Mum, imagine thisDads new wife is poorly, and they say its something serious.
Let me tell you a story from ten years ago. My husband and I raised two daughters, both off at uni now. I was so looking forward to this time in my lifethought wed finally start a new chapter together. But he had other plans. He had an affair with his secretary.
«Sorry, didnt mean to hurt you,» he said, «but Im in love with her.»
That evening, he packed his things and moved in with a woman half his age. The girls were furious with him and stopped speaking to him. It was awful, especially when our youngest kept trying to patch things up between us. Id give anything to forget that year. Time didnt heal the hurtI just learned to live with it. Threw myself into my hobbies, growing rare plants and selling them. It kept me from sinking into depression.
Eventually, the girls made peace with their dad and would sometimes tell me about his new life. He was happy with her, and then she gave him a son.
«Mum, listenshes really ill, like, seriously ill,» theyd say.
«Girls, please, I dont want to hear about them,» Id snap. Because deep down, I still loved him, and the thought of him with someone else just twisted the knife. So many years later, and I still called him *my* husband.
Then one Saturday morning, I woke up to someone standing over me. Thought I was dreaminguntil I heard his shaky voice. «Im sorry, I know its early. But I… I dont know what to do with the boy.» He looked older, hair gone grey. Behind him stood a little lad. Their son.
«My wife passed last night,» he went on. «Got the funeral to sort, the girls are working… I just cant take him. Hes too young.»
The boy was just nursery age. I was stunned, but when I looked at him, he piped up straight away: «Are you my auntie?»
«No,» I snapped, ready to shut the whole thing down.
«Mum said we didnt have anyone.»
«I never even knew your mum.»
But he was so sweet. I realised he wasnt to blame, so I helped my ex out.
«Dyou like porridge? Come on, lets get you some breakfast, and your dad can fetch you later.»
Made myself a coffee and porridge for the boy. Watched himhe looked just like my girls at that age. We spent the morning watching cartoons and reading their old storybooks. Sweet kid. Clever, too.
After that, my ex started bringing him round more. We ended up proper close. Since my daughters arent thinking about kids yet, this little ones become like a grandson to me.
Its been two years since his wife died, and recently, my ex asked if we could try living together. Part of me *wants* toI can picture us, this little family… But the angers still there. Dont know if I can trust him again.
If it doesnt work out, itll only hurt the boy. So Im stuck. Love them both, but the fear of being lied to again? It wont let go.
