Emma, twenty, cant imagine what lies ahead. She studies at university, loves Daniel, and dreams of marriage because they already talk about it.
Daniel is older; he has finished his army service and shows up at the school prom when Emma is in year eleven. She always remembers the first time she sees him. Though they live in the same town and attend the same school, he graduated earlier.
Whos that handsome fellow? she thinks as Daniel walks in, scanning the room, meeting her gaze and smiling. She falls for him instantly. He cant be any other wayhes unlike any other boy.
Hi, Im Daniel. Whats your name? he asks, his cheeks flushing as Emma blushes. May I have this dance? he says, taking her waist and spinning her around.
Emma feels weightless, as if shes flying, while Daniel holds her confidently. Emma, you dance so easily, he smiles.
He stays by her all evening, promising to see her after the prom. They walk together, reluctant to part, but Emma knows she must go home; her mother worries.
Daniel never lets her be bored. After school, Emma enrolls at the local university. Daniel works, never knowing boredom; his optimism lifts everyone around him. He has many friends, and Emma often joins his group at weddings.
Even in winter, Daniel brings her roses. Every date feels like a celebration. They linger in cafés, escape to the countryside with friends.
When Emma reaches her third year, Daniel surprises her.
Over the New Year break well go to the ski centre in the Lake District. Ive already bought two tickets. Well teach you to ski; the instructors are topnotch, he says.
Emma squeals, clinging to his neck, then laughs, Oh, Im a bit of a scaredycat; Im terrified of slopes! The trip becomes unforgettable. Emma learns to descend fast, loves it, and wishes the magic would linger.
International Womens Day arrives, and Daniel shows up at Emmas flat with two bouquets.
Happy Womens Day, he says, handing one to Emmas mother, Susan, and one to Emma. For my beautiful girl, he adds, planting a kiss on her cheek. Emma is thrilled.
Susan remarks, Thats pricey.
Daniel replies, Its fine. My mates Tom and Alex are heading up for a construction job; they need an electrician on a highvoltage line. The pays good. Ill earn enough for a wedding and a car.
Emma protests, Dont go!
He assures, Just three or four months, then Im back. Well stay in touch. I want a proper wedding, you do too, right?
Emma sighs, Id be happy with a modest ceremony; what matters is being together.
Daniel is set on a grand wedding, so Emma cant convince him to stay. He leaves with his friends, the pay is indeed solid, and they speak often.
One afternoon Emma feels a vague unease during a lecture but it passes. The night before she and Daniel were supposed to chat, she doesnt expect his call. Her heart feels off, so she dials him herself. The line is silent. Panic rises; she tries five times, nothing.
She grabs Alexs number, calls, and breathes a sigh of relief.
Alex, wheres Daniel? she asks.
Alexs voice is flat, Hes not here
Emmas world collapses. She screams, Mum! and breaks down.
Later she learns Daniel was electrocuted on that highvoltage pole. Susan, Daniels mother, is pale with grief, barely speaking. His father and younger brother, Mark, arrive later. The funeral is a blur of darkness and sorrow.
Emma drifts through the days in a numb haze, visiting Susan, often sitting in silence, or driving together to Daniels grave.
Susan clings to Emma, urging her to spend more time with them, especially now that the summer holidays are here. They tour churches, share tea.
One afternoon Susan suggests, Emma, why dont we drive down to Brighton for a change of air?
Emma, though uneasy, agrees. They spend a week at the seaside. Susan seems a little steadier. Emma watches her phone, unable to sleep, while Susan dozes.
Life buzzes around them, yet Emma feels isolated. She walks to the promenade, watches the sea meet the sky, spots a tiny boat on the horizon, hears gulls, traffic, childrens laughter. A lone male voice calls out, What a beautiful yet sad day.
She turns, sees a young man, wants to snap back a harsh reply but hesitates. He reminds her of Daniel in some unfathomable way.
Beautiful things never get happiness, she says sadly.
He replies, I dont agree. He introduces himself, Luke.
Emma, she answers.
They exchange a few lines, then she spins away. Luke watches her go. He has been observing Emma for days, feeling sorry she spends all her time with Susan.
Determined to know her story, Luke approaches her at a shop, grabs the grocery bag shes holding.
Let me help, he says, instantly switching to a familiar tone.
Help if you like, she replies.
He invites her to a summer café next to the supermarket. I have some serious questions, he says.
Im leaving in three days, Luke mentions, when are you staying?
Emma answers, We leave tomorrow night; tickets are in hand.
Luke laughs, I felt it. Where do you live? She mentions the town, he looks surprised.
Im from there too! he exclaims. Great, we wont get lost.
Luke, a recent graduate from the same university, works at a design office in the council. Hes single after a breakup, came here to unwind. He fell for Emma at first sight.
Emma tells him about her grief and Susans clinginess. He asks, Why does his mother keep you? Usually families let go after a sons death.
I dont know, Emma admits, I dont want to hurt her.
They swap numbers, plan to meet in their hometown. Emma must go; Susan suddenly loses her, looking annoyed.
Emma, where are you? Susan asks.
In the shop, then a walk, Emma replies. The strain of being around Susan grows unbearable. Her own mother often tells her to free herself from Susans grip, but Emma cant abandon her, especially after the sea trip.
She realizes she cant stay forever and decides to return home, gradually pulling away. That evening she and Susan pack, talking about moving back. Emma says, Ill start a new life.
Susan looks oddly distant, then says, A new lifeyes, you have your whole future ahead. I thought you might be pregnant you and Daniel seemed so close. I even have a sonmaybe you could be together.
Emma, shocked, snaps, No one wants me. I dont need anyone, not even Daniels brother. Susan cries for the first time since the funeral, then feels a little lighter.
Emma finally decides: her new life will have no room for Susans hold.
Home, home, the thought rings in her head. Perhaps meeting Luke was a blessing; he opened her eyes.
The new academic year begins. Emma dates Luke, and one day she walks alone to Daniels grave.
Goodbye, Daniel, she whispers. You gave me great joy. You left too soon, but I must go on. I am different now, with a new life without you.
She leaves the cemetery, finds Luke waiting by his car. With him, she feels reborn. She sees Susan only occasionally by chance. Soon she marries Luke and awaits their first child.
