So, the other day, David got home a lot earlier than usualit was only half twelve. He walked through the front door and just stared in confusion while his wife was hurriedly dressing their sleepy little daughter. Meanwhile, their son was just quietly standing by the door.
Where are you off to at this hour? And why are you taking the kids? he asked.
Ive decided to leave you, David. I cant do this anymore, Sarah said, looking him in the eye, thinking back to how much she used to love him.
If thats what you want, then go! You made your choice, so get out! David shouted, completely ignoring the fact that his yelling was frightening the children. No one will want you with two kids. Idiot!
Well see about that, she replied, and walked out the door.
The first year of their marriage, Sarah felt like she was living a dream. She was just glowing with happiness, completely smitten with her handsome, successful husband, who used to treat her like a queen.
My darling, youll probably end up suffering with such a good-looking man, her mum would sometimes say, but Sarah always brushed it off and insisted that nothing could break them apart, because their love was so strong.
Then, one day, her whole world came crashing downSarah found out that David was having an affair. After their son was born, new problems crept in, and the pain just wouldnt leave her. Eventually, it seemed like David had come to his senses; their house was calm again and things seemed all right, apart from the fact that he was away on business trips quite a lot. Sarah comforted herself, telling herself that because of his work, they never had to worry about money and lived comfortably.
But after their daughter was born, those business trips became longer and more frequent. There was no point asking David anything, because his only response was always that she should focus on the kids and stop filling her head with rubbish.
Deep down, Sarah suspected he was still seeing someone else. She did her best not to dwell on it, knowing there wasnt much she could do about it, and telling herself that leaving him with two children would be absolutely mad. She kept quiet, even when she caught the scent of someone elses perfume on his clothes, or heard him whispering into the phone in another room. But, of course, theres always a breaking point.
Their little flat and her meagre salaryshe was just glad to have a job, since she had no experience whatsoeverbecame their reality. Sarah was running on autopilot, because she simply had to. Most days, she barely had enough energy for her son and daughter; shed given up on herself ages ago. So when someone suddenly placed a beautiful bouquet on her till at the supermarket, she was honestly taken aback.
These are for you! I just really want to see you smile. Maybe these flowers will cheer you up, even if its just a bit, said a manhe looked to be about thirty-fiveclearly a little nervous.
He was one of their regulars. Always bought the same things: sausages, brown sauce, coffee, a loaf, and a pack of pasties.
Im Robert! Your shifts almost up, let me walk you home, he offered.
It took ages for Sarah to warm up to Roberts interest; she just couldnt believe any man would be serious about a woman with two children. She knew that even their own father didnt want themhe hadnt rung once in over a year. Eventually, her nerves snapped and she blurted out:
You know Ive got two kids!
Thats perfect. I was actually planning a trip to the zoo this weekend, he replied, smiling.
Sarah was baffledshe couldnt get her head around the idea that a stranger would want to play with her children. Robert was the one who taught her son how to play draughts, and got her daughter up on skis for the first time. He was the one up in the middle of the night, popping down to the chemist when one of the children had a fever. At one point, Sarah thought maybe she should end it, but he just looked at her and said, Do you honestly think Id let go of the best thing that ever happened to me? Will you marry me?
Sarahs been Roberts wife for over five years now. Theyve had two more children, and all the neighbours joke about how much the kids look like their dad.
You know, theyre all really starting to look like you! Maybe its because you love them so much, she laughs.
Of course, darling, I love them with all my heartbecause theyre a part of you.Sarah smiled, resting her head on Roberts shoulder as the sound of childrens laughter drifted in from the garden.
I used to think nobody could love us, she whispered.
Robert squeezed her hand. I did. I do. I always will.
Just then, two small faces pressed against the window, calling for them to come join a game of hide and seek. Sarah glanced at Roberther partner, her friend, the man who had rebuilt her world day by day, choice by choice.
She stood, reaching for his hand. Outside, life waitedmessy and honest and impossibly sweet. And as their children squealed with delight at the sight of their parents running out to play, Sarah knew she hadnt just survived; she had finally come home.
Sometimes, she thought, real love turns up when every old dream has faded and brings with it a thousand new onesright where you least expect to find them.
