucky you! Im stuck at my cousins all summer. Bet those guardianship payments help, eh?
Emma froze. Was *that* what people thought?
John faced it too. A mate joked, New car when, mate? Got that sweet guardianship cash! Even his boss denied him parental leave, sneering, Theyre not *yours*.
They really think we did this for money? John muttered.
Emma shrugged. Let them.
They went to Spain anyway.
—
After returning, Emma fell ill. Rushed to hospital, tests revealed surprising news.
John Im pregnant.
*What?* But the doctors said
Miracles happen, she laughed. Then, serious: Oliver and Lily stay. *All* our children.
John beamed. Oliver! Lily! Come hereyoure getting a sibling!
Their cheers were pure joy.
—
And so, our family grewnot by blood, but by something far stronger.
*(Would you have done the same?)*
– Don’t they have family of their own? Why did you bring them here? You feel sorry for them… Sorry? Aren’t you sorry for us? We can barely fit in this place ourselves! Call social services tomorrow, I told you! Let them sort it out!
