A divorced woman had a baby left on her doorstep. A year later, the village folk knocked on her door.
Did your man not turn up? the curious looks of the local ladies were fixed on Sarah Whitaker. She lowered her eyes, unsure what to say.
No, and why should he have come back? Were split, Sarah answered, trying to sound confident.
The split, the split Bob isnt exactly a prize either. Its unlikely anyone will pick up that treasure straight away, the women chattered on. Sarah didnt want to stay in the conversation. She quickly gathered her groceries and walked out of the shop.
She knew the gossip would travel through every lane of the village. Here, divorce was as rare as a snowstorm in July. Even if a husband drank or raised his hand, locals believed you had to soldier on together.
Bob was a different sort of fellowhe didnt drink, didnt shout, and because of that he was oddly unpopular. All the other blokes limp home after payday, but hes as sober as a judge, people would say, trying to set him up as a model, yet envy still reared its head and Bob got no special treatment. That envy spilled over onto Sarah. Rumours floated that Bob had someone on the side, but neither gossip nor whispered speculation changed anything for the couple. Their arguments were settled behind closed doors.
When the split finally became obvious, it shocked everyone.
Sarah withdrew into herself, sharing nothing. Although neighbours seemed ready to offer a shoulder, she kept her distance. She trudged home through creaking, frosty streets, feeling a hollow ache inside.
Six months passed since Bob left, and thoughts of him still lingered.
Sarah had been the one to file for divorce. Bob only agreed when life became unbearable. It all began when she saw his distant stare on the children at the nursery.
Bob, we need to have a serious talk, she said one afternoon.
Alright, go on. Youre about to discuss whats for dinner, arent you? he joked, but Sarah was unwavering.
I want a divorce, she declared, as if a thunderclap had split the sky.
Why? he asked, bewildered.
In a proper family there should be children, and we have none. Probably never will. I think we should part ways. Youll find someone else and start a family, Sarah explained, hoping hed understand.
Bob was genuinely upset.
Did you even ask if I wanted a child without you? Lets close that topic and not revisit it, he snapped.
No, Bob, well come back to this. Ive filed for divorce, she said firmly.
Bob missed every court hearing, and the divorce was granted in absentia.
When Sarah returned home and unfolded the divorce decree, Bob struggled to keep his composure.
So thats it, he muttered, grinding his teeth.
Yes, Bob. Id like you to leave, Sarah replied.
She locked herself in her room, listening to him pack. She wanted to say a final goodbye, but she couldnt bring herself to risk stopping him. When the door slammed shut, Sarah rushed to the window and saw Bobs figure disappearing down the lane.
His departure felt like her soul was pulling free of her body. She couldnt get used to life without him. Most evenings she replayed old photographs, remembering a time when their house was brimming with friends. Now no one visited; she had turned everyone away.
One afternoon, returning home, Sarah found a large basket on the porch. Not a shabby country basket, but an elegant one, as if bought from a city shop, big enough to hold three potatoes. She looked aroundno one in sight. Who had left it there?
She approached, peered inside.
Whos playing a joke? she muttered aloud.
Suddenly something moved inside. Sarah jumped back, then looked again.
Oh my! she exclaimed, snatching the basket and hurrying inside.
Inside was a tiny infant, a perfect little girl. Sarah had never handled a newborn, but she immediately began caring for the child. She swaddled her in a blanket and, once the baby fell asleep again, sat beside her and asked with a smile,
What am I to do with you, little one?
Sarah named her Lucy. She was adorable, with minute fingers Sarah couldnt tell how many months old she was, but Lucy could sit propped on pillows and happily gobbled down sweetened porridge.
The night was almost sleepless; Sarah fretted over the babys quiet breaths. What a marvelous feeling it was to watch her little nose crinkle as she slept!
The next day Sarah decided not to rush to the authorities. She slipped out with Lucy at night so the neighbours wouldnt see, took a few days leave from work, and ran errands while Lucy napped. She knew shed eventually have to hand the child over, but she kept postponing that moment.
Three weeks later, the local constable knocked on Sarahs door. He inspected the room, then faced Sarah, who was barely holding back tears.
Right then, Mrs. Whitaker, shall we have a chat?
He wrote up a report, then heard Sarah, eyes swollen, ask where the child would be taken.
I wont let her be taken away; Ill just pass the information on. Why are you crying? Dont you want to say goodbye? If a mother doesnt need a child, who will care for her? the officer said.
Ive heard single women can be denied adoption, Sarah replied.
They can be granted it. Well write good references, help out. Nothing happens without a bit of effort, the constable noted.
Sarah hadnt expected the whole process to chew up five months of her life, but it was nothing compared with the joy of finally having Lucy stay with her legally.
She took a yearandahalf maternity leave the sort of leave granted to those who adopt from a care home.
Today Lucy was turning one. Sarah didnt know the exact birth date; the doctor had given an approximate. She decided the day should be special. While Lucy still slept, Sarah filled the room with colourful balloons, giving the space a festive feel.
Then she fetched a massive doll from the shop. The shop assistant giggled, What are you doing with such a huge doll?
Sarah answered, Let this doll keep Lucys bedside company, like a guardian.
When the villagers learned Sarah had taken in a child, their attitude shifted. The gossip churned about who the real parents might be, but most agreed that Sarahs cottage by the main road was the perfect spot for someone to drop off a baby. The constable, hearing the rumours, supported keeping Lucy with Sarah.
Sarah worried one day a knock would arrive demanding the child back, but each morning Lucys smile lit Sarahs world.
Good morning, my little sunshine, Sarah said, laughing.
Lucys face lit up, and Sarah dressed her. Their cosy cottage kept Lucy warm, so she played on the carpet. Sarah placed Lucy in front of the giant doll, and Lucy examined it with wide eyes, glancing at her mum now and then. Sarah chuckled as the tiny hands reached for the doll, nudged it closer, and Lucy pulled herself up on her tiny legs, standing stiffly. Sarah held her breath, watching.
Sunbeam, give it a go! she encouraged.
Doctors assured Sarah Lucy was healthy, yet she still fretted. Lucy took a tentative step, then a second, and clutched the dolls rubber arms. Sarah was thrilled and spun Lucy around in her arms.
Their merriment was interrupted by a sudden knock. Sarah froze, pulling Lucy close. Her heart pounded as the door creaked open like a scene from a horror film.
In the doorway stood Bob, thinner than before but still with that warm gaze. He looked at Lucy, then swept his eyes over the room.
Sorry looks like youve got everything sorted. Whats her name? he asked.
Lucy, Sarah replied, spotting a flicker of confusion on his face. Bob, she isnt our daughter. I adopted her. Come in.
Bob, about to turn away, paused at Sarahs invitation.
Take off your shoes, Bob. Its Lucys birthday. Lets have tea and cake, and Ill fill you in, she said.
He slipped off his coat and boots. Sarah studied his face with a hint of sadness.
Are you well? Do you eat anything? she asked.
He looked at himself, grinned.
No appetite for a while. Thats how it got like this, he replied softly, his smile burning a little hole in Sarahs heart. How shed missed him
Lucy reached for Bob, her tiny hands outstretchedclear as day: Hold me.
Bob nodded, smiling, and asked, Can I hold her while you make the tea?
Sarah watched Lucy and Bob tumble on the floor, playing with the doll. Bob teased, Wheres the dolls mouth? And the eyes?
Lucy confidently pointed, then burst into giggles. Sarah brushed away tears of happiness.
They finally talked after Lucy fell asleep postlunch. Sarah poured out everything.
Why didnt you try to contact me? It must be hard being alone, huh? Bob asked.
No, Im fine. Besides, I thought youd found someone else and maybe even expecting a baby, Sarah answered.
Bob looked away and murmured, I once found love. Shame it turned out so stubborn.
When night fell, Bob started packing.
Its a twohour drive back, he said.
Sarah crossed her arms, aware his departure was imminent.
Maybe its for the best, he added, but you have no idea how tough its been. Without you, I dont need any kids. I try to leave you in the past, yet you keep haunting my dreams. I came hoping to see you, think I could forget, but it only got worse.
Sarah, fighting tears, replied, Im lost too. Not a minute passes without thoughts of you. What do we do, Bob?
Bob smiled suddenly. I know what we should do.
Sarah stared at him, puzzled.
Its simple, he said. We split because we had no children. Now we have Lucy. We could be a family again.
Marry again? Sarah asked.
Bob shrugged off his coat, grabbed a small steering wheel from a vase, and stood before Sarah.
My dear, will you marry me? I promise to look after you and Lucy.
Sarah sat down, met his eyes.
Yes a thousand times yes, she whispered.
Bob slipped a tiny ring onto her finger and pulled her into a tight hug.
Without you I was like dreaming while asleep. Now I feel awake, as if life has started anew.
A year later, Sarah and Bob welcomed a son, Michael. The hospital initially turned him away, but after a tangle of paperwork the little boy found his family.
Now we have a princess and a prince, Bob said, eyes shining. Hell grow up to protect his sister.
They stood together, arms around each other, watching their children. Their looks said it all: this was a genuinely happy family.
