None of Our Business

April 12
Its a strange sort of indifference, the kind I heard in a fragment of a womans voice on the bus this morning: Sometimes you have to close your eyes and pretend you dont see, that something doesnt affect you. And other times it feels downright criminal.

Ah, Emily, thats all philosophy, another female voice replied, light as a sigh. I turned my gaze to the window, watching houses, cars and hurried pedestrians flicker past. The little town of Harwell was finally awake, buzzing with the usual clatter.

I was a little annoyed to be on public transport today, though John had called at dusk to say hed be stuck at work all night. Whats there to be upset about? I muttered to myself. Work is work. Colleagues have often offered to give me a lift, especially Tom, the new lad who seems far too eager with his eyes, but Ive always refused. It would be improper for a married woman to ride with a stranger.

I dialed John again, listened to an endless series of beeps, sighed, hung up and slipped my phone back into my bag. Busy, I suppose, I thought, always busy at the worst possible moments. My stomach churned; early pregnancy was making its presence known, and a sudden cramp sent a wave of nausea through me.

At the shop, the managers relentless schedule left little room for my queasy head, but there was no time to dwell on it. In a matter of minutes a head office inspection was due. I snapped at the cashier, a perky blonde named Daisy:

Daisy, could you help Anne clean the fridge? Well be smashed if we dont! Im off to finish the reports!

I rushed to my office. Daisy, seeing me disappear, leaned toward her colleague Anne, who was arranging milk bottles, and whispered:

Did you hear? Victorias husband is cheating.

Annes eyes widened. Really? Is it true?

Yes, Daisy said, I saw him this morning leaving my former classmates houseLizzie Carters. She kissed him goodbye. Shocking, isnt it?

So we should tell Victoria, Anne replied, a little unsettled.

Daisy laughed, twirling a finger at her temple. Youre being foolish, Anne. A man strays; whats new? Ill just wait and see if they split.

Anne thought a moment, then said, Whether they stay together or not is their choice, but Victoria deserves to know the truth. Perhaps its for the best; a marriage built on betrayal cant survive.

Daisy snorted, Youre not making sense. This isnt our business.

I could feel a knot forming in my stomach.

The shops supervisor, Dennis, noticed my pale face as I sank into the back office with my laptop and a cup of tea.

Dont worry, Victoria, he said with a reassuring smile.

I waved a hand, sighing, Im not worried, just John isnt answering his phone.

Dennis fell silent. Id liked him from the starthe started as a sales assistant and rose quickly to manager, clever and hardworking.

Maybe hes tied up, he offered cautiously. I wouldnt meddle, though Ive seen how cold hes become.

I forced a smile, slipped my phone into my pocket and hurried out as the inspectors arrived.

—

The following week, Anne kept glancing at me, unsettled. From the rumors shed gathered, she knew John was staying late more often, that I was commuting by bus while he could be giving me a lift, especially since the local services were unreliable. She decided to test her suspicions.

She told her boss shed be late, then showed up at the house of the presumed lover. My mother had often warned her that the heart can ache for those we love. And today she confirmed it: John, beaming, embraced a radiant blonde, planted a kiss on her lips and promised to return later. My chest clenched. I, a kind, caring woman, was living with a scoundrel!

That evening Anne took matters into her own hands. When I left for work, she slipped into the staff room where Dennis was about to head home.

Dennis, we need to talk, she said, narrowing her eyes.

He looked puzzled.

It concerns Victoria, she explained. I saw John with that woman.

Dennis frowned, Thats their private life is it proper to interfere?

Proper or not, she has a right to the truth, Anne replied, a grin playing on her lips. Shes pregnant; what if something happens?

Dennis hesitated, then asked, Youll take me to my grandmothers, wont you? Shes known for… folk remedies.

Anne nodded, Exactly. Shell help without us having to say a word.

Dennis sighed, You like Victoria, dont you?

Yes, Anne whispered, Dont you want her to know?

He gave in.

—

Grandma Margaret greeted us warmly in her modest cottage on the outskirts of the village. She wasnt a witch, just an old lady with a silver bun, a faded cardigan and a long skirt that showed the stooped limbs of age. Her grey eyes were sharp, seeming to look straight into ones soul.

Anne handed her a photograph of me. Margaret smiled at Dennis, lit a candle and hovered it over my phone screen.

I see a marriage that isnt meant to be. They will part, but not today. He lies, he cheats, and you have a good heart.

Can we speed it up? Anne asked, voice trembling.

Nothing I can do to rush fate, Margaret replied, but I can help her see the truth.

She fetched a small burlap sack and a pot of herbs, whispered an incantation, and poured a pinch of dried plants into the sack: Field herbs, meadow winds, reveal the truth for Victoria. Let it be so.

Dennis, uneasy, asked, Shes pregnantwont this hurt her?

Grandma Margaret chuckled, These are gentle herbschamomile, yarrow, a few others. Nothing poisonous. And you, dear boy, would you marry a childs mother if she drove out her lover?

Dennis swallowed, nodding, I would.

—

Adding the herbs to my tea turned out to be the hardest part. My nausea was relentless. Near closing time, I craved instant noodles.

Give me a minute, Ill fetch it, Anne said, dashing to the staff kitchen, grabbing a packet, patting her pocket where the herb sack lay, and hurrying back.

Dennis sat at a table, silent, hoping I would break free from Johns deceit, yet unsure if our meddling was right.

When I finally finished the last spoonful, Anne breathed a sigh of relief. We both felt the weight lift, though doubts lingered.

—

The next morning I boarded the bus, settled by the window, watching the countryside roll by. The drivers voice crackled over the intercom:

Ladies and gentlemen, please bear with us, well have to take a detour due to a roadworks jam.

Soon enough, the nightmare unfolded: I saw John emerging from a house, embracing the same blonde, sharing a lingering kiss as the driver announced the delay. My head spun, my stomach clenched, and a fog settled over my thoughts.

I woke up in a hospital bed, the antiseptic smell thick. Anne was at my side, eyes wide with worry.

Victoria Im sorry, this is my fault, she whispered.

What? I croaked. I saw John with Lizzie Carter. Was he?

John shuffled in, guilt evident in his eyes, but he said nothing.

How long have you been seeing Lizzie? I demanded.

He tried to apologize, Victoria, the doctor told me you cant have I needed He stammered, the words tangled.

Enough! I shouted. When Im discharged, Ill file for divorce!

He fled the room, unable to meet my gaze.

The baby? I asked, panic rising.

The doctor said all is well. There was a risk of miscarriage, but it passed, Anne reassured me.

Dennis entered with a bag of fruit, the nurse gesturing him away, Too many visitors at once.

Let him in, please, I pleaded, settling back onto the pillow.

Dennis sat beside me, a soft smile on his face.

Victoria, Ive been worrying about you about you and the child, he began, stumbling over his words.

I know youve always been there, unlike some, I replied, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

He chuckled, Forget it.

Anne returned, her expression solemn. Victoria, I have to admit I set all this up so youd discover Johns betrayal. I couldnt stand by and watch him lie to you. Please dont be angry.

I laughed, a low, bitter sound, then thought a moment. I would be angry if you knew and kept silent. I hate lies. By the way, I dreamed of an old woman who said the cheat isnt meant for me. She said, The one who brings you a gift when you wake will be the truth.

I glanced at Dennis, who stared at me without blinking.

Anne sat on the edge of the bed, took my hand, and squeezed gently. I felt certain now that I had done the right thing. Scoundrels must be weeded out before they take root. Theres still a chance to start anew, with true friends and loving people by my side. The little things will sort themselves out in time.