Get Out of Here, I Never Loved You Anyway!” – Mykola Shouted After His Young Wife as She Left the Flat with Their Small Child

Get out of here, I never loved you! Nicholas shouted after his young wife as she fled the flat, cradling their infant son.

Finally youve had the courage to admit it. Though I understood it perfectly well myself; you didnt have to say it, the woman replied.

Emily glanced at the man slumped in his armchair, a halfempty bottle clutched in his hand. In that instant she realised the right thing to do.

Any lingering doubt vanished as she looked at her little boy, smiled at him, and headed for the front door.

Emily didnt yet know where those doors would lead. It would be unfair to claim that life after she left Nicholas was a fairytale of happiness.

She moved from one rented flat to another, took endless parttime jobs, kept Sam in her arms and never found any help. Her mother had died, her father was a distant memory from childhood, and she knew nothing of his whereabouts. She didnt even want to find out.

She thought:

If he wanted to meet his daughter, hed have found a way. If he didnt, he simply didnt care.

But the story isnt about him; its about Emily.

Emily and Nicholas had met at a nightclub. He was goodlooking, welldressed, and handed out compliments, though a little smug. Emily ignored that flaw, a mistake she later regretted.

Nicholas grew up without a father, but he had plenty of caretakersgrandmother, mother, aunt. Everything revolved around him, just as it always had: childhood, youth, adulthood. When he married Emily and moved her into his flat, nothing really changed; everything still turned around him, and he enjoyed it.

Their marriage collapsed quickly. Why? Because Emily refused to become his perpetual nanny. They lived together a year before the baby arrived and two years after. Then she could no longer bear it, packed her things, and left.

Twenty years had passed since their divorce. Sam was now an adult, studying at university. Nicholas never sought contact with his son and showed no interest in his fate, but Emily never pressed him either. She had raised Sam on her own.

One crisp morning Emily walked to work in a sour mood. Summer had gone, and the velvet of autumn was giving way to the first snow, which fell slowly, crunching under her boots.

She walked slowly, no longer racing from one job to another. Her life had finally settled into a rhythm.

Sam not only attended university but also held a parttime job. Emily herself had risen to head of her department and earned a respectable salary in pounds.

Emma, where are you rushing off to? Its still early, she called to the young assistant who was hurrying past.

Oh, MsAnderson, hello, the girl replied, wiping a tear from her cheek and masking a dark circle with cheap concealer.

Emma, whats happened again? Why do you stay with him if you hate yourself so much?

I I dont know, the girl sobbed, unable to hide her feelings any longer. Emily saw herself in the girls anguish.

Look over there, Emily said, pointing to a bench dusted with fresh snow.

Where? Emma asked, glancing around and forgetting her tears.

See those sparrows? Theyre huddled, cold, waiting for better days. Summer gives them warmth and plenty to eat.

And? Emma prompted.

In three or four months spring will return, and theyll fill the air with song again, Emily explained.

Thats true, Emma agreed.

Your life is the same. Bad times will pass, but you cant just sit still. You must take charge, truly desire change, and find the strength within, understand?

Emma looked at her mentor and said:

Youre strong, polished, beautiful. Im

Dont be modest! Youre bright and capable. You can reshape your life, you just need the will and the courage.

Emma nodded.

Lets finish work, then think about what to do about your situation this evening.

Alright, lets go.

The workday flew by. That evening Emily approached Emma.

How are you holding up?

Honestly, I dont even feel like going home.

Then dont. Pick up your daughter from nursery and come to my flat. You can stay the night; well sort things out tomorrow. The morning will be wiser.

Its inconvenient

Forget it! Bring Katie from nursery, then come over. I baked a strawberry tart yesterday; well have tea.

Ill set up a spare cot in Sams room; you can use the sofa there. It folds out.

Emma agreed. It was the first calm evening shed known in years. Emily even thought Emma seemed less clumsy than usual.

The next morning Emily helped her find a new flat and move in. Emmas life, like Emilys once had been, began anew.

Three months later Emma asked Emily to look after Katie while a court hearing regarding her divorce took place. Emmas husband was ordered to pay child support. She was overjoyed; the nightmare that had haunted her for years finally ended.

On a Friday at work, Katie approached Emily:

Emily, would you like to come over for tea on Saturday? Weve already put up the Christmas tree.

Ill be there.

The following day Emily stopped at a shop for biscuits and a chocolate bar for little Katie before heading to Emmas house.

Emily, Im so grateful. You literally saved my life, Emma said, tears in her eyes.

No, Emma, you saved yourself. You wanted change, and it happened. I was once in your shoes.

Emily shared her own story; Emma listened intently, amazed at how far her boss had come. They looked at a photo album together, seeing pictures of holidays with Sam, trips abroad, and countless small joys. Katie, momentarily forgetting her dolls, examined the photographs with wide eyes.

So, have you ever married again? Emma asked, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

No, love hasnt worked out for me, but Im sure youll find your true happiness, Emily replied warmly.

Thank you. I hope you find yours too, Emma answered, embracing her boss.

They said goodbye. Katie ran to the hallway.

Aunt Emily, will you come again? she asked.

Of course, whenever you invite me, Emily replied, hugging the little girl.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, see you Monday, Emily called as she left the building.

Outside a real preChristmas blizzard swirled. Emily walked past brightly lit shop windows when a voice called:

Miss, wait!

She turned without expectation; a middleaged man was hurrying toward her.

What are you running from? he asked, smiling.

What do you want? Emily replied.

You dropped your gloves. I saw them when I left the shop, he handed them to her.

Oh, thank you! she said.

Im Edward, he introduced himself.

Im Emily, she answered.

What a peculiar name! May I give you a lift?

Im not far, but

Dont refuse. Its a storm

Alright.

Edward proved to be a pleasant driver. They chatted as the car stopped for a pedestrian. A tall, thin man stumbled across the road, clearly unsteady. The headlights caught his face, and Emilys heart lurched it was Nicholas, her exhusband. He turned away without a word and disappeared.

Emily, where will you spend New Years Eve? Edward asked.

I havent decided, she said.

Then why not spend it together? Ill take you to a nice restaurant; itll be fun.

Emily smiled.

Why would I say no? I deserve happiness.

Then lets do it, Edward replied, grinning.

She accepted, feeling a spark of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, the New Year would bring the love she had long deserved.

The story ends with a simple truth: when you brave the cold and keep moving forward, spring will always return, bringing new chances and brighter days.