“We’ve spent forty years under the same roof, and now at sixty-three you’ve suddenly decided to change your life?”

We’ve shared a roof for forty years, and now, at sixty-three, you want to reinvent your life?

Margaret sat in her favourite armchair, gazing out over the bustling city of Manchester. She was desperately trying to forget the events of the day. Just hours before, shed fussed about in the kitchen, preparing a roast while waiting for William to return from his fishing trip. When he finally arrived, he brought not trout but a revelation he’d delayed sharing for years.

I want a divorce, William said suddenly, voice uneasy and eyes fixed on the floor. Please, try to understand. The girls are grown, theyll manage, the grandchildren hardly notice, and we can end this quietlyno fuss, no fights.

Forty years we’ve lived together, and you want to change everything now? Margaret said in disbelief. I have a right to know what happens next.

Youll stay in our city flat, William replied, his tone rehearsed. Ill move out to the cottage. Theres nothing for us to split, and all will eventually go to our daughters.

Whats her name? Margaret asked bleakly.

William went red, hurriedly gathered his things, and acted as if he hadnt heard. His reaction only confirmed Margarets suspicionsthere was another woman. In her youth she’d never imagined shed end up alone, her husband choosing someone else in his twilight years.

Maybe itll all settle down and work out, her daughters, Julia and Emily, tried to reassure her, Dont dwell on Dads behaviour.

Its done, Margaret sighed. No sense in changing anything nowIll finish my days as I am, and find joy in your happiness.

Julia and Emily went out to the cottage for a serious heart-to-heart with their father. They returned home dispirited, but kept the truth from their mother. They changed their tune, insisting Margaret might be better off on her own, not having to care for anyone else. Margaret understood, but didn’t press for details, simply trying to carry oneven as relatives and neighbours poked and prodded, brimming with curiosity.

Can you believe itso many years together, and now, at his age, he runs off? gossiped the neighbours. Is she younger than you or just richer?

Margaret was lost for words, but she found herself wanting to meet her rival. She went to the cottage, supposedly for some homemade preserves, hoping for an encounter. She didn’t warn Williamso she caught the ‘other woman’ in the act.

William, you never said your ex would show up, complained the flamboyant woman, her make-up stark and vivid. I thought youd sorted everything, and shes got no business here.

Seriously, you chose her over me? Margaret asked, surveying the brazen stranger.

Will you just stand there and let this woman insult me? the woman snapped. I might only be a few years younger, but I look far better.

If she really thinks a loud exterior is what matters at her age, Margaret muttered, seeking Williams embarrassed gaze.

Walking to the bus stop, Margaret listened to the shrill yells of the dolled-up, ageing Barbie, fighting back tears until she got home. Only there did she allow herself to break down, calling her sister, Anne, for company.

Oh, come now, Anne said, brewing mint tea in a quiet London kitchen. You said yourself, Williams new partner isnt much to look at, and certainly doesnt seem clever.

Maybe shes right thoughmaybe I do seem old now, Margaret fretted.

You look smashing for your age, Anne replied honestly. Its silly, really, seeing women in their seventies wearing leopard print leggings or miniskirts. Beautys not about age, but about presenting yourself gracefully.

Staring into her bedroom mirror, Margaret had to admit Anne was right. She was still in good shape, her health fine, her wardrobe tastefulher daughters regularly gifted her lovely cosmetics. Shed never been brash, nor sought to look absurd, so she couldnt imagine behaving like her adversary.

Well, alright then, Anne continued. Youre single nowenjoy it. The girls are independent, and theres plenty for us to do at our age. I wont let you wallow.

Anne kept her word. She swept Margaret off to plays, walks in Hyde Park, and concerts. Before long, they had a lively circle of friends, peers who shared their interests. One gentleman even began showing Margaret extra attention, but she nipped it in the bud and forwent any private meetings.

So, youre off gallivanting at theatres now, got yourself new friendsmaybe youll remarry? William scoffed after a chance encounter in a supermarket.

What brings you this far for groceries? Nothing closer to your cottage, or is your new companion not much of a cook? Margaret asked coolly.

I always shopped here; old habits are hard to break, William grumbled.

Margaret didn’t pursue the subject, hiding behind a busy day and taking her leave. In that moment William longed to chase after her, to confess how much he regretted their split. He spent his life surrounded by his wife and daughters, then was swept up by the vivacious Tanya, drawn into her whirlwind.

At first, life seemed thrilling, but Tanya soon revealed she hated chores, preferred gossip, spent her time mingling with men, and revelled in noisy gatherings.

Increasingly, William found himself yearning to go home, that feeling grew stronger after seeing Margaret again. She didnt brood or berate him, she simply carried herself proudly, coping with dignity. William realised he missed the peace and comfort only Margaret had offered.

You bought dried apricots again, I asked for prunes! Tanya shouted, rifling through the shopping bags. And the cheese is too fatty, and you forgot the mayonnaise entirely!

Margaret used to get the groceries, or we did it together. You push everything onto me, William snapped.

Tired of your comparisons to your ex-wife! Tanya shrieked. Next youll say you regret leaving her for me.

The truth was, deep down, William did regret it. But he knew saying so made no sense. Margaret had done nothing to lure him backshe simply stayed true to herself, while her ex-husband sorrowed and yearned for forgiveness.

But William knew, as plainly as anyone, that Margaret would never trust him again. Several times he tried ringing her, until, after yet another row with Tanya, he finally summoned the courage to appear at the door of what was once their home.

Do you need to collect something? Margaret asked, blocking the doorway.

Id like to talk. Do you have time? William murmured, drawn in by the scent of her famed plum pie wafting through the landing.

Ive no time, nor inclination, nor reason, she responded evenly. Collect whatever you need, Im expecting guests.

William had nothing he needed to collect, but so much he wanted to saywords that wouldnt come. He returned to the cottage, made his own supper while Tanya was out somewhere in the village. When she came in, giddy and loud, William felt absolutely firm in his choice, and told her to pack her things.

After Tanyas tantrums finally ended, he considered calling Margaret, to explain, but ultimately abandoned the idea. William knew Margaret too well to expect forgiveness or the erasure of past hurts.

Perhaps, someday, he might comecontrite, willing to talk. It needed to be done, if he ever hoped for peace. He hoped for forgiveness, but not to restore their family; Margaret could never forgive betrayal so easily, and William knew that from the moment hed begun his affair with Tanya.

Now there was his life in the cottage, Margaret’s in the city flatfilled with daughters, grandchildren, and evenings at the theatre. In this new chapter, William had no place.