**Diary Entry**
Emily couldnt believe what was happening. Her husband, her rock, the man she thought would always stand by her, had just told her, I dont love you anymore. The shock was so immense she froze in place, watching numbly as he hurried around, packing his things and jingling his keys.
As if life hadnt already dealt her enough blows. Her father had passed suddenly not long ago, leaving her to care for her grieving mother and younger sisterdisabled since eighteen after a severe brain injury. They lived in the next town over. Her little boy, Jamie, had just started primary school. In June, the company she worked for shut down, leaving her jobless. And now this.
Emily buried her face in her hands and sobbed at the kitchen table. God, what do I do now? How do I go on? She gasped. Jamie! Ive got to fetch him from school! The weight of daily responsibilities forced her to her feet.
Mum, were you crying? Jamie asked when she collected him.
No, sweetheart, no.
Is it because of Grandad? I miss him so much.
Me too, love. But we have to be strong. Hed want that.
Wheres Dad?
Oh, hes away on business again. How was school?
She had to keep going. If he didnt love her anymore, so be it. You cant force affection. Maybe shed missed something in the chaos of life.
While Jamie ate lunch and played with his toy soldiers, Emily hesitantly checked the email on the computer her husband had left behind. Shed never done this before, but the login was still there in the corner.
David hadnt deleted his latest messages. His new love was in full swing, while shethe woman hed called his sunshine for ten years, then our darling mum after eight years struggling to conceivewas now discarded. Everything had changed, and she had to adjust.
First, she needed work. No one cared about her qualifications. The pittance from unemployment benefits solved nothing. What had gone wrong? How had her reliable, caring husband turned into a stranger overnight? The only explanation that made sense was that hed lost his mind.
Their half-built house stood unfinishedjust one livable room, but at least they had a roof. I need a job so badly, she whispered, fighting back tears. But there was no time to wallow.
Days of searching turned up nothing. Being a single mum with a first-grader narrowed her options. Then, one evening, her cousin Thomas called.
Em, still no word from David?
No.
Fancy a warehouse job?
Seriously?
I know its not ideal after everything. But its part-timeschool hours. Pays £10 an hour. Not much, but better than nothing. Well bring some spuds, onions, and a chicken tomorrow.
Tom, weve got our own hens. They keep us in eggs.
Good. Dont slaughter them yet.
Thanks. Hows Lucy?
Managing. Shes a fighter.
That was Thomasnever complaining, even though his wife was battling cancer. Emily sighed. There was hope yet. Thank God for family.
The job was straightforward, giving her moments alone to cry and wonderhow had it come to this?
Days turned to weeks, then months. A year later, Emily realised she could eat, sleep, even laugh again. Jamies school successes brought joy, though the pain flared when David visited for weekend custody. She never interferedJamies happiness came first.
She often wished she could ask, *What did I do wrong?* But she knew the truthit wasnt about her. Just a reckless new passion for him.
She remembered a film line: *Love lasts until the first turn, then life begins.* For her, love *was* life. For him? Evidently not.
That autumn felt like summers encorewarm, golden, with childrens laughter in the streets and chrysanthemums blooming in the garden. The day she met Michaels steady gaze was no differentjust a little brighter.
Let me help, he said, lifting groceries from her arms.
Im used to it.
Such a shamea lovely woman hauling heavy bags.
Do you make a habit of rescuing damsels outside shops?
Waited all my life for one like you.
She laughed, and soon they were both breathless with mirth.
Michael, he said, offering his hand, eyes still sparkling.
Emily.
Emilywhat a lovely name for a lovely woman.
Flattery wont work.
But honesty might. Fancy dinner?
Cant. Must fetch Jamie from after-school club.
You have a son?! You look twenty!
Thirty-five.
Same as me. Funny. But really, youre stunning.
And now?
Now Im intrigued. Most men dream of a son. His father?
Not up for discussion.
Fair. Then how about a weekend film? Child-friendly.
Jamies with his dad then.
Understood. Call if youre free. He handed her a card. *Dr. Michael Hart, Paediatric Haematologist.*
Serious job.
Leaves little time for chasing beauties.
Ill call, she promised.
That autumn *was* beautifulgolden leaves, warm days, long walks in the park. Their tenderness softened past pains, spinning them into a dance under falling leaves.
One evening, she shyly invited him for tea.
Em, dont take this wrongbut Id rather take you away. Somewhere special.
That weekend, they stayed in a lodge near the Lake District, like something from a fairy tale. She barely noticed the décorjust his warm brown eyes, his arms around her. She hadnt known intimacy could feel like this.
Michael, I love you, she whispered.
And I you.
Months later, they could hardly part.
Marry me, Em.
My divorce isnt final yet.
Then straight after. Before someone steals you.
No chance. But no fussjust us at the registry.
Thomas and Lucy witnessed their quiet ceremony. Her mother and sister sent joyous telegrams. Soon, they moved into a cosy flat, fixing it up together.
Michael carefully planned Jamies room. The boy, still adjusting to his parents split, was hesitant.
Em, lets test Jamies blood. Hes too pale.
Hes just stressed. Divorce is harder on kids than death, they say.
I knowmine divorced too. But lets check, eh, champ?
The day Michael came home grim-faced, Emily knew.
Leukaemia.
A new battle began. Emily took unpaid leave, holding Jamie through treatments. Stay strong, love. Well get through this.
When she was exhausted, Michael sent her to rest, staying with Jamie. Sleep rarely came.
Then David called, demanding she sign over the unfinished house.
Jamie can visit me here.
Visit him in hospital first.
Cant. Work trip.
Michael squeezed her shoulder. Well manage. Focus on Jamie.
Tests later, the lab director appeared.
Dr. Hart, where did you take him?
The Lakes. Why?
His bloods improved. Remission.
Michael burst into the ward, grinning.
Jamie! Youre getting better! What did you do?
Dad, remember the ships in my blood? I made the red ones win.
**Lesson learned:** Lifes storms may break us, but lovereal loverebuilds us stronger.
