**Diary Entry**
One evening, I came home and said, Im sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill support the boys, but Im leaving. Forgive me if you can. With that, I left Emily with the children and walked out. The next day, our neighbours words opened her eyes.
Emily had married late. Before that, shed been engrossed in her studies, then consumed by her career. Thats where she met me. I collided with her one morning as she rushed to the office, our hands brushing accidentally. I was smitten instantly. That same evening, as she left work, I appeared out of nowhere, holding an umbrella over her head and offering a bouquet. Thats how it beganflowers, surprises, gifts. Six months later, we married. A year after that, our first son was born.
Emily had gained a little weight during the pregnancy, but it never bothered me. Then came our second boy, and she put on more. She never returned to work, devoting herself to the house and our sons. By then, Id started my own small IT repair business. Emily didnt even notice when I began drifting away. The last year had been especially hardI vanished into work, taking frequent «business trips.» She had no idea I wasnt travelling at all. Then, that evening, I came home and calmly said, Im sorry. Ive fallen for someone else. Ill support the boys, but Im leaving. Forgive me if you can. Emily was blindsided. Only the next day did our neighbour reveal Id been unfaithful for ages. She wasnt herself for months.
Eight months passed.
One night, the intercom buzzedit was me, coming to see the boys. Emily exchanged a few words, then went to the kitchen. Her phone rang. She answered, saying, Hi! I thought youd forgotten about us.
Never. How could I forget happiness? the voice replied. Ill pick you all up tomorrow. You and the boys will love the new flat. I love you.
Emily hung up, a smile spreading. Frank had proposedtheyd be moving in together. She turned to check on the boys, but Id heard everything.
Am I too late? I asked, staring at the floor.
Yes! Emily laughed, her voice bright with joy.
**Lesson:** Some chances slip away quietly, and regret always arrives too late.
