**Diary Entry**
One evening, a man came home and said quietly, «I’m sorry. I’ve fallen for someone else. I’ll help with the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can.» With that, he walked out, leaving Emily alone with their children. The next day, a neighbours revelation opened her eyes.
Emily had married late, having been focused on her studies before throwing herself into work. That was where she met James. She bumped into him one morning while rushing to the officejust a brief touch, but it was enough. He fell for her instantly. That same evening, as she left work, James appeared unexpectedly, shielding her from the rain with an umbrella and holding a bouquet. That was how it beganflowers, surprises, gifts. Six months later, they married. A year after that, their first son was born.
During her pregnancies, Emily put on weight, but James never seemed to mind. Then came their second boy, and the weight stayed. She never returned to work, dedicating herself to the house and the children. Meanwhile, James started his own small computer repair business. She hadnt even noticed the distance growing between them until this past year. He vanished into work, claiming business tripsthough she hadnt realised they were lies. Then, one evening, he came home and calmly shattered everything.
Eight months passed.
One night, the doorbell rang. It was James, here to see the boys. Emily exchanged a few words before slipping into the kitchen. Then her phone rang. She answered with a quiet, «HelloI thought youd forgotten about us.»
«Never. How could I forget happiness?» came the warm reply. «Ill pick you all up tomorrow. You and the boys will love the new place. I love you.»
Emily hung up, smiling. Frank had just proposedtheyd be moving in together. As she turned to check on the boys, James spoke from the hallway, staring at the floor. «Am I too late?»
Emily laughed, bright and unburdened. «No,» she said, «you were always too early.» She stepped past him, opening the door wider for Frank, who stood on the porch with a duffel bag and a hesitant smile. The boys ran to him, calling him Dad. James watched, silent, as the family moved around him like a tide that no longer needed his shape. Emily didnt look back.
