Dear Diary,
This evening began quite oddly. I was in the kitchen making tea when Emily, my wife, answered the phone with a soft laugh. Hold on a moment, Ellie! Someones at the door. Ill call back as soon as I know who it is and what they want, she said, ending a chat with an old school friend who had just recounted her motherinlaws birthday party in great detail, making Emily giggle like shed just watched a comedy on the telly.
Emily padded over to the front door of our flat in Camden and peered through the peephole. She expected to see Mr. Patel from next door, as strangers rarely get past the secure entrance of our block. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before stood there, clutching a scarf.
Instinctively, she decided not to open. Better to avoid strangers, she muttered, thinking of all the scams that run rampant these days. Her rule is simple: no conversations with unknown people. She grabbed her phone to continue her call with Ellie, but the doorbell rang again. The newcomer was persistent, convinced someone was home and determined to get a response.
I was out helping a mate in the garden when Emily returned to the door, looking more closely this time. Something about the woman felt both odd and pitiful, yet Emily sensed no immediate threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? I could finish the weekend in peace, she thought. Perhaps shes lost or trying to sell something.
She opened the door. The stranger straightened, smoothed her hair nervously, and said, Hi! Are you Emily? playing with the scarf at her throat. Of course you arewhy do you ask?
Emily, skeptical, replied, Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! The woman then asked, Is James home?
Emilys suspicion spiked. She knows my husbands nameshe must be a con artist, she mused.
Are you here for James? Emily asked, though she intended a different line of questioning.
No, I came to speak with you. If James is home, itll be harder for me, the woman answered calmly.
Harder for me? Whats going on? Emily wondered, curiosity rising.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Emily pressed.
Maybe we should step inside. Its difficult to discuss such things in the hallway, the woman suggested, growing more confident.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I wont let strangers into my home. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Emily snapped.
Just then, Mrs. Thompson, our neighbour from flat 2B, emerged from the lift. Emily, dear, everything alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hi Mrs. Thompson! Just a bit of a stir. Hows the weather outside? Emily tried to deflect.
It looks like rains on its way, Mrs. Thompson replied, lingering out of curiosity.
Reluctantly, Emily gestured the woman inside.
Inside, the stranger began eyeing the flat, scanning the furnishings. Youve got five minutes. Speak, Emily warned, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
Im Olivia, the woman announced, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Emily responded with a dry laugh, How original! Couldnt you think of something more inventive?
Whats so unoriginal about it? People fall in love. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Olivia replied, trying to sidestep Emily.
Are you certain he stopped loving me and fell for you? Emily asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Olivia claimed.
My husband knows nothing of love. Hes clueless, so youre completely mistaken, Emily said evenly.
Olivia pressed on, We work together, and since I joined his team, Jamessorry, Mr. James Whitakerhas been unable to take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings.
Emily raised an eyebrow. Is that really him? What do you want from me, Olivia?
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, Olivia declared, standing firm.
So you expect me to let my husband go even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Emily asked, now amused.
Before Olivia could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, clearly surprised to see a stranger in the hallway.
Olivia? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? he asked, baffled.
No, I came for you, Emily replied, delighted by the turn of events.
What do you mean? Something happen at work? James probed, still confused.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Thats all, Emily said with a grin.
Olivia, flustered, grabbed her coat and backed toward the door. Leaving already? Ill give you back your husband with pleasure, Emily teased.
Olivia was out the moment the door closed behind her.
What was that about? James asked, utterly bewildered.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and saying youd live with her? Emily pressed, hands on her hips.
James shook his head. Honestly, I have no idea. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to that nonsense.
Good. Im not joking, James. Women these days will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Emily said, shaking her head.
James looked at her, sighed, and admitted, Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all rather strange. Thank goodness you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Youre right, Emily replied with a faint smile. I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is our home, our family, and Ill protect it.
James moved closer, wrapped his arms around her, and whispered, Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you, now and always.
I felt their bond tighten, even after such a bizarre encounter. We both sensed that, despite unexpected hurdles, our marriage remained solid as a rock.
Lesson learned: never let strangers slip through the threshold of your heart or your front door; protect what matters most, and youll find strength in the people who truly belong beside you.
