That’s it, Anastasia, it’s over between us! I want a real family and children—you can’t give me that. I’ve waited and been patient for too long.

Thats it, Sophie, its over between us! I want a proper family, with children. You cant give me that. Ive waited years, been patient. I need a son. Ive already filed for divorce! Youve got three days to pack. Call me when youre gone. Ill be staying with Mum for now. Chop-chop, I need to get the flat ready for the baby and her mum. Yes, dont look so surprised my future wifes expecting! Three days, thats all!

Sophie just sat there in silence. What was she supposed to say?

Having a child just never seemed to happen. Oliver had already waited five long years. Three failed attempts in all.

Despite seeing countless doctors, Sophie was always told she was fine. So what in the world kept going wrong?

Shed always tried to do everything right, too.

This time shed fallen ill at work, had to be whisked off by ambulancethe whole thing was quite dramatic, really

When Oliver finally slammed the door as he left, Sophie flopped onto the sofa, utterly spent.

Not only was she too drained to pack, she honestly had no idea where to even go.

Shed stayed with her aunt when she studied in London and before she got married. The aunt had passed away and her cousin had long since sold the flat. Head back to the old family cottage in the country? Try to find a flat to rent? And what about work?

So many questions, and she really didnt have the luxury of time to faff about

Early the next morning, the door flew open and in marched her mother-in-law.

Not sleeping, I see. Sensible. Ive come to make sure you dont sneak off with anything thats not yours.

Well, I promise I wont be taking your sons tatty old underpants. Shall we inventory my knickers together for fairness?

My, someones grown quite cheeky! Used to be all shy and polite. Fancy how things turn, eh? I told Ollie right from that first mishap, youd never give him a child.

And you came here just to tell me that? Why dont you keep an eye out in silence instead?

What are you doing with that tea set?

Its mine. Its from my aunta keepsake, you know.

Well, its going to be awfully bare in here without it!

Not my problem. At least soon youll have a grandchild to entertain you.

Take only whats yours, understood?

My laptop, my coffee machine, my microwavegifts from my colleagues, all of them. The car was mine before we married. Your sons got his own.

Youve got everything except the ability to have kids!

Thats hardly your concern. Honestly, Im fine, maybe things just happen for a reason.

I see youre not the least bit sorry! Maybe you did this on purpose?

Youre talking rubbish. Honestly, I cant bear even thinking about it.

Sophie glanced around the flat. All her things were packed, only her hairbrush, lipstick, and slippers left behind.

She suddenly rememberedher old cat figurine! It had a tiny secret inside, a detail shed never even shared with Oliver. Inside, tucked away, were a pair of earrings and a ring. Not valuable, but precious as memories of her grandmother. Oliver had always called it junk. Surely he hadnt tossed it? He had a habit of stashing rubbish on the balcony. Sophie went to check

And just what do you think youre still doing here? Packed up? Then off you go! Or are you saying goodbye to the flat? Not that youll ever have something like this again.

At last, she found the cat. Everything was still inside. Now she could finally leave.

Here are the keys. Goodbye. And I truly hope I never see you again.

Sophie popped into the office even though she was on medical leave, and asked to take her remaining holiday.

Were all so sorry, but honestly, what will we do without you? Is three weeks enough? Please, never turn your phone off! Half our projects would crumble without your advice.

Its fine. Itll be a good distraction, actually. Thank you.

Need any help?

No, thanks.

Ill sort out holiday pay and a bonus.

Cheers, thats a lifesaver.

Sophie didnt even bother looking for a new place. She was headed back home to the countryside. No one was waiting for her there; her grandmother had passed three years prior, and shed never known her own mumgone in childbirth.

And now, for some reason, Sophie couldnt have a child, either

An hour on the road and there it was. The apple tree. Rows of tulips.

The last time shed been there with Oliver was autumn; theyd had a BBQ, enjoyed the outdoors.

Sophie parked up on the drive. The garage key was in the house.

She walked in. Silence. Dirty cups and plates on the table. Why on earth hadnt she cleaned up last time?

Waitshe had cleaned! Someone must have been here!

Two mugs, extra plates, empty juice cartons, a couple of bottles of Olivers favourite Prosecco. Not leftovers from autumn, thats for sure.

So, Oliver had been in the house. But with whom?

Well, didnt matter anymore

She was the only one with a key, unless hed made a copy. Time to change the locks.

A new life, some housework, then a nice hot bath.

Sophie planned to wash away the grimeand the whole past.

Just as she was drying off, someone knocked on the door, then on the window.

Whos there?

Are you all right?!

Yes Sophie said, puzzled.

Sorry to bother you.

When Sophie stepped outside, a stranger was standing by the gate.

I apologise if I startled you. Im your neighbour, been keeping an eye outdidnt see anyone for a while, then saw smoke from the chimney. Thought I ought to check everything was OK.

Thanks. All fine.

Are you related to Oliver? He was here recently with his wife Are you his sister?

No, Im the ex-wife. Well, nearly. The paperworks in.

And the house is yours?

Yes, mine.

Im just here for a bitborrowing a friends place while I sort things. Divorce in progress, should be sorted tomorrow. Anyway, if youre all right, Ill head off. Shout if you need anything. Im Ben, by the way!

Im Sophie. Waitcan you change locks?

Absolutely. Let me know whenitll take no time.

As soon as possible. Ill get new ones tomorrow.

Ill get the right set when Im in town, saves you a trip.

Thatd be great.

Two weeks passed. She had one more week off before returning to the city. Sophie was quite comfortable now and had zero desire to flat-hunt. Oliver hadnt called or textedjust sent the divorce date. Honestly, it was probably for the best. Seeing him again was the last thing she wanted.

Saturday morning. Sophie, an early riser, had agreed to go for a walk by the lake with Ben. She wasnt looking for romance, but a walk, after all, was just a walk. They had a lovely time and wandered back for lunch.

As they got to Sophies place, they spotted Olivers car outside, the engine still warm. Oliver got out, then helped a pregnant woman clamber out.

Sophie and Ben arrived at the gate just in time to see Oliver try the front door, and fail.

Whats going on here?

And why exactly are you trying to get into someone elses house?

Oliver froze on the spot.

This is our house! squeaked the pregnant woman.

Oh, and who told you that? Let me guessOliver? This is my house, actually. Please leave the premises.

Oliver, whats going on?! Who is she?! Is that your ex? Tell her to leave! his companion screeched.

Sophie and Ben began to laugh. Oliver silently bundled his new partner into his car and drove away.

Hes got quite the life ahead of him, Ben smirked.

Well, at least shell give him a child. I couldnt. Three failures. Sorry.

Ben shrugged. We split up because my wife didnt want kids at all, so theres that

Four years after the divorce, Sophie was queuing for sourdough in Waitrose when she bumped into her ex-mother-in-law.

Sophie, is that you? I could barely recognise you! Ive been watching you Are youare you pregnant?

Yes, Sophie smiled, stroking her enormous belly.

Well, Oliver hasnt had much luck. His son was a sickly little thing, something wrong in the male line, they say. His wife legged it, left us with the baby. And youare you doing this all alone?

No, not alone. I have a family. Got to dashtheyre waiting for me.

Oh? Im Im sorry for everything.

Hope you find patience, Sophie replied, heading for the door.

Olivers mother watched her leave. Sophie walked away arm-in-arm with Ben, who carried the shopping in one hand and held a small girlher spitting imagein the other.

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