Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! I heard my wife say with a grin to the unknown woman standing on our doorstep.
Hold on a minute, Harriet! Someones at the door. Ill call them back once I know who it is and what they want, Katherine Smith muttered, ending a phone chat with her old school friend. Harriet had just been recounting, in great detail, the hilarity of her motherinlaws birthday party, which had kept Katherine laughing like she was watching a sitcom.
Katherine padded over to the entrance, peered through the peephole, and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour next door strangers rarely get past the secure entry of our block of flats. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before stood there, looking oddly out of place.
She decided not to open the door; better to steer clear of strangers, especially these days when scams are everywhere. Katherine lived by a strict rule: no conversation with unknowns. Scammers prey on gullible people, but she wasnt one of them.
She lifted the phone to continue her talk with Harriet, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Katherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to a mates garden to lend a hand. She returned to the door, looked through the peephole once more, this time studying the visitor more closely.
There was something both odd and pitiful about her, yet Katherine didnt sense any immediate threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finish the weekend in peace, Katherine thought. Maybe shes lost or just wants to sell something.
She acted quickly, pulled the door open, and the woman standing in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hello! Are you Katherine? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why else would I ask?
Katherine raised an eyebrow. Scammers 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 in, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Katherine snapped.
Is James home? the stranger demanded, catching Katherine off guard.
Thats something, Katherine mused, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. She must be a prepared con artist.
Are you here for James? Katherine asked, though she intended to say something entirely different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is inside, itll make things harder for me, the woman replied, casual as if discussing the weather.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Katherine wondered, curiosity piqued.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Katherine finally asked.
Perhaps we should step inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I wont let strangers into my flat. State what you want, and make it quick, Katherine 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? Katherine shouted louder than intended.
Just then, Mrs. Brown, the neighbour from flat three, emerged from the lift. Katherine, are you all right? Why are you shouting?
Oh, hello Mrs Brown! Alls fine. Hows the weather out? Katherine tried to deflect.
It looks like rain is on the way, Mrs Brown replied, lingering near the doorway, clearly interested in the commotion.
Come in, Katherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman began to scan the flat with obvious interest, her eyes flicking over the furniture.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Katherine warned, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Margaret, the woman announced, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? Thats a tired line. Couldnt you think up something more original? Katherine retorted with a sarcastic smile.
Whats so original about it? People fall in love; it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Margaret replied confidently, trying to slip past Katherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Katherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Margaret insisted.
My husband knows nothing about love. Hes clueless, so youre dead wrong, Katherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James I mean Mr James Smith cant keep his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declared.
Is that so? That doesnt sound like him at all. What do you want from me, Margaret? Katherine probed, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got a proper man? Katherine asked, now amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, bewildered to find a stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Is this about work? James asked, confused.
No, she came for you, Katherine replied, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James repeated, still staring at the woman.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Katherine said with a grin.
Flustered, Margaret quickly pulled on her coat and started backing toward the door.
Youre leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Katherine teased.
Margaret was already at 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? Katherine demanded, folding her arms.
Seriously?! James shouted, looking at her in disbelief. I have no idea whats going on. She acted odd at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would end.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women nowadays will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Katherine said, shaking her head.
James gave her an uncertain look, then sighed. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all rather strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Youre right, Katherine replied with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for standing by me. I dont want any more drama. Im with you, and only you.
Katherine returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Well get through anything together.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter what unexpected hurdles came their way, their marriage was unbreakable. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
