The doctor gives a reassuring nod and says, Youre lucky with your wife.
James dreads the thought of Emily finding out how he ended up in the hospital, fearing shell never see such devotion again. Yet the nurses chatter tells him she already knows everything.
James is gregarious and chattya topthree salesman at his firmand that charisma helps him with the ladies. He isnt blessed with striking looks or wealth, but his charm comes in abundance.
He wins over the shy, sweet orphan Emily with almost no effort, and unlike other girls, she sticks in his mind. Six months after they meet, he proposes; she accepts gladly.
They move into a twobedroom flat Emily inherited from her grandmother, while James rents out his tiny studio flatjust a few pence of extra income for the family. The studio was a birthday gift from his mother when he turned eighteen.
Now its my turn, says Margaret, his motherinlaw, I can finally focus on my own life.
James rarely visits his mother in the neighboring county, not wanting to burden his new stepfather or interfere with her. Now he has his own family, and he feels delighted.
His mates tease him, Emilys got you wrapped up, mate! Going to be a househusband now?
He retorts, Keep quiet and be jealous! My wifes perfectyoull see.
And indeed she is. Emily runs the household smoothly, never raises her voice or throws tantrums, and earns a decent salary as a landscape designer.
James thinks her only flaw is being too kindher generosity isnt limited to him; she spreads it to everyone.
Their elderly neighbour, Mrs. Irving, has almost forgotten how to call a private nurse because Emily always gives her injections and brings her medicines.
Whenever a stray puppy or kitten appears, the locals bring them to Emily; she finds them homes or rehomes them herself.
At work she constantly helps lazy colleagues, and on the street she gives alms to beggars.
Emily, you cant be like that, James sometimes complains. Everyone just leans on you!
Youre not as lucky as we are, she replies, a hint of reproach in her tone. You should help when help is needed.
By their fourth wedding year, James grows irritated that Emily dislikes nightlife. To her, a perfect weekend means walking in the woods, volunteering at an animal shelter, or catching a theatre show. He prefers loud pubs, nightclubs, or a weekend at a countryside hotel.
Emily doesnt object, but she rarely joins him. One night they argue again, and Emily brings up the idea of a child.
James isnt ready for kidsboth are still in their thirties. Why rush? he thinks.
He ends the conversation by saying he cant miss Toms birthday and that hell meet Emily later at a club.
Emily never shows up. She sends a text saying she cant make it and will explain later.
Explain what? James snaps, furious. Shes playing the martyr again! Shes offended, I guesssod off!
Tom, the birthday boy, tries to calm him down, Dont get hotheaded, mate.
James, already in a frenzy, downes drink after drink, flirts with club girls, and eventually leaves with a newcomer named Lily.
What follows is hazy. They spend a wild evening in Lilys flat, James falls asleep, then wakes to screams and the smell of smoke. White haze fills the room, Lily is gone.
Trapped, James leaps out a thirdfloor window, lands on a lawn, loses consciousness, and awakens in a hospital.
A week later a doctor lists his injuries: serious concussion, a double fracture in his leg, three broken ribs, bruises and scrapes. Youve gotten off pretty easy, lad, the doctor says.
James, dazed from medication, merely nods.
The doctor repeats, Youre lucky with your wife; she never left your side, keeping the junior staff idle.
James turns his head and meets Emilys sympathetic gaze; she forces a strained smile, Hello.
Emily never disappears. She takes a few days off, arranges a private ward for him, sleeps nearby, and even manages to dash home during the day to cook him a proper meal.
He still fears Emily learning how he got into the hospital, worried shell never see such care again. The nurses, however, confirm shes fully aware, and the investigating officer also corroborates it.
Youre fortunate, lad! the officer says, shaking his head. Another woman would have sent you packing, but this one shes a lucky charm.
The officer explains that drunken neighbours of Lily started the fire. Lily woke first, fled the flat, apparently forgetting about her accidental guest. She only mentions James when the fire brigade arrives; they cant rescue him because hes already leapt out.
Even the attractive nurses who usually receive his cheeky compliments now look at him with disdain. He curses himself, unable to turn back time.
James quickly realises Emily isnt going to abandon him. She talks calmly, never blames the incident, cares sincerely, and he finally relaxes.
She truly is a saintkind and compassionate.
His friends gradually disappear. Tom drops by a couple of times, but the sight of a bandaged, gaunt James doesnt inspire further visits.
His mother never shows up either.
I suppose you wont be in any danger, and someone will look after you, she says flatly over the phone. Were off on holiday with Fred, cant cancel that.
She limits herself to standard messages about his health. She does send some money, but thats all.
Money worries James most. He knows a private ward, medication and special care cost a lot, and he has no savings.
Dont worry, Emily reassures him, I was putting this aside for a baby, but its not a problem. Ill sort it out later.
He spends a month and a half in the hospital, undergoing two operations. Rehabilitation still lies ahead, but he feels reasonably well.
Emily picks him up, and he is immensely grateful. He plans a romantic dinner (still ordering in), wants to apologise again and tell her hes ready for a child. He now feels prepared to do anything for his beloved wife.
At first James doesnt know where theyre going, and when he does, he cant quite believe it. Emily drives him to his own former studio flat.
I asked the tenants to leave, the cleaning service has tidied up, the fridge is stocked, internet is paid for, she says evenly. Ive filed for divorce. I hope you wont oppose it.
James is stunned silent, expecting a joke, a laugh, perhaps a reconciliation, but Emily doesnt smile.
I already asked for forgiveness, James finally croaks. Ill beg you a hundred more times! Ill be on my knees when I can! Please dont leave me!
Im sorry, but I cant and wont live with you. I dont love you anymore, Emily replies, pity in her eyes.
Why did you ever bother with me? he erupts. Were you just pretending to be sweet? Throwing dust in peoples eyes?
Grandma taught me never to abandon anyone in trouble, even those who betray you, Emily says seriously. You no longer need my help. From now on, youre on your own.
She turns and walks out, closing the door gently behind her.
From now on, youre on your own, echoes in Jamess mind for a long time. He thinks hes heard it before and managed alone, but now it feels different.
He decides he will win her back, get back on his feet, find a job and figure something out.
A month later he learns Emily has sold the flat and moved to another city, likely to stay far away from him.
