You Can’t Go On Like This, Ksyusha. You’re Thirty, Yet You Live Like an Old Woman,” She Said, Sitting Down Beside Her Daughter.

You cant keep living like that, Em. Youre thirty, yet you act like youre already eighty, her mother said, settling beside her on the worn sofa.

Emily trudged home from the office, exhausted as she always was. The kitchen already smelled of roast potatoes and onions; Margaret was stirring something in a battered pan, muttering under her breath, then, as if on cue, placed a plate in front of her daughter.

Have a bite, love, itll cool down.

Mum, later, okay? I need to change out of work clothes first.

Emily slipped off her coat, kicked off her boots, and padded into the hallway. Little Sam was perched on the carpet, stacking blocks into a wobbling tower, humming a tune to himself. When he saw his mum, he squealed with delight.

Mum, look! My castles finished!

Emily smiled, pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

Wow, a real fortress. Should I be the princess?

No, Sam said solemnly, youll be the commander.

She laughed, and for a heartbeat her chest loosened. Tiny moments like this kept the hollow that had settled in her chest for almost six years at bay.

When Ian walked out of her life, Emily swore she would never again succumb to weakness. From then on, it was work, home, and Sam. Occasionally, when Sam drifted off to sleep, she would sit by the window, watching the occasional streetlamps flicker, and feel that life was slipping past her.

Margaret had watched it all, and sometimes the strain of Emilys existence seemed unbearable to her.

You cant keep this up, Em. Youre thirty, yet you live like an old woman, she would repeat, sitting close.

Im fine, Mum. Im not complaining.

Fine Margaret would mimic. From the office to the house, from the house back to the office. And after that?

After that Sam will grow, finish school

And then hell go, Margaret would add calmly. Who will you be left with? Im not forever.

Emily sighed, offering no reply. Margarets words werent born of cruelty; she simply understood how swiftly time passed.

One late evening, while they were sharing tea, Margaret steered the conversation again.

I saw a flyer on the neighbours door about a local singles club. People meet, have coffee, watch films together. Maybe you could give it a try?

Mum, seriously?

Whats wrong with that? Even respectable women sometimes crave a bit of male attention.

I dont want to, Emily cut in.

Dont want, or afraid?

Emily silently rinsed her cup. The very thought of such talks tightened her throat.

Mum, lets drop it. Ive been burned before. I dont want a repeat.

You never even tried the second time to see if theres a better half out there, Margaret sighed.

She fell silent, seeing that Emily wasnt ready to listen. Inside, however, a storm brewed: Emily had once been bright, smiling, loving. Now she was a shadow drifting through a schedule.

The weekend they took Sam outside, snow crackled under their boots, children whizzed down a hill. Margaret waved to a neighbour organising a childrens fête at the community centre.

Go on, Em, dont just sit at home, she urged. Sam will have fun and youll get a break.

Emily hesitated, then agreed.

The hall was bustling. Kids darted everywhere, adults huddled in clusters. Sam sprinted to a table piled with toys. Emily lingered at the edge, watching her son, when a tall man in a khaki jacket appeared beside her.

Excuse me, could you tell me where the junior changing rooms are? he asked politely.

Over there, two halls down, to the right, she replied.

Thanks. My daughter keeps losing her way in these corridors.

He smiled, warm and open.

Youre local then? he asked.

Yes, Emily blushed. I live just nearby.

Lucky, otherwise Id be lost forever.

He extended his hand.

Alex.

Emily.

They exchanged a few words, then he helped carry a box of gifts to the car.

It must be hard handling everything on your own, huh? he ventured gently.

I manage, she answered curtly.

He didnt pry further, just wished her luck with a friendly grin.

Back home, Margaret was waiting.

How was it? she asked.

Fine.

And the man? He seemed nice.

Emily looked puzzled.

How do you know?

I could see it in your eyes. You actually smiled for the first time in ages.

Emily brushed it off, yet a tiny spark lingered, a strange aftertaste of warmth breaking through the thick wall of solitude.

Later, when Sam was finally asleep, she whispered his name to herself, tasting it like a secret.

Alex she murmured.

A week passed after that winter fête. Emily slipped back into routine: work, home, caring for Sam. Alex faded like a passerby, but sometimes, when snow fell at night, she recalled his calm, reassuring smile, as if it hinted that life might still hold something worthwhile.

Soon the grind tightened again. The office was in crisis; a new manager took over the accounts department, demanding all Emilys time. She left late, only to be met with Sams homework and Margarets endless nagging.

Em, youre wearing yourself thin. Your face looks drawn, dark circles under your eyes.

Mum, its just the end of the month, Im fine.

One evening on the bus home, her phone buzzed. An unknown number.

Hello?

Emily? Its Alex. We met at the party. Remember?

She froze, recognizing his voice.

Yes Hello.

I saw you step off the bus near the Rainbow Shop. I wanted to say hi, but you were gone so fast. Thought Id call. Is that alright?

Emily hesitated, feeling both awkward and oddly pleased.

Its fine, she finally said.

Great. Want to meet? Ill be passing through your area tomorrow.

The next day they met at a café. Alex arrived in a fireenginered jacket, a folder tucked under his arm, looking rushed but still managing to order two coffees.

Here you go, warm you up, he offered.

Emily thanked him with a smile.

They sat on a park bench, conversation flowing as if theyd known each other forever. Alex spoke of a recent divorce, a sevenyearold daughter named Lily.

Youre raising Sam alone too? Emily asked, surprised.

Yes. It was hard at first, but I realised it wasnt the end of the world. It became a reason to keep going.

He spoke plainly, without selfpity. Emily felt a strange calm beside him, no judgment, just understanding.

When she got home, Margaret was already at the kitchen table, as if waiting.

So? she prompted, barely waiting for Emily to shrug off her coat.

Mum

Dont tell me it was him, from the club.

Which club? Emily blushed.

Come off it, Em. I saw you chatting with him at the bus stop.

Emily sighed, this time not arguing.

Hes nice. Just a friend.

Friend Margaret smirked. Before you start seeing someone, you ought to know them properly.

Days turned into weeks. Alex called now and then, checking on Sam, sometimes dropping by to fix a leaking tap or move a shelf. Margaret observed, pretending not to notice, though once she whispered, Thats what I call a friend. Good men dont just drift in.

Emily blushed, unable to answer. Inside, shame, confusion, and a longforgotten warmth tangled together.

One evening Alex suggested a skateout with Sam.

My daughter Lily often comes here. Sams energetic, they could have fun together.

Emily hesitated, then agreed.

The night was crisp, music drifting over the rink, children laughing. Alex held Lilys hand, teaching Sam to balance on blades. Then he offered his hand to Emily.

Come on, dont be shy.

I havent skated in ages

Perfect, lets start fresh.

She took his hand, and a shiver ran through her. The simple touch held so much heat that Emily nearly wept.

When they said goodbye at her doorstep, Alex murmured,

Emily, I dont want to rush anything, but I feel good with you and Sam. I havent felt useful in a long time.

She could only nod, eyes meeting his honest gaze.

Late that night, Margaret slipped into Emilys room. She sat on the windowsill, halfsmiling.

Feeling warmer now? she asked softly.

Mum I dont know. I just want to believe somethings not lost.

Margaret wrapped an arm around her.

Keep believing, love. If you can smile for no reason, theres still a road ahead.

Spring arrived early, mud spreading, sparrows tapping against the windows. For the first time in months, Emily felt a lightness in the house. Alex began appearing more often: bringing pastries for Sam, tossing apples from Lily, fixing the kettle. Margaret, watching from the doorway, softened her tone, no longer teasing her daughter but gently encouraging, as if she too believed happiness might return.

I never planned any of this, Emily said while clearing the table.

Plans arent needed. Things come and go. Just dont scare them away, Margaret replied, pouring tea. Hes a decent bloke, not one to let his hands stay idle.

Emily only smiled. She liked that Alex never invaded her thoughts, never demanded anything. Sometimes she caught herself waiting for his call, her heart ticking a little faster.

One Saturday he suggested a countryside outing.

Lily will join too. Well grill sausages, breathe fresh air. Kids need a break from screens, right?

The day unfolded perfectly: sunshine, laughter, the scent of smoke and new grass. Sam and Lily chased a ball while Margaret, content, sat in the car. Emily and Alex stood by the fire, quiet.

He turned, voice low,

I think Im getting used to you all.

To us?

Yes. To you and Sam. Its a bit scary, honestly.

She smiled, and everything inside turned upside down. No words were needed, just the silent presence.

But peace was fleeting. A week later, a knock sounded at the kitchen door. Sam burst in, eyes wide.

Mum, Uncles here! He says hes dad!

Emilys breath caught. In the hallway stood Andrew, her exhusband, the one whod left when she was pregnant.

Hey, Em, he said awkwardly, looking down. We need to talk.

Time seemed to rewind ten years. Same eyes, same aftershave, but now a strangers stare.

What do you want?

I I dont know how this happened, but Ive been a fool, he stammered. I thought about you all this time. My second marriage fell apart. I wanted to see my son.

Emily inhaled deeply.

My son? After all these years?

I get it, but give me a chance. I want to be there for Sam.

From the kitchen, Margaret emerged, arms flailing.

Thats just what we needed! The shame! The drama! And where were you when our girl cried at night?

Andrew stood, looking battered, but didnt leave.

Ill fix everything, I promise

Emily, eyes heavy, whispered,

Leave. Dont turn this into a performance for the boy.

Andrew frowned, left, the door closing behind him.

That night she couldnt sleep. Old betrayals, cheap tobacco smoke, his last shouted accusation You made it up, I never cheated! swirled in her mind.

A text buzzed from Alex: How was your day? Thought Id stop by but figured you were resting.

Emily stared at the screen, typed briefly, All good. Were resting.

Alex didnt push, but the next morning he appeared with a construction set for Sam, a cake for Margaret, and a bouquet of three roses for Emily.

You look downcast. Something wrong?

She forced a smile.

Just the past resurfacing.

An ex? he guessed.

She nodded.

He came. Said hed changed, wanted to be part of the family.

Alex fell silent, eyes drifting to the window.

If you decide to go back, Ill understand. Just dont fool yourself. Sometimes the past knocks not because it misses us, but because its grown cold.

His words pricked her. She wanted to answer but couldnt.

Later that evening Andrew returned, bearing a toy for Sam, trying to explain his longing. Emily held her breath until Sam retreated to his room.

Why do you keep coming back? she asked.

I want my family back.

Which family, Andrew? Its gone.

He stepped closer.

Ive changed, I swear.

Too late.

She moved to the window. Night had fallen, streetlights reflecting in the glass, and she spotted a familiar silhouette Alex, leaning by the gate, smoking, as if keeping watch.

Andrew, leave, she whispered. Dont tear what weve barely steadied.

He lingered a moment, then slipped away without a word. The door knocked.

May I? Alex entered softly. I saw him go. All good?

Yes. All right now.

He placed a hand on her shoulder.

No rush. Just know youre not alone. You have a shoulder to lean on.

She looked at him, finally allowing herself to believe: life could grant a second chance.

The summer turned sweltering, the air heavy, yet the house glowednot from sunlight but from the calm that slowly settled in.

Since Andrew finally vanished, everything fell back into place. Sam smiled more often, Margarets occasional grumble softened, and Emily lived without the dread that tomorrow might collapse everything.

Alex became part of their lives without fanfare or grand promises. He never tried to replace Andrew, never imposed on Sam, simply helped with potatoes from his garden, repaired a broken iron, drove the boy to school.

Mum, Uncle Leo invited me fishing today! Sam announced, backpack thudding. Can Lily come too?

Sure, Emily replied, laughing. Just dont forget your hat.

Sometimes Emily felt as if she were dreaming, fearing shed awaken back in that cold marriage where every word from her husband cut like a knife, where foreign ghosts lingered behind closed doors, and exhaustion sat like a permanent guest.

But then she saw Alex, in an oilstained shirt, fixing Sams bike, Margaret pouring him tea, and realised: this was real life, gentle and quiet.

One evening they all gathered on the balcony; Margaret knitted, the children played inside, Alex tinkered with a clock that had long stopped ticking.

How do you manage to do it all? Emily asked.

I just take my time, he chuckled. After the army I learned rushing is the enemy of happiness.

She gazed at him thoughtfully.

Arent you scared to let anyone else in again?

I was. But solitude is scarier. What about you?

Emily paused.

Im not afraid of a repeat, just of not believing if things turn out different.

He set the clock down, gently brushed her hand.

Then we try, step by step, and learn to trust.

She smiled, feeling a decadesold weight lift from her chest.

Weeks later Alex suggested a trip to his mothers village.

The house is big, the garden blooms, kids can run. Well just relax, he said.

The road stretched long but felt light. Lily and Sam chattered in the back seat, Margaret dozed, and Emily watched the rolling fields, marveling at how a single chance meeting could steer life toward a place she never expected to reach.

That night, by the campfire, Alex said,

I came here thinking Id help. Then I realised I need you. Not because Im lonely, but because youre strong, and being with you feels calm.

Emily stayed silent a while, then whispered,

I never thought Id hear words like that. Not about love or passion, but about peace. Thats where true happiness lives.

He embraced her, and they sat listening to the crackle of wood and childrens laughter by the water.

Autumn found them in an old cottage on the outskirts. Margaret urged,

Move in, stay while Im alive, get some fresh air. Im fine on my own.

The move was smooth. Alex helped lift boxes, Sam adopted a stray kitten he found on the road, Lily gathered a bouquet of daisies for the table.

Late night, Emily stepped onto the porch. The moon hung low, the scent of grass in the air. Alex joined her, hands on her shoulders.

What are you thinking?

That maybe, for the first time, everythings where it should be. No strain, no fear. Just life.

So you wont look back?

She shook her head.

No. Theres nothing of mine left there.

He pulled her close; the embrace held everything tenderness, gratitude, a quiet certainty that the past was finally released.