Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the wife said with a smile to the stranger standing at her door.
Hold on a minute, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill call back once I find out who it is and what they want, Sarah said reluctantly, ending a phone chat with her longtime friend. Emily had just been describing in vivid detail her motherinlaws birthday party, full of jokes, which had made Sarah laugh nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Sarah walked to the front door, peered through the peephole and was taken aback. She expected to see the neighbour, because strangers rarely get past the secure entrance of their block of flats. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before stood there, looking uneasy.
She decided not to open the door after all, its wiser to avoid unknown people, especially nowadays when scammers are everywhere. Sarah lived by a strict rule: no conversations with strangers. Con artists prey on gullibility, but she wasnt going to be one of their victims.
She picked up the phone again to continue her chat with Emily, but the doorbell rang once more. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah was alone; her husband, Michael, had gone over to a friends garden to help with some planting. She returned to the door and looked through the peephole again, this time studying the stranger more closely.
There was something odd, even a touch pitiful, about the woman, but Sarah didnt sense an immediate threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to go away? Then I can enjoy the rest of my weekend in peace, Sarah thought. Maybe shes lost or selling something.
She acted quickly, swung the door open, and the woman standing in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hello! Are you Sarah? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you ask?
Sarah raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting cleverer. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you in, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Sarah said firmly.
Is Michael home? the stranger asked, surprising Sarah.
Thats something, Sarah thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. She must be a prepared fraud.
Are you here for Michael? Sarah asked, though she intended to say something different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if Michael is home, itll make things harder for me, the woman replied calmly.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Sarah wondered, curiosity growing.
Is he not what youre looking for? Sarah finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its difficult to discuss such things in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Never! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Sarah replied.
Do you really want me to discuss the details of my relationship with Michael here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Sarah shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Just then, Mrs. Thompson, the neighbour from flat3, stepped out of the lift. Sarah, are you alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hi Mrs. Thompson! Everythings fine. Hows the weather outside? Sarah tried to deflect.
It looks like rain is on the way, Mrs. Thompson replied, lingering a moment, clearly intrigued.
Come in, Sarah said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger forward.
Inside, the woman began to scan the flat with interest, her eyes lingering on various items.
You have five minutes. Speak, Sarah said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Claire, the woman began, removing her scarf and coat. Michael and I are in love.
Ah, how original! Couldnt you think of something less cliché? Sarah retorted with a sardonic grin.
Whats so clichéd about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband walks out, Claire replied confidently, trying to step past Sarah.
Are you sure he stopped loving me and fell for you? Sarah asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be here, Claire said boldly.
My husband doesnt know love. Hes clueless, so youre completely wrong, dear, Sarah replied calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his project, Michael I mean MrMichael Harris cant keep his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Claire asserted.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want from me, Claire? Sarah asked, still curious.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, Claire declared, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband leave, even though he hasnt said a word about divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Sarah asked, now amused.
Before Claire could answer, the front door opened and Michael stepped in, surprised to see a stranger in the hallway.
Claire? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? Michael asked, bewildered.
No, I came for you, Sarah said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happen at work? Michael pressed, still puzzled.
No, darling. She came to take you away. Completely, Sarah said with a grin.
Claire, flustered, hurried back to the door, pulling on her coat.
Youre leaving already? And what about Michael? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly send him your way, Sarah joked.
But Claire was already beyond the doorway.
What was that supposed to mean? Michael asked, utterly confused.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Sarah asked, folding her arms.
Seriously?! Michael exclaimed, staring at her in disbelief. I have no idea whats going on. She behaved oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to that nonsense.
Fine. You know I dont joke, Michael. Women nowadays will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Sarah said, shaking her head.
Michael looked at her uncertainly, then sighed deeply. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all rather strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of trouble.
Exactly, Sarah replied with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in here uninvited. This is our home, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, Michael said, moving to hug her. Thank you for always standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you and only you.
Sarah returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, Michael. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both realised that no matter how unexpected the challenges, a marriage built on trust and mutual support can weather any storm a reminder that true partnership is the safest shelter when the world outside turns tempestuous.
