Dear Diary,
Tonight I found myself tangled in a most absurd little drama right outside my front door. It all began when I was on the phone with my old school friend Emily, who was recounting in vivid detail her motherinlaws birthday partya riot of jokes that had me laughing as though I were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Just as I was about to end the call, the doorbell rang. I glanced through the peephole, half expecting my neighbour, Mr. Patel, to pop in with a bag of groceries. Instead, a young woman Id never seen before stood there, her eyes bright and a slightly wary smile playing on her lips.
I hesitated. In these days of relentless scams, Ive made a firm rule: no chitchat with strangers. So I kept the door shut, hoping the lady would simply move on. A second ring shattered the quiet, and the persistence in her voice suggested she was convinced someone was home and that she needed an answer.
My husband, James, was out helping a mate with some garden work, so the flat was just me. I went back to the peephole, this time studying her a little more closely. Something about her was both odd and pitiable, yet I sensed no immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and ask her to leave? I could finish the weekend in peace, I thought. Maybe shes lost or selling something.
Summoning a little courage, I opened the door. The woman straightened, smoothing her hair nervously before she spoke.
Hello! Are you Charlotte? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you arewhy do you ask?
That made me smile wryly. Scammers today are getting more sophisticated; she even knew 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 go away, I said, trying to sound firm.
Is James at home? she asked, catching me off guard.
Now my suspicions rose. She knew my husbands name. Could she be a con artist?
Are you here for James? I asked, though I had a different answer in mind.
No, I just wanted to speak with you. But if James is inside, itll be harder for me, she replied, casual as if we were old acquaintances.
What do you mean harder? I wondered, curiosity edging my caution.
Does he have what youre looking for? I finally asked, trying to cut to the chase.
Perhaps we should step inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, she suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and Im not letting strangers into my home. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, I replied, my nerves tingling.
Just then Mrs. Newman, the woman from flat three, emerged from the lift. Everything alright, Charlotte? Why are you shouting? she called.
Oh, hi Mrs. Newman! All fine. Hows the weather looking? I tried to deflect, hoping the neighbours curiosity would die down.
It looks like rain’s on its way, she said, lingering a moment, clearly intrigued.
Reluctantly I gestured the stranger inside, hoping the situation would resolve itself once she was out of the hallway.
Inside, she began to scan the flat, eyeing everything with a curious glance.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, I said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Margaret, she said, slipping off her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? How cliché! Couldnt you think of something more original? I retorted, a sarcastic smile tugging at my lips.
Whats so cliché about that? People fall in lovethats life. Youre not the first wife whose husband walks out on her, Margaret replied, moving past me with a confidence I found unsettling.
And youre sure hes stopped loving me and has fallen for you? I asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be here, she said boldly.
My husband knows nothing about love. He doesnt understand what it means. So youre quite mistaken, dear, I replied evenly.
We work together, and ever since I joined his team, Jamessorry, Mr. James Whitakercouldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret went on.
Is that so? That sounds uncharacteristic. What exactly do you want from me, Margaret? I pressed, my curiosity now fully piqued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, she declared, standing her ground.
So you expect me to let my husband go, even though he hasnt said a word about a divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? I asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door burst open and James stepped in, clearly surprised to see a stranger in our hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? he asked, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, I said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James repeated, still trying to make sense of it all.
No, love. Shes come to take you away. Completely, I replied with a grin.
Margaret, suddenly flustered, grabbed her coat and hurried toward the door.
Already leaving? And what about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, I teased.
She was already beyond the threshold.
What was that all about? James asked, utterly confused.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? I demanded, crossing my arms.
Honestly, I have no idea, James sputtered. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to all this nonsense.
Good. Because, James, Im not joking. Women these days will do anything to fix their chaotic lives, I said, shaking my head.
He looked at me uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. I suppose Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all rather strange. Thank goodness you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Youre right, I replied, a faint smile playing on my lips. But know this: I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk into our home uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling me into an embrace. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im yours, and only yours.
I returned his hug, feeling that despite the bizarre encounter, our bond had become even stronger. I know, James. Im with you. Together well get through anything.
In that moment, both of us sensed that no matter what unexpected hurdles might appear, our marriage would remain unshaken. Nothing could tear us apart today.
