The Unexpected Visit
Saturday morning came with soft sunlight pouring through the curtains, painting warm patterns on the walls. It was the kind of peaceful day Jess had been waiting for all week.
Her job had been loud and stressful lately, and her mind kept wandering back to painful memories of her ex-husband, Daniel. The divorce had been hard, but she was finally starting to feel like herself again.
Tonight, she had something to look forward to—dinner with Mark. His laugh made her feel warm inside, like a fire after a cold night. She was excited. Hopeful.
Jess made herself a cup of chamomile tea, breathing in the sweet scent as it rose up like a soft hug. She wrapped her hands around the warm mug and sank into her favorite chair. The cushions hugged her like an old friend. She smiled, picked up her book, and opened it, ready to escape into another world.
Then—DING-DONG.
The doorbell rang, loud and sharp. Jess jumped, her peaceful moment snapped in half. With a sigh, she put her tea down and walked to the door.
When she opened it, she froze.
Standing there was Eleanor.
Daniel’s mother.
Her silver hair was neatly brushed, curling softly around her face. She held a warm, homemade apple pie in her hands. The smell floated into the house, rich and sweet.
“Jess! Hello, dear,” Eleanor said cheerfully, stepping forward. “I brought Daniel’s favorite pie. Where is he?”
Jess felt like her heart had dropped to the floor. Not again.
It had been nearly a year since the divorce, but Eleanor—battling dementia—had forgotten it all.
“Oh, Eleanor…” Jess said softly, forcing a small smile. She gently took Eleanor’s arm and guided her inside. “Daniel’s not here right now, but come in. Please.”
Eleanor stepped inside like she had never left. She looked around the house as if it still belonged to her family. Jess’s heart ached. She hadn’t told her the truth—again. But what good would it do to remind Eleanor of something so painful? She’d only forget again… and Jess couldn’t stand breaking her heart over and over.
“I’m glad you came,” Jess said warmly. “Let’s sit and enjoy that pie. It smells amazing.”
Eleanor beamed. “I’m so happy, dear. It’s always so nice to see you.”
In the kitchen, Eleanor sat at the table, folding her hands neatly in her lap. She looked like a child about to tell a story.
“You remember the secret to this pie, right?” she asked seriously, her eyes sparkling. “Just a pinch of cinnamon. Too much, and it’s ruined. Cinnamon is tricky, dear.”
Jess smiled, though her patience was running low.
“Yes, Eleanor. I’ll remember.”
She had heard that same line many times before. Normally, she wouldn’t mind, but tonight was supposed to be different. She had plans. She had hope.
Eleanor looked out the window and sighed dreamily. “Daniel always loved this pie. Maybe tonight he’ll join us for dessert. It’s been so long since we were all together.”
Jess felt her throat tighten. The room suddenly felt smaller, heavier.
“Maybe,” she whispered. “I’ll be right back, Eleanor.”
She stepped out and grabbed her phone, her hands shaking with frustration. She dialed Daniel’s number. It rang… and rang… until finally, he picked up.
“What’s up, Jess?” he asked, sounding rushed.
“Your mom’s here again,” she hissed, keeping her voice low. “Can’t you do something?”
Daniel let out a long sigh. “I told you, the caretaker should handle this.”
“She’s your mother!” Jess snapped. “You can’t just ignore her!”
“I have work,” he replied coldly. “I can’t drop everything every time she shows up.”
Jess didn’t even answer. She hung up, her whole body shaking with anger and disappointment. Typical Daniel—always someone else’s fault.
She took a deep breath and went back into the kitchen.
“Eleanor,” she said gently, “can I call you a taxi? I have plans tonight.”
Eleanor smiled at first, nodding. But then her face changed. She winced, grabbing her head.
“Oh… my head… it hurts,” she groaned.
Fear shot through Jess like lightning.
“Where are your pills?” she asked quickly.
“In my purse,” Eleanor whispered.
Jess raced to her handbag, hands trembling. She searched through tissues, a wallet, a lipstick, until finally—there! The bottle of pills.
But her fingers also touched a folded piece of paper.
She pulled it out. It was a doctor’s note.
Jess opened it, eyes scanning the words.
Her heart stopped.
“Patient shows no signs of dementia.”
Jess’s voice shook. “Eleanor… what is this?”
Eleanor looked up slowly. Her eyes were different now—clear, not confused. Filled with sadness.
“Jess… please forgive me,” she whispered.
Jess stared at her. “You’ve been lying to me?”
“I’m so sorry,” Eleanor said, her voice trembling. “After the divorce, Daniel barely spoke to me. I felt like I didn’t matter anymore. But you… you still treated me like family. You were kind. You listened. I just… I missed you.”
Tears welled in Jess’s eyes.
“So you pretended to have dementia?” she asked, her voice rising with disbelief.
“I didn’t know how else to see you without feeling ashamed,” Eleanor admitted. “I was scared you’d push me away if you knew the truth.”
Jess felt like her heart was breaking all over again. She looked at the woman who had once been like a second mother to her—now so full of guilt, so lost in her loneliness.
“I didn’t know,” Jess whispered. “I didn’t know you felt so alone.”
“I’m sorry,” Eleanor said again, wiping at her tears. “I had no right to trick you.”
Suddenly—DING-DONG.
The doorbell rang again. Jess froze.
Mark.
She had forgotten all about dinner.
She opened the door slowly. Mark stood there, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers. His smile faded as he saw the sadness on her face.
“Jess? Is everything okay?” he asked gently.
She nodded weakly. “Something came up… I’m so sorry.”
Mark looked over her shoulder, saw Eleanor in the kitchen, and seemed to understand. He reached out and squeezed Jess’s hand.
“It’s alright,” he said softly. “We’ll have dinner another night.”
Jess smiled gratefully, tears in her eyes. “Thank you.”
He gave her the flowers and stepped back into the night without another word.
When she turned around, Eleanor was putting on her coat, head down.
“Wait,” Jess said, stepping forward. “Stay. Please. I canceled dinner. I want to spend tonight with you.”
Eleanor looked up, her eyes full of tears. “You still want me here? Even after everything?”
“More than ever,” Jess said gently. “Sit down. Let’s talk.”
Eleanor slowly took off her coat and sat back down. Jess poured two fresh cups of tea, and they sat together in silence for a moment.
“I miss you, Jess,” Eleanor finally said. “Losing you hurt more than losing Daniel.”
Jess reached across the table and held her hand.
“You haven’t lost me,” she said softly. “Just because the marriage ended… doesn’t mean the love did.”
Eleanor’s face softened. “Do you mean that?”
“With all my heart.”
Eleanor looked down, taking a deep breath. “I stopped believing anyone cared about me. Not Daniel. Not anyone. I thought pretending was the only way.”
“You don’t have to pretend anymore,” Jess said kindly. “You’re loved, Eleanor. Truly.”
A tear slipped down Eleanor’s cheek. “Maybe it’s time I stop pretending.”
“Maybe it is,” Jess smiled. “It might hurt at first, but honesty always leads to healing.”
They sat quietly, the room filled with warmth and understanding.
Then Eleanor spoke again, her voice soft and hopeful.
“Jess… do you think we could still bake pies together sometimes?”
Jess laughed through her tears and nodded. “As many pies as you want.”
Outside, the stars began to shine, one by one. And inside, two broken hearts had found a way to feel whole again.
