Emily has been married to Mark for a little over twenty years, and lately she feels a chill coming from his side. She admits shes not as passionate about him as she once was.
Its true what they say, that a certain stage in a marriage brings a crisis, she muses. Could Mark have fallen for someone else? That would be terrible it could happen to anyone, but I dont want it.
Emily grows bored with the routine of her marriage. At the office, colleagues whine about their own spouses, and a few even confess to finding an outlet elsewhere. She doesnt approve of that, though; it feels wrong.
One morning, as shes getting ready for work, Mark asks, Can you pick up some aftershave for me? Ive run out. He holds up an empty bottle, smiles, kisses her cheek and adds, I could swing by myself, but I have a sixoclock meeting with the boss today. You always know what I need.
Sure, its on my way, Emily promises.
After a long day she heads to Westfield London. She walks straight to the toiletries aisle, grabs the aftershave and a lipstick for herself. At the checkout she decides to pay in cash, but a few coins tumble onto the floor. She crouches, scoops them up quickly.
A pleasant male voice from behind says, Heres another one for you.
Emily smiles without looking up, Keep it, love. Its yours.
The man chuckles, They say you can toss a coin and send a bit of luck off with it.
She sighs, You cant take luck from someone who doesnt have any.
He still pockets the coin, thanks her, and she pays. She walks toward the bus stop, but the same voice calls out, Excuse me, are you waiting for the bus? Let me give you a lift.
A thought flashes through her mindNot againand, without questioning herself, she agrees. Its not far for me anyway.
The car pulls up beside her, the driver opens the door and she slides into the front seat.
Nice car, very comfortable, she says.
Its reliable, thats the main thing, he replies. By the way, Im James. And you are?
Emily, she answers.
Pleasure, Emily, he says, then adds, If youre not in a rush, maybe we could keep talking? I could treat you to a coffee. You dont seem to be heading straight home.
Whys that? she asks, a little flustered.
Because you mentioned luck earlier he teases.
Emily blushes, Oh, Ijust said something
She feels she shouldnt have said that. She has a house, a good job, a husband, an adult daughter who just finished university and got married.
James looks at her closely. But you cant honestly say everything at home is perfect and Mark is the perfect husband, can you?
And you can say you have a wonderful wife If that were true, we wouldnt be sitting in this car, Emily replies sadly.
James pauses, then says, Unfortunately, thats the case. Im on my second marriage; my wife is ten years younger. My first marriage ended because my ex didnt want children. With my current wife I imagined a cosy home, homecooked meals, maybe a couple of kids, but its never happened. She cant provide thatpartly because shes lazy, partly because she simply wont, and Im already fortyfive.
They quickly slip into first names, chat about books, films, mutual acquaintances. Their conversation flows and even some opinions match.
A sudden glance at her watch makes Emily sigh, Im sorry, I have to go. Thanks for the lift. She steps out, waves, and they exchange phone numbers, agreeing to meet again.
Emily thinks about ending things, but James doesnt let her. I dont think thats a good idea Id rather not, and maybe you feel the same, he says. She stays silent, and his silence reads as consent.
Mark isnt home yet, so Emily doesnt have to explain her lateness. The next day is Friday. After lunch, James calls. Ive missed you. When can we meet?
After five, at the mall? she suggests.
Dont be late, Ill be waiting, he replies.
Emily knows Mark will be stuck at work; they often have a Friday night boys night with colleagues. She cant wait for the day to end, and as she rushes to the meeting spot she doubts whether shes doing the right thing. The moment she sees James, the guilt fades.
They spend a wonderful evening. Emily doesnt want a restaurant; she prefers to drive around the city at night and stop by the park near the lake. Under a sprawling lime tree they kiss for a long while, oblivious to the few latenight walkers. Emily feels a sweet ache, and James seems to share it.
Its been ages since Ive had a night like this, thank you, James, she says as they part, but he cant seem to let her go.
When she gets home Mark is still not there, so she removes her makeup in front of the mirror, trying to justify herself. Its not really cheating. Mark is rarely home anyway. And James well, Ill just let it be for now.
Secret meetings with James become Emilys escape. She finally understands the whispers at work. Their rendezvous varycafé lunches, weekend trips, a hotel room, even a wild few minutes in the back seat of his car. Hot meetings, goodbyes, and reunions become her new reality.
Six months pass. Mark remains oblivious, always busy. Emily never bothers to ask why hes late; it suits her. She and James miss each other more and start talking about making a decision. Emily is ready to end her marriage when James suddenly says, Ive got an emergency at home.
What happened? she asks.
My wifes pregnant, he replies.
You said
I know, I said I wasnt. Now I cant just leave a pregnant wife with our first child. Even if I dont love her, the baby means something to me.
The news hits Emily like a blow. She had convinced herself that James was single, that hed divorce and theyd be together.
Lord, who do you really love? she whispers to herself. I dont trust anyone now. Were you ever with me, or just with your wife?
I love you, Emily! Always will but I cant walk away from my wife now. Im stuck, James says.
Emily feels angry, hurt, and storms out of the car. You I hate you. Youre just like everyone else, she shouts, running to the bus stop. James doesnt chase after her.
The following days are a nightmare. She cries in the bathroom, feeling broken. Mark finally notices her gloom.
Emily, how about we take a break together? Were both exhausted. Lets have a holiday and start fresh, he suggests.
She agrees; it feels like a lifeline.
They book a package holiday to Brighton and spend a relaxing week together. Their bond strengthens, and Emily begins to see Mark in a new light. When they return home she changes the SIM card in her phone.
Whyd you change the SIM? Mark asks suspiciously.
Just tired of some persistent calls, she answers, and he pretends to believe her.
A year later Emily spots James in a supermarket, looking thinner and a bit down. Hes buying groceries, no longer the confident man she once knew. She smiles to herself, thinking, He looks like hes carrying the weight of sleepless nights and tiny kids.
She feels content now. The crisis in her marriage has passed; she and Mark are happy. Shes at peace with the life shes built.
