You Must Never Take What Isn’t Yours

You Mustnt Take What Isnt Yours
Emily was the treasured only child of her parents, the apple of their eye. Everything revolved around her. Her parentscultured and educatedboth worked at a prestigious research institute in Oxford; her father was a lecturer. As far back as Emily could remember, their elegant home was always full of guests.
Her mother, Helen, had a talent for cooking and would bake magnificent pies, laying the table with such care that each meal felt like a celebration.
Helen, youre always true to formeverything’s beautiful and delicious. One look at your table and my appetite’s already running wild, guests would tease every time they visited.
Emily did well at schoolnot top of her class, but she always earned solid As and Bs. She was never pushed to study; her parents trusted her to take responsibility. Shed come home, change, have a bite to eat, and settle down to do her homework.
Emily, did you make it to your music lesson today? her mother would ask.
Yes, Mum, I just got back, Emily replied.
She studied violin at the local music school. Playing brought her genuine joywhenever she held the instrument, shed lose herself in a sweep of inspiration. Her music teacher always held her up as an example.
Those school years slipped by quickly. Emily was sociable and kind, surrounded by friends. Living in London, she dreamed of going to university right there.
You dont need to worry, Emily. Your parents work at the university. Theyll get you in, one way or another. Id never make it, not with my grades, said her friend Sarah.
So where do you plan to go?
Nowherestraight to work, Sarah replied, Mums bringing me up on her own and pulling as hard as she can. Time I started earning, maybe it’ll make life easier for her.
Emily couldn’t imagine growing up under those circumstances; her own parents earned well, and she lacked for nothing.
Mum, Dad, I need a new dress and shoes for prom, she reminded them.
Of course, darling. Tomorrows Saturdaywell go round the shops, Helen promised.
They found Emily a stunning dress, matching shoesnow all that was left was to pass her exams, enjoy prom, and then step into adult life.
Emily got into Imperial College Londonher parents managed a few strings behind the scenes, but she would have made it on her own. Her mother was just so well connected she figured it was best to be prepared.
Well, that’s ityour daughters officially a student! Emily exclaimed excitedly, having spotted her name on the acceptance list.
Congratulations, love, her father cheered, gifting her a new mobile phonea luxury at the time.
Emily loved university: the classes, the professors, her new friends. Life was nothing like schoollate-night study sessions, parties, coursework, endless new experiences. She and Sarah rarely met now; Emily’s schedule was packed, and Sarah worked at a factorya whole different world with its own rhythms.
Summers were spent with student construction crewsa vibrant, lively time. Emily was pretty and outgoing, popular among the boys, although shed yet to have a serious relationship.
In her final year, Emily met Arthur. Hed finished his national service and worked in an appliance repair shop. They met by chance at a cinema; she was finally out for a rare afternoon with Sarah.
Hello girls, mind if I join you? Arthur said politely as they sipped cocktails in the theatre café.
Sure, Sarah replied, and Arthur looked straight into Emilys eyes.
Im Arthur. Its busy here today, he said, glancing around and apologising for intruding.
Im Sarah, and this is Emily, Sarah replied, smiling.
A mate told me to catch this new film, Arthur explained.
So have we. Feels like ages since weve had time. Sarah works, Im at uni, Sarah said, growing fond of Arthur, though his attention was clearly fixed on Emily.
They agreed to meet up after the screening, since their seats were far apart. The three wandered into the night, Arthur saw them homefirst Sarah, then Emilyand asked for her phone number.
Arthur was strikingly handsome and great to talk to, well-read and witty. Emily fell for him, and within six months, they were married. Her parents approved after meeting Arthur; he quickly won them over.
Emily started work after graduation, but soon went on maternity leave and gave birth to her son, Oliver. She was blissfully happy with Arthurhe was a caring husband and father, always devoted to his family.
Mum, Im so lucky to have Arthur, Emily often said. With him, I feel safe.
Im glad for you, love. Arthurs a proper family man, Helen replied, and Emilys father adored his son-in-law; they played chess together and shared endless conversations.
But happiness, it seems, isn’t endless. Oliver was five when tragedy struck. Arthur and Emily were driving when a motorcycle sped towards them. Emily was thrown from the carperhaps that saved her. Arthur died instantly. Thankfully, Oliver was with his grandparents.
Oh God, why? Emily whispered in the hospital. Her mother sat in tears beside her.
Thank God you woke up, Emily, Helen sobbed. Broken leg and ribs, but youre alive.
Emily buried Arthur while still in a wheelchair. Recovery was slow, with her parents helpshe lived with them and Oliver. Depression haunted her; only Oliver kept her going.
Thank you, Lord, she prayed, gazing at the small religious painting in the corner. Where would Oliver be without you? Im alive because of my son.
Emily had to start life anew.
Mum, Ive decided to move to the seaside, she declared. Theres our cottage down in Brighton. The climate will do me good, and Oliver loves the sea. You’ll visit us. Here, everything reminds me of Arthur.
Her parents agreed. Settling on the coast, Emily found peaceshe became a hotel manager and began to rebuild her life. Oliver started school. On weekends, theyd soak up sun on the beach, relax, spend time together.
One day, Emily lost her wedding ring at the beach. The ring was preciousa memento of Arthur. She wept as she sifted through the sand.
Why the tears? came a gentle masculine voice. Lost something?
My ring… It means everything to me.
Who wears rings to the beach?
I do! Any more questions?
Alright, lets find it, said the man. Im James. And your name?
Emily, she answered. Together, they sifted sand through their fingerseventually finding the ring tucked away in her clothes.
Thank you, James.
Been here long? James asked. Im down with a matehe stayed at the hotel, overdid it last night, so here I am solo.
I actually live here, Emily replied.
After some chat, James asked her to coffee.
Lets leave the beach before we roast; cafés a good idea on a hot day.
Inside, sipping chilled drinks, Emily took her timeher son was with his grandparents for a month, at his own request, coming home for term start. James admitted straight away he was married, with a daughter, and worked at Heathrow.
Emily shared her story, told him about Arthurs death.
Thats why I wanted to start afresh, she said. Moved here with Oliver.
She found it easy to talk to Jameshe was open, kind, no pretense. After coffee, he walked her home, and that was that. But three days later, he waited outside her door with a huge bouquet, as she returned from work.
Hello, I missed you, James said, handing her flowers.
Emily felt a rush of joy at the sight. Im on holiday starting tomorrow! she said brightly.
Brilliant, more time together! Lets celebrate. Ill take you to a restaurant so you can meet my mate.
They had a wonderful evening; afterwards, James walked her home, and stayed the night. What happened between them happened.
Oh God, Im in love, Emily admitted to herself.
Shed had nobody since Arthurs death. The holiday was spent together; James called work for unpaid leave. But soon, James had to leave. The goodbye was painful. A week later, James rang.
Emily, I cant be without you. Ive told my wife everythingshes filed for divorce.
Destiny had more tests for Emily.
She was happyshe didnt think about Jamess wife and daughter, didnt let herself dwell on their pain.
Im a woman, I deserve happiness too.
James returned; soon, they were married, once his divorce was final. A year later, Emily gave birth to a daughter. They were blissfully happy.
But fate wasnt done. Their idyll lasted ten years. Then James began to stray; the temptations of the seaside town were many. Arguments startedhe lied at first, but soon admitted everything. Emily saw him with young women at the beach.
She filed for divorce; James returned to Heathrow, reconciled with his first wife, but continued to pay generous maintenance. The children grew up; Oliver moved to London to live with his grandparents, studied at university, married there. Emilys daughter stayed with her, later marrying and moving out.
Emily now had two grandsons and a granddaughter. They visited often, as did her aging parents, sometimes with Oliver. Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren.
And James? He never returned to Emilys life. She resolved never to let another man into her heart, saying with quiet conviction:
I paid dearly for loving a married man… you mustnt take what isnt yoursnever build happiness on anothers misery.
Emily didnt want to tempt fate againshe knew the boomerang could return and wounds could be deep. She lived alone, quietly, content with family.
Thank you for reading, for your support and kindness. Wishing you all happiness and good fortune.