Hannah and Her Best Friend Were Strolling in the Park When They Suddenly Spotted a Man and a Woman

**Diary Entry 10th June**

Lily and I were strolling through Hyde Park when we suddenly spotted a man and a woman. They were locked in an embrace, and he whispered something in her ear. The woman smiled warmly, utterly enchanted. I stared, wide-eyed, unable to look away.

“Lily, whats wrong? Lily!” her friend gasped.

“Nothing. Lets go,” I muttered abruptly. We said our goodbyes, and as I walked home, my head spun. It couldnt be trueDad? How could he do this to Mum?

Earlier, wed left our tutoring session, and I hadnt fancied going straight home. “Sarah, lets take a walk in the park!” Id suggested.

“Fine, but hurryits getting dark,” shed replied.

The park wasnt on our way, but why not? We wandered down the path, watching enviously as happy couples passed by, oblivious to us. Then, turning onto a quieter lane, we saw themthe man whispering, the woman glowing. Though his back was turned, I could tell he wasnt young.

Sarah barely glanced their way but noticed my frozen stare. “Lily, whats gotten into you?”

“Nothing. Come on,” I said sharply, hurrying ahead.

We left the park in silence. My thoughts churned, and after a terse goodbye, I trudged home, shoulders slumped. It couldnt be real. That womans blissful face, Dad whisperinghad he even seen me?

“Mum, Im home,” I mumbled, avoiding her eyes as she scolded me for being late.

“Wash up, then eat!” she snapped.

I lingered in the bathroom, dreading facing Dad. He still wasnt back. Dinner was quiet. Later, in my room, I opened my laptop but couldnt focus. That image haunted me. Was lying just something adults did?

The front door creaked. “Sorry, love. Long day,” Dad called.

“Used to be just month-end stress,” Mum retorted. “Now its every day.”

Dad sighed. “Joan, not now.”

He came to kiss me goodnight, but I shoved him away. “Go eat before its cold.”

“Sweetheart, whats wrong?”

“Nothing. But is something wrong with *you*?”

He hesitated, then left. I spent the night plotting.

Morning came with raised voices. “David, where are you off to?” Mum demanded.

“Work. Urgent.”

“Its Saturday! Spend time with your family.”

“Ill be back by lunch.”

I slipped out, pretending Id just woken up. “Mum, Ive got study group. Late already!”

She huffed, but I dashed off. Dad offered to walk me. “Daddy, do you love me?” I asked as we strolled.

“Of course.”

“Mum too?”

A pause. Then firmly: “Yes. Both of you.”

At the study hall, I doubled back, tailing him. My stomach twisted as he headed *away* from work.

They met outside a terraced house. She was beautifuldid he love her more than us? Arm in arm, they vanished into a quiet square. Hidden behind shrubs, I watched them talk, then kiss. Rage burned in my chest.

When they parted, I waited. The woman reappeared, tossing rubbish. I blocked her path.

“Hello,” I said coldly.

“Can I help you?”

“If you ever see David again, youll regret it.”

“Who *are* you?”

“Call him. Tell him its over.”

Bewildered, she dialled. “David, we cant see each other anymore.”

“Why?” His voice crackled with somethingrelief?

“You have a family. Im leaving for uni soon.”

“Alright, Diana. Goodbye.”

At home, my parents were chatting over lunch.

“Why so cheerful?” Mum grumbled.

“Daddy,” I asked, ignoring her, “do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“And Mum?”

Another pause. Then, firmly: “Yes. I love you both.”

His smile seemed genuine. Maybe, just maybe, wed be alright.