One evening, a man came home and said, Sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill help with the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can. With that, he walked out, leaving Emily with their children. The next day, a chat with the neighbour opened her eyes.
Emily had married late. Before that, shed been all about her studies, then completely absorbed by her career. Thats where she met James. She bumped into himliterallywhile rushing to the office, and he was smitten on the spot. That same evening, as she left work, James appeared out of nowhere, holding an umbrella over her head and presenting a bouquet. Flowers, surprises, giftssix months later, they were married. A year after that, their first son arrived.
Emily put on a bit of weight during pregnancy, but James didnt mind. Then came their second boy, and she never quite shed the extra pounds. She never went back to work, either, too busy raising the boys and keeping house. Meanwhile, James started his own little computer repair business. Somehow, Emily didnt notice him drifting away. Last year was especially roughJames was always «working,» always on «business trips.» She had no idea those trips never left town. Then one evening, he came home and calmly said, Sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill help with the boys. Im leavingforgive me if you can. Emily was stunned. Only the next day did the neighbour let slip that James had been cheating for ages. She wasnt herself for months.
Then, eight months later, the intercom buzzed. James was here to see the boys. Emily exchanged a few words and headed to the kitchen when her phone rang. Hey, she answered, thought youd forgotten about us.
Never, came the warm reply. How could I forget happiness? Ill pick you all up tomorrowyoull love the new place. Love you.
Emily hung up, smiling. Thomas had proposed. Theyd be moving in together. She turned to check on the boysonly to find James still there, having heard everything.
Am I too late? he asked, staring at the floor.
Yes! Emily beamed.
