**Diary Entry**
*Friday, 12th May*
I dont have a spare room, my daughter said when I arrived with my bags.
Mum, did you pack everything? You didnt forget your documents, did you? Emily fiddled nervously with the strap of her handbag, standing by the kitchen window.
Do you think Ive gone senile? I waved her off, checking the contents of my travel bag for the third time. Passports here, money, medicine Oh, waitI forgot my dressing gown! Emily, wheres my blue one?
Hanging in the wardrobe. Mum, do you really need it? Im sure Sophie can lend you something.
I paused, studying her face.
Emily, love, Im not just staying for a night. Sophies invited me for a proper visitsome time away from the city. The airs fresh there, the rivers close. You said yourself itd do me good.
I did, I did Emily turned back to the window. I just didnt know then that Mark would be out of work again. Third time this year.
I stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder.
You didnt tell me. What happened?
Whats there to say? New manager came in, wanted to refresh the team. Mark was first on the chopping block. Experience didnt mattertheyre hiring kids wholl work for pennies.
I shook my head and sat down on the stool.
Im so sorry, love. Should I stay? Maybe I could help somehow
No, Mum. Go. Sophies expecting you, shes got everything ready. Emily turned, forcing a smile that didnt reach her eyes. Youll have a proper rest. You need it.
I opened my mouth to argue, but the phone rang.
Hello? Mum? Its me, Sophie! Everything alright? Are you coming? Ive aired out the room, changed the sheets!
Im on my way, love. Emilys taking me to the station soon.
Brilliant! I was starting to worry. Oh, Mum, Ive missed you! You wont believe how lovely it is hereapple trees in bloom, the airs just different. Nothing like that city smog.
Sounds wonderful, Sophie. See you soon.
I hung up, glancing at Emily.
See how excited she is? Its been six months.
Yeah. Excited. Emily grabbed the car keys. Come on, Mum. Dont want to miss your train.
The drive to the station was silent. I tried to talk a few times, but Emily gave clipped answers, as if her mind were elsewhere.
Emily, maybe I *should* stay. I can tell youre struggling.
Mum, stop. Well manage. Its not the first time Marks been unemployed. Hell find something.
But what about money? How will you get by?
Emily braked sharply at the traffic light.
Well figure it out. Ive got my salary, hell get benefits. We wont starve.
But the mortgage
Mum, *please*. Stay out of it. Were adults. Well sort ourselves out.
I sighed, turning to the window. A knot of worry tightened in my chest. Emily had never been so short with me. Something serious was happening.
At the station, as she saw me to the train, Emily suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.
Sorry, Mum. Ive been awful today. Just stressed.
I understand, love. Call me if you need me. Ill come straight back.
Have a good rest. Say hi to Sophie for me.
The train pulled away, and I waved from the window. Emily stood on the platform until it disappeared around the bend.
Sophie met me at the station with a bouquet of lilacs and a beaming smile.
Mum! Youre here! She hugged me tightly. How was the journey? Not too tired?
Fine, love. Look at youall tanned and glowing!
Country air. Nothing like choking on exhaust fumes. Come on, Ill show you the house! You havent seen it yet.
And what a house it wassmall but cosy, with a sprawling garden and a view of the river. Sophie gave me the grand tour, proudly pointing out the new furniture, the fresh paint.
This is your room, she said, opening the door to a sunlit space with two windows. Lovely, isnt it? Sun pours in mornings, and evenings, you can watch the river.
Perfect, love. Wheres James?
Still at work. Hell be home tonightthrilled to see you. Goes on about your pies all the time.
Ill bake him one, dont worry. I sat on the bed, taking it all in. Its so peaceful here.
It is. Were happy. James has a good job, I do a bit of freelance. Were thinking of starting a family soon.
Oh, thats wonderful! Grandchildren at last.
Sophie sat beside me, taking my hand.
Mum, hows Emily? She sounded off when I called.
Theyre having a rough time. Mark lost his job again. Moneys tight.
*Again*? But hes brilliant at what he does!
Just unlucky, I suppose. Emilys taking it hard.
Sophie hesitated, then said, What if they moved here? Plenty of work, cheaper living. I could ask James to put feelers out.
I dont know, love. Theyre city people. And the flattheyve still got the mortgage.
Right Tricky. Sophie stood. Well, rest up. Ill start dinner. Jamesll be back soon.
That evening, James was as warm as ever. We lingered on the terrace with tea, chatting about nothing in particular. The tension of the past months melted away. Here, surrounded by care and quiet, I could finally breathe.
A week passed. I helped Sophie with errands, explored the village, read. I called Emily daily, but the calls were strained.
How are you, love?
Fine, Mum. Marks got a few interviews lined up.
And you? Not overworking?
Exhausted. But Ill cope.
Emily, should I come back? I can tell youre
No, Mum. Stay. Sophie was so looking forward to this.
But if you need me
Im *fine*. Stop worrying.
But I *was* worried. Emilys voice grew thinner with each call. The last time, shed burst into tears, then quickly brushed it off as work stress.
Sophie, I think I ought to go home, I said over breakfast. Somethings not right with Emily.
Mum, youve only just arrived! Ive planned tripstheres a museum in the next town, weve barely been to the river
I know, love. But my guts telling me shes in trouble.
Sophie sighed, setting down her cup.
Alright. If youre sure, Ill ask James to drive you.
The journey back was unnerving. I tried calling Emilyno answer.
I reached home by evening. The lift creaked louder than usual. At the door, I fumbled with my keys, but the chain was on.
Emily? Its me!
Silence. Then footsteps.
Mum? I thought you were at Sophies
Open the door, love.
When she did, I barely recognised herthinner, hollow-eyed, cheeks streaked with tears.
Emily! Whats wrong?
Nothing. Just tired.
I stepped inside and froze. Suitcases in the hall. Papers on the table.
Emily, whats going on? Wheres Mark?
She sank onto the sofa, face in her hands.
Mum, I didnt know how to tell you. I didnt want to ruin your trip.
Tell me *now*.
Marks gone. For good. Said we were dragging each other down. Moved in with a mate.
I sat beside her, pulling her close.
Oh, love
And thats not all. Im selling the flat. Cant handle the mortgage alone. Buyers are lined upcompleting next week.
Where will you live?
Renting a room somewhere.
I hesitated, then asked, What about moving in with me?
Mum, your flats tiny. Where would I sleep?
Well manage. Sofa for now, then well see.
Emily shook her head.
I wont be a burden. And my jobs miles from yours.
Sophie, then? She said theres work
No. Im not mooching off anyone.
We sat in silence, arms linked. Sometimes words arent needed.
The next day, we sorted the paperwork. The buyers were decentno haggling. Emily signed with visible relief.
You know, Mum, she said as we left, it feels like a weights lifted. Mortgage paid off, a bit left over. Enough to start fresh.
And then?
Ill land on my feet. Maybe maybe I *will* try Sophies. She rang yesterday, offered again.
Go, love. Clean air, good people. Works there.
Emily stopped mid-step.
Will you come with me?
Me? Why? My lifes heremy flat, my friends, my GP
But youll be lonely.
I smiled.
Ive been alone before. And Ill visit.
On moving day, we packed only essentialsclothes, documents, a few keepsakes.
The rest Ill sell or donate, Emily said, surveying the empty flat. Fresh start.
Thats the spirit.
At the station, she broke down.
Mum, Im sorry. For snapping, for not telling you I was ashamed.
Nonsense. This isnt an endingits a beginning. I held her tight. Youll be happy there. Sophies thrilled, James will help. Ill visit soon.
Promise?
I promise.
The train left. I waved until it vanished, then walked home slowly. The flat felt too quiet, but not lonely. Id done the right thingno clinging, no fuss.
A week later, Emily called, voice bright.
Mum, guess what? Ive got a job! Local school needed a history teacher. The deputy took one look at my CV and hired me on the spot.
Thats fantastic! And the room?
Staying with Sophie for now. She says theres no rushtheir place is huge.
Shes always been kind.
Yeah. And Mum? Ive slept better these past nights than I have in years. Maybe this *is* where I belong.
I hung up, smiling. Shed be alright.
That evening, I wrote to Sophiethanking her for taking Emily in, for her kindness. Sometimes, the greatest help is simply being there, no questions asked.
The next day, I rang a travel agent, browsing seaside breaks. At my age, perhaps its time for *my* fresh start. The girls have found their paths. Now its my turn.
I dont have a spare room, my daughter had said. And she was right. There are no spare rooms in lifeonly the spaces meant for us, in their own time. Wisdom is knowing when to step back. And when to let go.
