Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the woman said with a grin to the unknown lady who appeared at her front door.
Hold on a moment, Emily! Someones ringing the bell. Ill call back once I know who it is and what they want, Catherine whispered, ending a longdistance chat with an old friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, her motherinlaws birthday party, cracking jokes that made Catherine burst into laughter as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Catherine padded to the door, peered through the peephole, and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour, because strangers rarely slipped into their secure block of flats. Instead, a strange young woman stood there, a face Catherine had never seen before.
She decided not to open the door after all, its safer to keep strangers at bay in these days of endless scams. Catherine lived by a hard rule: no conversations with unknown people. Fraudsters prey on gullibility, but she wasnt one of their targets.
She lifted the phone to finish her talk with Emily, when the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, certain that someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Catherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to a mates garden to help with some planting. She turned back to the door, glanced through the peephole once more, this time watching the outsider with keener interest.
There was something odd yet oddly pitiable about the woman, but Catherine felt no threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to leave? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace, she thought. Shes probably lost or comes to sell something.
She acted quickly, yanking the door open. The stranger standing in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hello! Are you Catherine? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why would I ask?
Catherine mused, Scams are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or be off! Catherine said firmly.
Is James home? the outsider asked, catching Catherine offguard.
Ah, thats something! Catherine thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared con.
Youre here for James? Catherine asked, though she meant to say something else.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is in, itll be harder for me, the woman replied, casual as if discussing the weather.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Catherine wondered, curiosity growing.
What do you want? Catherine finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Never! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. State what youre after, and quickly, Catherine replied.
Do you really expect me to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Catherine shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Catherine, are you all right? Why are you shouting? asked Mrs. Green, the neighbour who had just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello Mrs. Green! Alls fine. Hows the weather out there? Catherine tried to deflect.
It looks like rain is on its way, Mrs. Green answered, pausing by her own door, clearly intrigued by the commotion.
Come in, Catherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger forward.
Inside, the woman began to scan the flat with interest, her gaze lingering on various objects.
You have five minutes. Speak, Catherine said, blocking the path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Gwendolyn, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Oh, how original! Couldnt you think of something more inventive? Catherine snapped with a sarcastic smile.
Whats so unoriginal about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband walks away, Gwendolyn replied confidently, trying to slip past Catherine.
Are you sure he stopped loving me and fell for you? Catherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be here, Gwendolyn said boldly.
My husband knows nothing of love. He doesnt understand it at all, so youre terribly mistaken, Catherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, Mr James Whitaker sorry, Mr James couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Gwendolyn asserted.
Really? That sounds unlike him. So what do you want from me, Gwendolyn? Catherine asked, still probing.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Gwendolyn declared, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure you have the right man? Catherine asked, now more amused than angry.
Before Gwendolyn could answer, the door swung open and James stepped in, puzzled to see a stranger in the hallway.
Gwendolyn? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, Catherine said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James repeated, still confused.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Catherine replied with a grin.
Gwendolyn, blushing, hastily slipped on her coat and backed toward the door.
Youre leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Catherine joked.
But Gwendolyn was already beyond the threshold.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly bewildered.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Catherine asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She behaved oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Fine. You know I dont joke, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Catherine said, shaking her head.
James stared at her uncertainly, then sighed deeply. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all very strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Youre right, Catherine said with a small smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in without invitation. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James replied, pulling her into an embrace. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you and only you.
Catherine returned the hug, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their marriage was unshakable. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
