Emma didn’t enjoy celebrating her birthday, but today, as she turned 28, she decided to mark the occasion at work.
A difficult teenage life and poverty lingered in her memories, and her parents, who were always drunk, used her birthday as just another excuse to drink.
Emma looked at her reflection in the mirror. She wasn’t a striking beauty, seeing herself as short, with plain features and a sad smile.
— I want to congratulate you! — Emma said to herself. — I wish for you to stop living in loneliness and become someone the whole world looks at in a special way.
After a while, she decided to head to work. She stepped outside, but as she turned the corner, she bumped into a tearful boy, about four years old.
— Hello, why are you crying? — Emma asked, kneeling beside him.
— My grandma… she… — The child started crying again, and Emma picked him up, walking with him in the direction he pointed.
In a cluttered, unkempt apartment, an elderly woman lay on the floor.
Emma immediately grabbed her phone and called an ambulance, then knelt beside the woman, who was still conscious but breathing heavily.
— The ambulance is on its way, don’t worry, you’ll be fine, I’m sure of it, — Emma said to the elderly woman. She picked up the boy and hugged him tightly. — Don’t worry, everything will be okay. Listen, we haven’t met properly: I’m Emma, and what’s your name?
— I’m Sam.
— Alright, Sammy, the doctor will be here soon to check on your grandma and help her get better. For now, let’s go talk to the neighbors.
Emma stepped out and knocked on the neighbor’s door.
— Good afternoon, could you please call the local police officer? — she said when a tall, slender woman opened the door. — The lady in the apartment across the hall isn’t feeling well, and I’ve called an ambulance.
— Grandma Lily? Oh my goodness! We need to call Officer David right away.
The officer arrived shortly after the ambulance, as the paramedics were preparing to take the woman away. David turned to Emma and asked:
— Emma, could you take the child to your place while his grandmother is in the hospital? I’ll stop by later this evening, and we can discuss everything. Please…
— Okay, but I’m already late for work… I don’t want to get in trouble with my boss…
— I’ll let your director know you’ll be unavailable for a bit. Please, help us out.
A bewildered Emma returned home with Sam, fed him a tasty lunch, and bathed him. The tired child began to doze off, and Emma quickly tucked him into bed. Sam fell asleep fast, and she sat watching him, thinking how this day, far from ordinary, had taken an unexpected turn.
While the boy slept, she washed and ironed his clothes, then prepared a delicious dinner and waited for him to wake up.
The doorbell rang, startling Emma slightly. She went to open the door and saw Officer David standing there with flowers, a cake, and some of Sam’s belongings.
— Emma, I’m sorry your day didn’t start so well, — the officer began. — I brought some things for Sam and some documents, but first, let me wish you a happy birthday. — He handed her a beautiful bouquet of flowers and the cake.
Emma felt a bit shy but was genuinely touched. She accepted the gifts and invited David inside. They checked on Sam, who was still asleep, and Emma decided that while the boy rested, they could have some tea. She invited David to the kitchen.
— I made some food; are you hungry?
— Oh, Emma, don’t worry about it, but I’d gladly eat something—I’m starving! They ate dinner together, talking about all sorts of things as if they’d known each other forever.
— How did you know it’s my birthday today?
— I did some digging. I had to know who I was entrusting a small child to. By the way, your boss spoke highly of you, saying you love your job, you’re responsible, and you take your duties seriously.
— Really? I thought he didn’t even know I worked for him, — Emma laughed. — So, what are we going to do about Sam?
— It’s complicated. We think Sam’s grandma might not be his actual grandmother, possibly a nanny. Every month, a man would visit her, bringing food and money. But we can’t figure out who he is, and the neighbors don’t know either. I’ve only been on this beat for three weeks, so I don’t know everyone yet. But I’ll find out, I promise.
Just then, Sam woke up, and the three of them spent a wonderful evening together. From that moment, David started visiting Emma more often. She was genuinely happy when he came over, spending time with her and Sam.
They spent every evening together, going for walks, and it almost felt like a real family.
They visited Sam’s grandmother, but her condition didn’t improve. She stopped recognizing Sam, and a few months later, she passed away.
Emma began to worry:
— David, does this mean they’ll take Sam away from me forever? I don’t want that. I’ve grown so attached to him; I can’t imagine life without him. I love him, and he loves me too.
— Emma, my dear, don’t worry, we’ll find a way. I promise everything will work out!
— Do you promise?
— Yes. I want to marry you and adopt Sam. He’ll be our son. Will you marry me?
— David, oh my goodness, — Emma said, smiling in surprise, — you want me to be your wife?
— Yes. I fell in love with you at first sight. I’ve wanted to confess my feelings for a long time but was afraid of being rejected.
— David, my darling, I’ll be the best wife. I love you too!
That evening, David didn’t go home and stayed the night at Emma’s. For the first time in her life, she woke up next to someone who loved, valued, and truly cared for her. David was asleep, and she watched him, unable to believe she had finally found her happiness. Sure, she had fallen in love before, even dated a guy briefly, but waking up in the arms of a man who loved her—this was entirely new.
Emma was so happy she could hardly believe it, fearing it might just be a dream that would fade quickly. She quietly got out of bed, checked on Sam sleeping soundly in his room, and went to the kitchen to make breakfast.
A short while later, someone rang the doorbell. Emma opened the door and saw a young woman looking at her with disdain.
— So, this is what you look like, — the woman said without even a greeting. — Alright, fine. How long do I have to wait? Call David!
— I’m sorry, who are you?
— I’m Kate, his fiancée. Emma was in shock, unable to process what was happening. Was everything she thought was her happiness crumbling in an instant? Just then, David appeared.
— Why are you here?
— For you. I don’t want to live without you, get that through your head. My father finally agreed to our marriage.
— We talked about this, and we’re done. I don’t want to be with you!
— No, we’re not done. I’ll be waiting in the car. Come down.
Kate left, and David sat next to Emma.
— Emma, sweetheart, let me explain. Listen to me! Kate and I dated for three years, but her parents were against us being together. We hid from everyone for a long time, and it got exhausting. Her parents found another man for her, and I moved away. That’s when I met you. You’re completely different—you’re kind, compassionate, not like her. I love you, Emma, I truly love you! Do you hear me? I’m happy with you, my darling. Do you understand? Emma stood up abruptly, turned her back to him, and said quietly:
— Please leave. Your fiancée is waiting. Go, and don’t come back…
Sam was the only one who helped Emma pull through her heavy depression. She spent all day with him, walking in the park, taking him to the zoo, but at night, when he was asleep, she couldn’t hold back her tears, clutching the pillow where David had slept.
A few weeks later, Emma was sitting on a bench across from the courtyard, watching Sam play on the playground, when a tall, handsome man in his mid-30s approached her.
— Excuse me, you probably know everyone around here. Could you tell me where to find Emma Wilson?
— That’s me, — Emma said, surprised, looking at the man intently. — Who are you, and why do you need me?
— I’m… — the man hesitated slightly, — James Evans, Sam’s father.
Emma slowly rose from the bench but felt unsteady and sat back down.
— How are you Sam’s father?
— I’ll explain everything, but first, may I see my son? Please… Don’t worry, I have documents and his birth certificate. When I left, I entrusted Sam to a nanny and took the documents with me.
A stunned Emma called Sam over, and his father couldn’t hold back, hugging and kissing him. Then he handed Sam a bag of toys.
— This is for you, my boy.
— Thank you! — Sam exclaimed, running off to show his friends the gifts, while Emma sat, unable to make sense of it all.
— Emma, — James approached her, — I don’t know how to thank you for taking care of my son. When I met his mother, I was married. I come from a modest family, but my wife was from a wealthy one. Our marriage was arranged by mutual agreement, but her parents called all the shots. We lived together for seven years, but my wife, Ellen, couldn’t get pregnant—or maybe she didn’t want to. She was always self-absorbed, a spoiled woman. But I wanted a son. All my friends and business partners were raising kids, talking about fun times with them, family vacations, and trips.
One day, I met a charming waitress at a café. I really liked her and started courting her. Imagine my joy when she told me she was pregnant with my child.
I’d been married for seven years with no children, and here, after just a few meetings, I learned I was going to be a father. It was both happiness and terror at the same time.
— Why terror? — Emma asked.
— You don’t know how the business world works. Everyone’s connected, and the slightest piece of extra information can ruin your reputation and everything you’ve worked so hard for. Sure, many have mistresses, some even have families or children out of wedlock, but it’s carefully hidden from prying eyes and ears.
Otherwise, it’s over—career ruined, trust lost, partners stop working with you, deals fall through. That’s what I was afraid of. So I asked Sarah to move to another city, where she gave birth to Sam. But after the birth, Sarah passed away, and the true cause of her death was never disclosed.
She had no parents or close relatives—she was an orphan, and no one came looking for her. I was the only one there. I listed myself as Sam’s father on his birth certificate. Then I left him with my old nanny, supporting them financially, bringing food so they wouldn’t lack anything. A couple of months ago, I divorced my wife, and now I can take my son with me.
— What about your job? Your business partners?
— I’m moving abroad permanently. All my assets have already been transferred to my account. I came to take my son with me. Now tell me, Emma, how can I thank you for everything you’ve done for us?
— I don’t need anything, James. Just make your son happy…
— Emma, please, don’t cry. You know, I just had a great idea: nothing’s holding you here, right? Come with us, Emma. I’ll show you the world, make you happy, and ensure you never want for anything.
— I don’t know, this is all so sudden.
— Emma, please say yes.
She agreed.
Seven days passed. Sam was living with his father, and Emma spent a lot of time with them. James turned out to be a wonderful man and a caring father, and Emma stopped doubting whether she’d made the right choice.
On the day of their departure, she tidied up her apartment, double-checked everything, and sat nervously in an armchair, waiting for James and Sam to pick her up. She saw a car pull up through the window, went to the door, and unexpectedly ran into David.
— What are you doing here?
— Emma, I’m miserable without you. I want to be with you…
— I’m leaving, I’m sorry…
— What? For how long?
— I’m leaving for good. Sam’s father showed up, and we’re flying abroad together. I’m sorry, but I have to go. I don’t want to miss my flight. Good luck, David. Goodbye.
— Emma…
— All the best to you…
Emma said her goodbyes and left, while David stood watching her go. Then, he ran after her, desperate to catch up and stop her. He jumped into his car and sped toward the airport, driving as fast as he could to make it in time. But he was too late.
The plane had taken off. David stood there, realizing he could never bring her back.
— Emma, I love you… — he whispered.
— Turn around, David, I’m here…
He turned and saw Emma, smiling at him with loving eyes.
— I love you too, David! I want to be with you, only you…
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