**Diary Entry**
I never imagined my life would turn out like this. Anthony left me with our little girl, Emily, and just walked away. But when his mother showed up, gloating, I was beyond stunned.
I couldnt settle. Emily had fallen asleep in my arms, and yet I couldnt tear myself from the window. For an hour, Id been staring into the courtyard, hopingfoolishlythat hed change his mind.
It all started earlier that evening. Anthony came home from work, but instead of joining me in the kitchen, he shut himself in the bedroom. When I finally went to check, I found him packing.
Where are you going? I asked, bewildered.
Im leaving. For good. Theres someone else.
Youre joking, right? Is this about work? Are you being sent away?
For Gods sake, Helen, just listen! Im sick of this. Its always Emilyyou barely notice me anymore. You dont even care how you look.
Keep your voice downyoull wake her.
There! See? Only about her. Your husband walks out, and you
A real man wouldnt abandon his wife and child, I muttered before retreating to Emilys room.
I knew his temper. If I kept arguing, itd turn into a row. My eyes burned, but I refused to let him see me cry. I scooped Emily from her cot and carried her to the kitchenthe one place he wouldnt follow. Nothing of his was in there.
Through the window, I watched him drive off without a backward glance. Part of me still hoped hed return, saying it was all a cruel joke. But the night passed in silence. I had no one to callMum had barely acknowledged me since my wedding, too wrapped up in my younger brother. My friends were all mothers like me, likely asleep by now. What could they do, anyway?
By dawn, exhaustion won. I tried ringing Anthonyhe declined the call and texted, *Dont contact me again.*
Emily fussed, snapping me back. No time to wallow. She was all that mattered now.
Checking my purse and bank account, I panicked. Even if the landlady delayed rent until my benefits came in, it wouldnt be enough. Food, billshow? Remote work was an option, but Anthony had taken his laptop.
Two weeks of paid rent remained. I had to act fast.
No luck. No job would take me with a toddler. Even cleaning required childcareand I had no one. Moving wouldnt help; our flat was already cheap. The only option was my parents cramped two-bed, already housing my brother, his wife, and their twins. Seven people? Impossible.
I told the landlady Id leave when the lease ended. Hostel rooms? Grim. I begged Anthony for helpno reply. Blocked, likely.
Five days left. As I packed, the doorbell rang.
Standing there was Margaretmy mother-in-law.
*What fresh hell is this?*
Wed never gotten on. Polite smiles masking mutual dislike. From day one, shed made it clear I wasnt good enough for her son. Our rare visits were miseryher jabs about dust, her refusal to eat my cooking (fit for pigs). When Emily was born, shed scoffed, demanding a paternity test. Only after six months did she soften, spotting Anthonys features in her.
Now, post-abandonment, she was here. To gloat?
Pack your things. Youre coming with me, she said.
Margaret, I dont understand.
Where else will you go? That hovel your brother calls home?
You know?
Of course I know. That fool told me today. My house has space.
Defeated, I agreed.
Her home terrified me at first. But she showed us to a clean room, and once Emily was asleep, I joined her in the kitchen.
Helen, weve never been close. But I hope youll forgive me.
You only wanted the best for him.
Rubbish! I was selfish. When he called today, I finally saw him for what he is. Her voice broke. His father left when he was three months old. He knew how hard it wasyet he did the same. Stay as long as you need.
I never expected her support. Tears spilled.
None of that, she chided.
Its gratitude.
Save it. Im making amends. Youll find workIll mind Emily.
From then, we were inseparable. She softened, offering gentle advice instead of barbs.
On Emilys first birthday, we decorated with balloons, an apple pie on the table. Emily wobbled toward them, plopping down with a giggle.
Look, Helenher first steps! Margaret beamed.
The doorbell rang.
Anthony stood there, some girl beside him.
Mum, we need a place to stay.
No room.
Youd choose *her* over me?
That *her* is your wife. Your daughters birthday is todaynot that you remembered. DNA test if you doubt her. Now leave.
He stormed out, swearing hed never return. Margaret just pointed to the door.
Later, I whispered, Hes your son. Should I go?
He is. But a man doesnt abandon his child. I wont forgive him till he learns that.
Four years passed.
Helen, when will you introduce me to this mystery man? She smirked.
Blushing, I brought David home.
Just treat her and Emily right, Margaret said.
At our wedding, she vowed, Ill still help with Emily.
Mum, I know you adore her.
When our son was born, Margaret declared him her grandson too. No one arguedshed been more a mother to me than mine ever was.
Anthony married that girl and moved away. Margaret hears snippets through relatives. Hes fine. Shell always love himbut now she has a daughter, too. And two grandchildren.
For now. Shes hoping for more. Theres plenty of love left to give.
