Get out of my flat right now! I wont let you hurt my child! I shout, my voice shaking. If you care so much about your own kid and cant build a proper relationship without sacrificing someone else, go back to your exwife! Theres no room for you in our family!
Max glares at me, pointing a finger. Youve ruined everything with your stubbornness! Because of you Ive lost contact with my daughter! Shes suffering because of you!
Leave! I snap, pointing at the door. Now!
***
Mum, Ive finished the seventh Harry Potter book!
Emily bursts from the living room, clutching the volume to her chest. Her eyes sparkle with excitement, and I cant help but smile.
Really? How was it?
Its amazing! Ive got no words, Mum! she exclaims, leaping onto the sofa beside me. The last book is the besteverything finally clicks! Can you imagine actually going to a real school of magic?
I wrap my arms around my elevenyearold and pull her close. I read those books as a teen, devouring them night after night. Seeing Emily share that love feels like weve found a new world to explore together.
I know what you mean. I dreamed about that at your age.
Its a shame we cant really go, Emily sighs, resting her cheek against my shoulder.
I kiss the top of her head, wanting to do something special for her. Shes spent more time reading than scrolling on her phone, unlike most kids her age.
A few days later Im browsing an online marketplace for a gift. A massive, detailed Hogwarts building set catches my eyeabout 1,500 pieces, complete with towers, halls and tiny figurines. Its priced at just under £9,000. I pause; thats a lot of money, but I add it to the basket and pay with my card. Emily deserves it.
Three days later I bring home a huge box. When Emily sees it, she lets out a shriek of pure joy that rattles the walls.
Mum! Is that really for me? Oh my God!
Its yours, love.
She throws herself around my neck, hugging me tightly before dropping to the floor and tearing into the box with trembling hands. I watch her, smiling, because moments like this make everything worth it.
That weekend Polina arrives. Shes Maxs thirteenyearold daughter from his first marriage and usually stays with us every weekend. I try to be kind, but theres always an invisible wall between us.
Polina greets Max, then heads into Emilys room. A minute later I hear her voice.
Where did you get that?
I stiffen; theres a strange edge to my stepdaughters tone.
Mom bought it! Emily replies brightly. Ive read all seven books and she got me this set. Look how huge it isIve already built half of it.
Polina stays silent. I pass the doorway and catch a flicker of envy cross her faceher eyebrows knit, lips pressed. She watches the set with a mixture of jealousy and hurt.
Later, while Im washing dishes, Polina slips into the kitchen.
Dad, why does Emily get the set and I get nothing? she whines, almost pleading.
Max looks up from his phone. What set?
The one Emily has. Its not fair, I never get anything!
He sighs, shoulders tightening.
Polly, Ill get you something next time, okay?
No! she stomps. I want that set right now. You dont love me!
Max exhales heavily and walks toward Emilys room. A knot of dread forms in my stomach.
Emily, Max calls from inside, could you share the set with Polina? At least let her build the other half. She really wants it.
Its my present, Emily says firmly. Im still building it.
Its not about the set, love. Polinas already upset because her parents split. A little kindness would go a long way.
I toss the washing up into the sink and head toward the bedroom. Max looms over Emily, his bulk filling the space, while the girl sits on the floor clutching the box.
Max, this is a gift for my daughter. I bought it with my own money. Polina cant demand something just because she feels like it, I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
From the hallway, Polinas sobbing breaks through. You dont love me! You stole my dad! I want to go home! she screams, tears streaming down her face. She darts back to the kitchen, wailing. Max shoots a hard look at me and follows her.
Emily looks at me with huge, bewildered eyes.
Mum, what was that?
I sit on the floor beside her and pull her into a hug, unable to find the right words. Ive only known Max for six months after his divorce, and Polinas outbursts feel like manipulation. I just hold her tight, stroking her hair.
Itll be okay, sweetheart. Everything will be fine.
Later, as Im applying night cream in the bedroom mirror, Max appears, his face grim, jaw clenched.
Victoria, give Polina the setat least while shes staying here. My daughter is already struggling without me, and now Emilys flaunting her gifts.
Something snaps inside me.
What does this have to do with me or Emily? I snap, crossing my arms. You left your wife when I wasnt even in the picture. Raising your children is your responsibility, not mine. I wont sacrifice my daughters happiness for your drama.
Your selfishness! Max roars, turning red. Youre turning Emily against Polina! Youre destroying my family!
He storms into Emilys room. She screams as he grabs the set and flings it onto the floor. It smashes, pieces scattering, a few assembled sections cracking apart.
Emilys cries cut through the house, and I feel a surge of panic. I grab Maxs arm, pulling him back.
Get out of my flat right now! I wont let you hurt my child! I shout, voice cracking. If you cant build a proper relationship without hurting someone else, go back to your ex! Theres no place for you here!
**You** ruined everything with your stubbornness! Max retaliates, pointing at me. Because of you Ive lost contact with my daughter! Shes suffering!
Leave! I point at the door. Now!
Two hours later the flat is emptyno sign of Max or Polina. I spend the night soothing Emily, rubbing her hair, kissing her tearstreaked cheeks, whispering that shes not to blame. When she finally falls asleep, I gather the broken pieces, trying to glue the shattered parts together with trembling hands.
At dawn, still halfasleep, I open the Gov.uk portal and file for divorce. A cold determination settles over me; I never imagined this marriage would feel like this. Better to be alone than endure such chaos.
Max keeps texting, sending long apologies and begging for a meeting, but I only answer the divorcerelated questions, ignoring everything else.
A month later the papers are signed and Max finally moves on. I turn to Emily.
Emily, fancy a trip to the bookshop?
Her eyes light up.
In a specialist store we pick up a limitededition Harry Potter box set, a genuinelooking Gryffindor robe in heavy fabric, and an interactive wand that reacts to movement. Emily beams, tries on the robe, and waves the wand right there in the shop.
We leave weighed down with bags, and I feel a wave of relief. Were together again, against the world, finally free.
