This Will Be a Brand New Life

Emily never imagined at twenty what life had in store for her. She was studying at university, deeply in love with her boyfriend Daniel, and dreaming of their weddingconversations about it had already begun.

Daniel was older, having finished his military service when he attended their schools autumn ball. Emily was still in sixth form. Shed always remember the first time she saw him. Though they lived in the same towneven went to the same schoolhed graduated before her.

“Blimey, whos that handsome bloke?” Emily thought when she spotted Daniel.

He walked into the hall, scanning the room for familiar faces, then met her gaze and smiled. She fell for him instantly. How could she not? He wasnt like the other lads.

“Hey, Im Daniel. And you are?” he said, approaching her. Her cheeks flushed. “Fancy a dance?” He took her by the waist, and they spun across the floor.

“Emily”

She barely felt the ground beneath her, as if she were floating. Daniel guided her effortlessly, and she moved with him as though theyd danced forever.

“Emily, eh? Youre a natural,” he said, grinning.

He stayed by her side all evening, and by the end, theyd agreed hed walk her home. They lingered for hours, reluctant to part, but Emily knew she had to goher mum would worry.

Daniel never let life grow dull. After school, Emily enrolled at university in their hometown while he worked. He was endlessly cheerful, his energy infectious. He had plenty of mates, and soon, Emily was part of his crowdattending weddings, nights out, and weekend trips.

He bought her roses even in the dead of winter. Every date felt like a celebration, whether it was cosy cafés, countryside drives, or lazy afternoons with friends.

During her third year, he surprised her.

“Were going skiing over ChristmasIve already booked it. The instructors are brilliant. Youll pick it up in no time.”

“Daniel, youre the best!” She threw her arms around his neck before pulling back with a laugh. “WaitIm terrified of heights! You knew that, didnt you?”

The trip was unforgettable. Emily took to the slopes faster than shed expected, loving every second. When it ended, she wished it hadnt. Then came Mothers Day. Daniel arrived at her house with two bouquets.

“Happy Mothers Day,” he said, handing one to Emilys mum and the other to her. “For you, gorgeous.” He kissed her cheek, and she beamed at the roses.

“Daniel, love, you shouldnt spend so much,” her mum fretted.

“Dont worry. Tom and Jack are heading up north for a jobtheyve asked me along. Theyre laying power lines, and the pays decent. Ill save up for the wedding and a car.”

“I dont want you to go,” Emily blurted.

“Ill only be gone three, maybe four months. Well call every day. I want to give you the wedding you deserve.”

“I dont need a big wedding. I just want you here.”

But Daniel had made up his mind. He left with his mates. The money was good, and they spoke often.

One day, during lectures, Emily felt uneasy, though the feeling passed. Shed spoken to Daniel the night before, so she wasnt expecting a call. But that evening, her stomach twisted. She rang himodd, since he always called first. His phone rang out. Her pulse thudded in her temples.

“Why isnt he answering?” She tried five times. Silence.

She dialled Jack instead, relief flooding her when he picked up.

“Jack, wheres Daniel?”

His voice was hollow. “Hes gone.”

“What do you mean gone?” The line went dead.

“Mum!” Emily screamed, collapsing into tears.

The days that followed were a nightmare. She learned Daniel had been electrocuted on the job. His mother, Margaret, was numb with grief, barely speaking. His father and younger brother, Robert, went to bring him home. The funeral was a blur of black clothes and unbearable sorrow. Emily moved through it in a daze.

She visited Margaret often, sitting beside her in silence or going to the cemetery. For some reason, Margaret clung to her, insisting she stay close, especially during summer break. They visited churches, drank tea, and then

“Emily, lets go to the seaside,” Margaret suggested one day.

Emily agreed, though she didnt understand why. Daniel was gone, yet his mother wouldnt let her go. Even her own mum urged her to move on, but they went anyway.

Mornings were spent on the beach, afternoons resting in their room. Margaret seemed calmer. Emily, unable to nap, scrolled through her phone while Margaret dozed.

Life buzzed around her, but she felt utterly alone.

She slipped out to the promenade, gazing at the horizon where sea met sky. Gulls shrieked, cars hummed, children laughed. The world carried onjust not for her.

“Beautiful, but so sad,” a voice said beside her.

She turned, ready to snap, but hesitated. There was something about himsomething that reminded her of Daniel.

“Beautiful things dont always get happy endings,” she murmured.

“I disagree,” the man said. “Im Graeme.”

“Emily.”

They exchanged a few words before she walked away. Graeme watched her go. Hed noticed her days agoalways sad, never alone. He wished he knew her story.

With two days left, Margaret napped while Emily went shopping. Graeme appeared as she left the store, taking her bags.

“Let me help.”

She didnt protest.

“Emily, lets talk.” He gestured to a nearby café.

“I leave tomorrow night,” she said.

“Im heading back in three days.” He paused. “Where do you live?”

She named her town. His eyes widened.

“Thats where Im from.”

They swapped numbers, promising to meet back home.

Later, Emily returned to find Margaret agitated.

“Where were you?”

“Just shopping. Then I went for a walk.”

Being around Margaret had become suffocating. Her own mother had warned her”Shes dragging you down. Why do you keep going?”but Emily couldnt bear to abandon her. Still, shed decided: once home, shed step back.

That evening, as they packed, Emily broached it.

“I think I need to start fresh.”

Margaret stared, then said quietly, “Another life. Of course. Youre young. But I thought I hoped you might be carrying Daniels child. Or maybe you and Robert”

Emily recoiled. “Thats disgusting!” She burst into tearsthe first since the funeraland suddenly, the weight lifted.

She knew now: her life had to move forward. Without Margaret.

“Home,” she thought. “And maybe Graemes part of why I see things clearly now.”

The new term began. Emily and Graeme grew closer. One day, she visited Daniels grave alone.

“Goodbye, Daniel,” she whispered. “You made me happy. But I have to live now. A different life without you.”

She walked to the car where Graeme waited.

Her new life had already begun. She married Graeme, and soon, theyd welcome their first child. Margaret faded into the pastjust as Daniel had.