Helen stepped out of the train carriage and glanced around the bustling station. There was no sign of her husband, David. No one had come to meet her, which made her frown.
Well, he didnt go out of his way, she thought with a sigh. He could have come to pick me up, at least!
Helen retrieved her mobile from her handbag and dialed Davids number, but he didnt answer. She heaved another sigh, picked up her suitcase, and headed for home.
The taxi made quick work of the trip, and as Helen arrived, she noticed Davids car wasnt in the drive. It was still early; David ought to be at home.
Maybe he went to the station and we somehow missed each other? she wondered.
Helen let herself in with her own set of keys and stopped dead in her tracks. The shelf in the hallway was emptyDavids shoes were gone. Completely bemused, Helen headed into the lounge and immediately saw a note on the side table. She read it and, stunned, sank onto the sofa.
Im leaving you. Taken my things. You can file for the divorce if you want. Our daughter doesnt know. David.
Helen reread the note three times. The meaning slowly sank in.
So, while shed been away on a business trip, hed packed up his things and left without so much as a conversationor even a hint.
Although, come to think of it, this was just like him.
Helen leaned back in the armchair, eyes brimming with tears.
The flat was wrapped in early morning stillness, and the only sound was the drip of that leaky kitchen tap.
He never did get round to fixing it, she muttered. And whats this, a light left on in the bathroom?
She walked into the bathroom. The main light wasnt on, just the mirrors backlight. That shelf shed bought last month and asked him to put upstill in its box atop the washing machine.
For good measure, Helen double-checked the front doors bottom lock. Still not working after all these months.
Her tears dried up of their own accord. It dawned on her: while she was away, David hadnt fixed a thing, just as shed expected. Why mend a tap, fix the lock, or sort the bathroom lighting if youre planning your own escape? Theyd managed with a dripping tap, a faulty lock, and a half-lit bathroom beforeand shed manage now.
Probably just what David thought, packing his bags, Helen mused. Well, so be it
Shaking off her thoughts, she picked up her mobile and rang Mike, a family friend whod often helped around the house when David claimed he was too busy.
Up already, Mike? she asked cheerily. Good morninggot a bit of work for you.
Morning, Helen! Sleeps for the weak, he replied kindly. What needs doing?
The kitchen tap is leaking, the bathroom shelf still needs putting up, and the lights gone. Also, best to change both the front door lockstoday if possible. Whatever you can manage, the rest can wait till tomorrow.
Right-ho, thats a fair list, Mike laughed gently. Is David around? he asked, a little puzzled by the locks.
Oh, David? Not anymore! Helen said with a playful giggle.
I say! Mike replied, chuckling. If I were a younger man, Id gladly chase after you. Actually, Ive got a neighbourgood hands, recently single. Shall I introduce you? You and he could enjoy yourselves, now your children are off and independent.
Heavens, Mike! What did I ever do to you? Helen laughed. Let me enjoy my peace, Ive only just got rid of one, and now youre trying to set me up with someone else.
It gets lonely on your own, Mike insisted.
Honestly, I havent had a moment to catch my breath, let alone feel lonely. See you in an hour, she declared, ending the call.
While Mike attended to his jobs, Helen decided to clear up her suspicions and phoned a close friend who worked with David.
It turned out David had started a typical workplace romance with a single woman, a little over fortynot in her twenties, but for a fifty-two-year-old man with no ties, more than suitable. She owned a lovely flat, had never been married, and had no children.
Well, Helen had learned all she needed.
What is there to be upset about? she recalled her late grandmothers favourite saying and began collecting anything David had left behind. She neatly packed it all in a white carrier bag, including the photo of him on that cruise shipframe and all.
Sarah, fancy dinner tonight? Good meal, good chat? Helen texted her long-time friend.
Is there an occasion? Sarah replied.
Oh, you bet there is! Helen answered mysteriously.
Youve piqued my curiositytell me where and when, Sarah laughed.
Mike finished just as evening fell, having fixed everything splendidly. Smiling as he pocketed his payment, he said, Ill sort the bathroom lights tomorrowif you need anything else, you know who to call.
Thank you, Mike, really. Actually, could you take this out to the council bins on your way past? Helen handed him the white bag.
After he left, Helen considered calling her daughter, but hesitated.
No need to say anything just yet Ill visit at the weekend and bring all those gifts for my granddaughter and son-in-law. Ill tell them then. But tonight is about me!
With only a little time before meeting Sarah, Helen opened a bottle of her favourite sparkling wine and poured herself a glass. She admired the colour, breathed in the aroma, andsmiling at her reflectionraised a toast.
To new beginnings, filled with unexpected joys and wonderful surprises.
Sometimes, life closes a door so you can throw open a windowand remind yourself to cherish your own happiness first.
