**Diary Entry 10th May**
Its been three years since the divorce, and yet some days still feel as raw as the first. This evening, the doorbell rang, and there she wasEleanor, standing on the doorstep with that same hesitant expression. «Can I come in?» she asked, as if she needed permission.
Inside, Oliver was bent over his maths homework when he heard her voice. His face lit up. «Mum! Youre here!» He abandoned his workbook and ran to hug her, though she stiffened slightly, like shed forgotten how to hold him.
«She promised shed visit this weekend,» I told him earlier, when hed asked. But promises from Eleanor were fragile things. Last time, shed phoned last minute, claiming work was too hectic. How do you explain to an eight-year-old that his mother has a new life in Manchester with a man whos never once asked about him?
Oliver, ever hopeful, asked if they could go outmaybe to the cinema. Eleanor smiled thinly. «In a bit, love. Your dad and I need to talk first.»
And then, like clockwork, the real reason for her visit surfaced. «James,» she said, stirring her tea, «Daniel and I are getting married. I want Oliver to live with us.»
The cup trembled in my hand. «What?»
«It makes sense. Ive got stability nowa proper job, a nice house. Daniels good with kids. Youre barely home, always at work. Oliver deserves better.»
I nearly laughed. «Better? Youve seen him six times in the past year. You forgot his birthday last December. And now, suddenly, youre Mother of the Year?»
Her face hardened. «I have rights. If you wont agree, Ill take it to court.»
Olivers voice piped up from the hallway. «Mum, are we going out soon?»
She pasted on a smile. «Soon, darling.»
Later, after shed leftwithout taking him to the cinema, of courseOliver sat beside me on the sofa, swinging his legs. «Dad, why was Mum upset?»
I ruffled his hair. «Grown-up stuff, mate.»
«Would I have to move schools if I lived with her?»
«Yeah. New friends, new everything.»
He frowned. «But what about Jack from football? And Gran?»
«I know.»
«I want to stay with you.»
That night, I barely slept. The next morning, Eleanor returned, all business. «Have you decided?»
«Oliver stays with me.»
She scoffed. «Be reasonable. What can you offer him? A rented flat in Croydon? A nine-to-five job?»
«Love,» I said. «Thats what I offer.»
Oliver, summoned from his room, settled it himself. «I dont want to leave Dad,» he told her bluntly. «You can visit, though.»
Eleanors composure cracked. «Youve turned him against me!»
But Oliver, sweet boy, defended her anyway. «Dad always says youre just busy.»
In the end, she left with a promise to call more often. And for once, she kept it.
Last Sunday, while Oliver played footie in the park, I met Annaanother single parent, with a daughter his age. The kids hit it off immediately.
«Dad,» Oliver whispered later, «Lizzies really nice. Can we see them again?»
Maybe, just maybe, theres room for a fresh start. For both of us.
