Emma Thompson opens her husband Marks laptop and discovers a chat with her sister.
Lena, how many times do I have to say it? I already told you I forgot! Mark slaps the table, the mugs clink. Forgot, I swear, not on purpose!
Forgot! Every single time! Emmas voice trembles as she stands in the kitchen, eyes red from crying. Thats the third time this month! Jack has a test tomorrow and needs his textbook! You promised to go to the shop!
Couldnt you do it yourself? Are your hands useless? Mark snaps.
I was at work until eight! You left earlier, you could have popped in!
Mark jumps up, shoving his chair aside. You know what, Im fed up with your complaints! Im always the bad guy! He grabs his coat. Im going for a walk or Ill lose it!
The door shuts hard. Emma slumps into a chair, burying her face in her palms. Tears sting, but she doesnt want Jack to see her cry. Jack sits in his room, pretending to study, but he must have heard the whole argument.
She wipes her eyes, rises, and tells herself to calm down. It isnt the first time they argue, but lately something has changed. Mark has become irritable and distant, arriving home late, answering questions with a single word, and constantly glued to his phone.
Emma walks to the bedroom and sits on the bed. The October rain drizzles against the window, gloomy. She glances at the nightstand where Marks laptop lies. He left it there in his haste to go for his walk, something he never does.
She reaches for it, then pulls her hand back. What am I doing? Spying on my husband? Thats low. Yet her hand moves of its own accord, lifts the lid, and the screen lights up with their family photoMark, Emma, and little Jack at their parents cottage, smiling and hugging. That must have been about three years ago.
She slides a finger across the touchpad, enters the passwordJacks birthdateand the desktop appears, full of folders and program icons, nothing suspicious. She opens the browser; the history shows news sites and an autoenthusiast forum, which makes sense. She clicks the mail clientjust work emails, newsletters, and spam.
Shes about to close it when she notices a messenger icon at the bottom of the screen. She hovers over it and clicks.
A chat window pops up. The first contact is Lucy, Emmas sister.
Her heart drops. Emma stares at the screen, unable to believe what she reads. Lucy? Why is Mark messaging Lucy? Theyve never been close. Lucy lives in another city and they see each other only once a year at holidays.
Emma opens the conversation.
Mark, thanks a lot! You have no idea how much this means to me.
No problem, Lucy. Happy to help. Just dont tell Lena for now, okay?
Of course I wont. Shed never understand. You know how she can be
Exactly why I wanted to talk to you first.
Emma feels a cold wave spread through her. What are they hiding? She scrolls up. The chat began about six weeks ago.
Hey Mark, sorry to bother you out of the blue. I need your help. Can we talk?
Sure, Lucy. I can call you back in twenty minutes.
From then on the messages are frequentLucy complains about work, loneliness, and Mark offers advice. Then:
Ive decided to come Saturday. Will you meet me?
Sure, where and when?
At the station, three oclock. Thanks, youre a true friend.
Emma checks the datelast Saturday. She remembers Mark leaving early, saying he was heading to a friends cottage, but he returned late that night. So he didnt go to a friend; he met Lucy. Why keep it secret?
Her hands shake as she reads further.
Mark, Im so grateful! You saved me!
No need to thank me. Just glad things are working out.
Well make it work, I believe in you.
Later, yesterday evening:
Mark, Ill be back soon. Miss you. Want to meet?
Sure, but be careful. Lena seems suspicious.
Dont worry, I understand. See you.
Emma slams the laptop shut, stares at the wall, her mind a storm of doubt. Infidelity? A secret affair with her own sister?
She tells herself it cant be. Lucy has been her childhood playmate, the one who once stole her boyfriend Max in school. Emma had forgiven her then, thinking it was just a teenage drama. Lucy later stood beside her at her wedding, laughing and hugging her, saying, Emma, youre lucky! Mark is a catch! Emma had brushed it off.
Now the memories swirl. Emma paces the room, trying to steady herself. Maybe Lucy just needed help, maybe Mark was merely being a good brotherinlaw. But why hide it?
Footsteps echo in the hallwayMark returns. Emma drops onto the bed, pretends to be asleep, closes her eyes. She hears him move to the kitchen, then the bathroom, then back to the bedroom, soft steps.
Lena, are you awake? he whispers.
She stays silent. Mark sighs, lies down beside her, and soon his breathing steadies as he falls asleep.
Emma lies awake, staring at the darkness.
Morning arrives, and Emma feels bruised and headachefilled. Mark is cheerful, perhaps too cheerful, pouring coffee.
Lena, Im sorry about yesterday, he says. I really did forget Jacks textbook. Ill buy it after work today.
Fine, Emma mutters, not meeting his eyes.
Are you mad at me? he asks.
No. Just feeling lousy.
Maybe you should take a sick day, rest a bit.
Maybe.
He kisses her cheek quickly, then leaves for work. Jack grabs his backpack, and Emma watches him go, alone.
She reopens Marks laptop, scans the chat again, looking for clues but finding none. Frustrated, she dials Lucy. After endless rings, Lucy answers, sounding sleepy.
Hello, Lena? Lucy says. Whats up?
Nothing. Just we havent talked in ages.
Yeah, works been crazy. How are you?
Okay Listen, are you planning to visit us?
A long pause.
No, why?
Just wondering. Its been a while.
Im swamped, maybe New Years if I can break free.
They exchange a few more pleasantries, then hang up. Lucys denial clashes with the earlier messages. Emma senses shes hiding something.
The day drags on; Emma cant focus at work, coworkers ask if shes all right. She shrugs it off as a headache.
Evening comes earlier than usual. Jack does his homework; Mark is still not back. Emma cooks dinner, sets the table, rehearses what shell say.
Mark arrives at eight, beaming.
Hey family! he shouts, waving a book. Got Jacks book!
Jack runs over, grabs it, and shouts, Thanks, Dad!
Mark jokes, Dinner ready? Im starving like a wolf!
They eat in silence. Emma watches Marks easy banter with Jack and feels a churn inside. When Jack retreats to his room, Emma cant hold back any longer.
Mark, we need to talk.
He looks up.
About what?
Your chat with Lucy.
Marks face pales, his eyes widen.
What chat?
Dont play dumb. I saw it on your laptop.
You you looked through my laptop? his voice rises.
Yes! I found all those interesting things! Youve been meeting my sister secretly!
No, Lena, its not what you think
What do you think then? That youre cheating with my own sister?
Mark jumps up, frantic. No, youve got it all wrong!
Then explain! Why were you meeting?
He runs a hand over his face, sits back down.
I was helping Lucy. She lost her job, had no money, and was too embarrassed to tell you. She asked me to look for work for her here, in our city.
Emma stays quiet, digesting the explanation.
Lucy wants to move here? she asks slowly.
Yes. Ive been setting up interviews, connecting her with contacts. She wanted to surprise you by showing up after everything was settled.
Why didnt you tell me?
She feared youd object, that youd think she was trying to impose herself.
Emmas skepticism lingers.
Mark, swear theres nothing between you two.
He takes her hand, meets her gaze.
I swear, Lena. I love you alone. Lucy is just my sisterinlaw, and I helped her because I cant turn my back on family.
Emma puts the phone down, still unsure.
Fine, she says quietly. Ill try to believe you.
They hug, and Emma leans into Mark, feeling the familiar scent of his aftershave. Doubt still knots inside, but she decides to let it go.
A week later Lucy calls.
Lena! Big newsIm moving in! Got a job, cant wait!
Really? When?
In a month. Already have a flat near you.
Great, Lucy.
When Lucy finally arrives, the three of them meet in a café. She looks brighter, smiling, hugging Emma warmly.
Lena, Im so glad well be close now! she chirps.
Mark shakes her hand, congratulates her on the new job. Emma watches, trying to catch any hint of something more, but sees only ordinary family interaction.
Days turn into weeks. Lucy settles in, brings pastries, chats with Emma in the kitchen, plays with Jack. Mark remains friendly, nothing suggestive. Emma begins to relax.
One evening Lucy shows up, upset.
Lena, can I stay the night? My flat burst a pipe, the plumber wont be here till tomorrow.
Of course, Emma says, leading her to the livingroom sofa.
They drink tea late into the night. Eventually Lucy asks, Lena, is everything okay with you and Mark?
Emma stiffens.
Why do you ask?
Hes just a bit tired lately, I guess.
Maybe you should look after him. Hes a good bloke.
Emma nods, feeling the question linger.
Later, in the middle of the night, Emma gets up for water. She passes the lounge and hears a rustle. Lucy sits on the sofa, phones light glowing.
Oh, Lena, you scared me! Lucy says.
Cant sleep? Emma asks.
No, just thinking.
They talk quietly until Emma returns to bed, still uneasy.
Morning arrives, Lucy leaves early, thanking Emma again. Mark is already at the kitchen, sipping coffee.
Morning, Emma says.
Morning. Lucy left?
Yeah.
Mark glances at his phone. Emma asks, Do you have feelings for Lucy?
He looks surprised. What? No! Why would you think that?
Just I notice the way you look at her sometimes.
I told you, I love you. Lucy is just family.
Emma sips her tea, trying to believe him.
Weeks pass, and Lucys visits become less frequent as work gets busy. Emma feels a small relief.
One evening, Emma returns from work and sees Marks car parked outside the flat where Lucy livesa car she didnt expect to see there. She climbs the stairs, opens her door, and finds Mark and Lucy standing in the hallway, talking in low tones.
Lucy says, I cant keep this up, Mark.
I understand, but we have to sort the paperwork for the flat. The landlord wants a new tenancy agreement.
Emma coughs, startling them.
Hey, Lena, hi! Mark forces a smile. Youre early today.
What are you doing here? Emma asks, voice flat.
Lucy stammers, I asked Mark to help with some documents the tenancy stuff.
Emma eyes them both, sensing falsehood.
Lucy, go home. Mark, we need to talk.
Lucy looks frightened, grabs her bag, and rushes out. The hallway falls silent.
Emma turns to Mark, arms crossed. Tell me the truth, now.
Mark avoids her gaze, looking at the floor.
Lucy shes been battling severe depression. She tried to end her life after moving away. Im the only one she felt she could turn to. Shes seeing a therapist, but shes fragile and asked me not to involve you because you already have enough on your platework, the kids, the house.
Emma feels the weight of his words.
Why didnt you tell me?
He swore hed keep it from you. He thought it would spare me more stress.
Emmas head spins. I I had no idea.
Mark reaches out, his hand trembling. Now you know. Please be gentle with her. Any harsh word could push her over the edge.
Emma sinks onto a chair, trying to process. Im an idiot, she whispers. A complete fool.
Not a fool, Mark says softly. Just unaware.
She grabs her phone, dials Lucy. The call goes straight to voicemail. She tries again, same result.
I need to see her, Emma says, standing abruptly.
Give her a moment, Mark replies. Shes still waking up.
Emma throws on her coat and bolts down the stairs, racing to Lucys flat. She bangs on the fourthfloor door. Lucy finally opens, eyes red.
What do you want? Lucy asks.
Lucy, Im sorry, Emma says, pulling her into a hug. I didnt know. Mark told me everything.
Lucy sobs, leaning into Emma. I was ashamed. I didnt want you to see me like this.
They sit on the sofa, Lucy spilling the story of how she slipped into darkness, how Mark answered her call in the night, how he encouraged her to move back and get treatment.
Emma listens, tears mixing with empathy and relief. Well get through this together, she promises.
Back home before dawn, Emma finds Mark waiting in the kitchen, eyes halfopen.
How did it go? he asks.
We talked. Shes okay now. Emma embraces him. Thank you for being there for her, for not abandoning us.
Youre family, Mark replies. I couldnt turn my back.
Emma whispers, I love you.
He kisses her forehead.
The morning light streams through the window as they stand together, the kitchen warm, and Emma finally believes that the laptop chat was not betrayal but a desperate call for help, that Mark never cheated, and that Lucys struggle was real. She realizes the greatest lesson is to trust, to support, and to build rather than break.
She feels grateful for the hardwon understanding.
