Even Good People Get Left Behind

From the mirror, a beautiful woman of thirty-five with sad eyes gazed back at Anne. She truly didnt understand what men of today wantedpity they never taught that at university. What was the use of graduating with top honours?

Anne had always dreamed of a family, a loving husband, and childrenideally three. Since childhood, she looked up to her own parents, a picture of domestic bliss. In her haste, Anne feared letting happiness slip away, so she hurried towards marriage.

She met her husband, William, back at university. Handsome, athletic, cleverhe attracted attention wherever he went and was the heart and soul of every gathering. Their paths crossed at a party and, from that moment, the two instantly hit it off. William had come from another town to study in Manchester, while Anne still lived with her parents.

Half a year later, William proposed. She accepted without hesitation. After graduation, they married. William seemed the model husbandattentive, caring, and full of good humour. He found work as an engineer in a gas company, and Anne as a specialist at the local bank.

Six months after the wedding, Anne discovered she was expecting. William was anything but thrilled.

Anne, how did this happen? You said everything was under control.

I dont know, Will, she admitted honestly, startled by his displeased tone. But does it matter? We were planning on having a baby anyway. If its happened so soon, perhaps its meant to be.

Dont talk nonsense! It isnt destiny, its carelessness. Weve only just settled into our jobs. Nows the time for building our careers, not changing nappies.

Anne could barely keep from crying; his reaction stung her deeply.

Annie, William said gently, putting an arm around her shoulders, Maybe wewell, should wait a bit. Theres no need to rushweve our whole lives ahead of us

She stared at him, shocked.

Dont even think about it. If it doesnt suit you, I wont force it. Make your own choice.

Anne rushed out of the flat, wandering the rainy streets, trying to collect her shattered thoughts. Her dreams of a big, happy family seemed to be coming undone.

For days, Anne and William hardly spoke. At last, William apologised and, after much soul-searching, said he was delighted to become a father. There were tears of joy. Eight months on, their son, Anthony, was born.

Anne embraced motherhood. She found real pleasure in looking after Anthony, keeping the house tidy, and making her husbands favourite meals. When Anthony turned three, Anne returned to her job, and he started at nursery.

The young mother flitted around like a bird on the wing, believing herself the happiest woman alive. Family friends, who often gathered at their home, seemed to confirm it. William and Anne regularly entertained old university friends and their families. One evening, Anne overheard William speaking to his mates.

Will, youre a lucky man! Your wife is beautiful, clever, always working, the house is spotless, and she cooks like a professional chef.

You can say that again! another friend chimed in. Mine only knows how to ask for money and give me grief.

Well, Im not so bad myself, William bragged, so its only fitting my wife is first-rate too.

Laughter filled the room. But their wives, gathering nearby, seemed to carry a different opinion and often shared their thoughts with Anne as the evening wore on.