And what exactly are we doing here? Why are we breaking into someone else’s house?

**Diary Entry**

*10th June, 2023*

And what are we doing here? Why are we breaking into someone elses house?

Its over, Emily. Finished. I want a real familychildren. You cant give me that. Ive waited long enough, been patient. I need a son. The divorce papers are filed. Youve got three days to pack. Ring me when youre gone. Im staying at Mums for now. Hurry upIve got to get the flat ready for the baby and its mother. Oh, dont look so shocked. My fiancées expecting. Three daysthats all youve got.

Emily stayed silent. What could she say?

Children had never happened for them. Daniel had waited five years already. Three failed attempts in that time. Countless doctors, all saying the same thingshe was perfectly healthy. So why did it never work? Shed lived right, done everything by the book.

This time, shed felt faint at work. Theyd called an ambulance, but it all happened too fast

The door slammed behind Daniel. Emily slumped onto the sofa, drained. She had no willno strengthto gather her things. And where would she go?

Shed lived with her aunt while studying, before the wedding. The aunt was gone now, her son had sold the place. Back to her grandmothers cottage in the village? Find a rented flat? What about her job?

Too many questions, and she had to answer them quickly

Early the next morning, the door opened. Her mother-in-law walked in.

Not asleep? Good. Ive come to make sure you dont take what isnt yours.

Your sons old boxers arent exactly on my list. Shall we tally up my knickers too?

Cheeky cow! You were all sweetness and light before. Look how things turned out. I told Danny after the first timeyoud never give him a child.

Is that why youre here? Then sit quietly and watch.

Why are you packing the china?!

Its mine. Left to me by my aunta keepsake.

And now the place will look empty without it!

Not my concern. At least youll have a grandson.

Only take whats yours!

The laptops mine. The coffee maker, the microwavegifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.

Youve got everythingexcept the ability to have children!

Thats none of your business. Theres nothing wrong with meperhaps it just wasnt meant to be.

You dont even seem sorry! Maybe you did this on purpose?

Dont be absurd. The thought alone is painful.

Emily scanned the flat. Her things were gone. Toothbrush, makeup, slippers Had she forgotten something? Her mother-in-laws glowering made it hard to think.

Then she rememberedthe old figurine of a cat. A little secret, one shed never shared, not even with Daniel. Inside it were a pair of earrings and a ring. Worth little, but preciousher grandmothers. Danny had always called it clutter. Had he thrown it out? His habit was to stash unwanted things on the balcony. She opened the door

Whats out there that you need? Pack up and go! her mother-in-law snapped. Saying goodbye to the flat? Well, say it. Youll never have anything like this again.

The cat was there, undisturbed. Now she could leave.

Here are the keys. Goodbye. I hope we never meet again.

She drove to the office. Still on sick leave, she requested holiday instead.

Were all sorry for you, but how will we manage? Three weeks enough? Just stay reachablehalf our projects depend on your input.

Fine. The distraction will help. Thanks.

Need anything?

No.

Ill sort your holiday pay and bonus.

Thanks. Thatll help.

She didnt bother house-hunting. Instead, she drove to the village. No one waited for her there. Her grandmother had passed three years ago; shed never known her mother, lost in childbirth.

And now, somehow, Emily couldnt conceive

An hour later, she was home. The apple tree. The tulips.

The last time she and Daniel had been here was autumnbarbecues, relaxation.

She pulled into the drive. The garage key was inside. She unlocked the door and stepped in. Silence. Dirty cups and plates on the table. Had she left it like this last time?

Noshed cleaned. Someone had been here.

Two mugs, plates, juice cartons, bottles of Daniels favourite sparkling wine. Not from autumn.

So hed been herewith whom?

Didnt matter. Not anymore

Only she had a house key. He mustve had a copy made. Time to change the locks.

New life. Cleaning first, then a hot bath. Shed wash away the past.

As she stepped out, a knock came at the door. Then at the window.

Whos there?

Everything alright?

Yes she answered, startled.

Sorry.

A stranger stood outside.

Didnt mean to scare you. Im your neighbour. Saw youd been gonesmoke from the chimney today. Wanted to check you were okay.

Thanks, Im fine.

Youre related to Daniel? He was here recently with his wife Sister?

No. His soon-to-be ex-wife. Its in process.

The house yours?

Yes.

Im your temporary neighbour. Staying herefriends place. Divorce pending. Free as of tomorrow. Sorryif youre alright, Ill go. Need help, just ask. Im James.

Emily. Waitcould you fix a new lock?

Sure. Say when.

As soon as possible. Ill buy one tomorrow.

Let me handle itsave you the trip.

Alright.

Two weeks passed. One more week of holiday, then back to the city. Emily had settled inno desire to leave. Daniel hadnt called, hadnt written. Just a text with the divorce date. For the best. She couldnt face him.

Saturday morning. Early riser as always, but today James had asked her to walk by the lake.

Starting something new wasnt the plan, but a stroll was harmless. They had a good time, returned for lunch. Daniels car was outside. Freshly arrived. The door openedout he stepped, then helped a pregnant woman out.

Emily and James reached the gate as Daniel fiddled with the door.

Whats this?

And what are *we* doing here? Breaking into someone elses house?

Daniel froze.

This is *our* house! the pregnant woman shrilled.

Really? Did Danny tell you that? This is *my* house. Kindly leave.

Danny, whats she saying?! Who is this?! Your ex?! Get rid of her!

Emily and James laughed. Daniel wordlessly bundled his companion back into the car and drove off.

Hes in for a fun life.

At least shell give him a child. I couldnt. Three tries. Sorry.

We divorced because my wife didnt want kids

Four years later, a chance encounter with her ex-mother-in-law at the supermarket.

Emily, I barely recognised you. Been watching you. Youre glowing. Are youpregnant?

Yes. She rested a hand on her bump.

Daniels not well. The boys weaksomething wrong on his side. His wife left, dumped the child on us. Youre doing this alone?

No. Ive a family. Theyre waiting.

Oh? Im sorry for everything.

Good luck to you.

Her ex-mother-in-law watched as Emily walked awayJames beside her, one arm supporting her, the other holding a little girl who looked just like her mother.

*Sometimes lifes greatest wounds lead to its sweetest blessings. Patience isnt just waitingits trusting the unseen hand guiding us forward.*