**Eighty Kilos of Happiness**
Emily found love later in life. While her friends had all married young, she had focused on her studies and then her career, paying little attention to romance. That was, until she quite literally stumbled into him.
Rushing to deliver documents to her boss, she didn’t notice the stepladder in her path. It wobbled, and a man tumbled down, showered in a flurry of papers.
«Not the best start to the day,» came a voice from beneath the pile. Rubbing a bump on his head, a young man sat on the floor, looking up at her.
«I’m so sorry—I didn’t see it! Are you hurt?» Emily fumbled, scrambling to gather the scattered sheets.
His eyes lit up. «Actually, it’s my lucky day. When else would I get to meet someone as lovely as you?»
«You’re embarrassing me,» she whispered.
«It’s the truth. You’re beautiful! I’d take a hundred falls if it meant meeting you. I’m William. And you?»
«Emily. I really must go—excuse me.» She hurried off, clutching the files.
That evening, as rain began to drizzle, Emily stepped out of work shivering. Suddenly, William appeared, holding an umbrella over her and offering a bouquet.
«Thank you—I didn’t expect to see you again.»
«May I walk you home?»
«It’s just nearby—I always walk.»
«Perfect. I love walking in the rain.»
And so they fell in love. William courted her beautifully—flowers, surprises, gifts. Within six months, they married.
A year later, their first son, Oliver, was born. Emily threw herself into motherhood. She’d gained some weight during pregnancy, but it suited her.
«My lovely, plump darling,» William would tease, hugging her. At first, she felt self-conscious, but he reassured her, «I love you, not the numbers on the scales.»
Emily never returned to work after maternity leave; instead, she had a second son, Henry. William beamed with pride. «Two sons—two heirs!»
Life grew busier. Oliver was energetic, always covered in scrapes, while Henry, though calm, was often ill. Emily stayed home, keeping the house warm and welcoming, meals always ready.
Over time, she gained more weight, despite trying diets. Her grandmother, Margaret, had always said, «Good things come in large packages,» and Emily accepted it. William joked, «Eighty kilos of happiness—not everyone’s so lucky!»
But she didn’t notice him pulling away. That year was especially hard—Oliver broke his arm, Henry was hospitalised, and William was always «working» or «away on business.»
Then, one night, he called. «Don’t wait up. I’ll explain tomorrow.»
The next morning, he confessed, «I’m sorry… I’ve fallen for someone else. I’ll support the boys, but I’m leaving.»
Emily was shattered. Later, a neighbour revealed William had been unfaithful for years. «He was with her before you. She’s all painted up, thin as a rake. Saw them kissing in public—disgusting!»
Devastated, Emily returned to work, burying her pain in routine. The boys missed their father, and she lied to spare them.
Eight months later, William knocked on the door. Oliver shouted, «Daddy’s back!»
Emily retreated to the kitchen as the phone rang.
«Hello? I thought you’d forgotten me.»
«Never. I’ll pick you all up tomorrow—you’ll love the new place. Love you.»
Smiling, she hung up. Peter had proposed, and they were moving in together.
Turning, she found William in the doorway. He’d heard everything.
«Seems I’m too late.»
«Yes. Your happiness belongs to someone else now.»
Sometimes, losing what you took for granted is the first step to finding something better.