Olive

by Emma Gannon

tides: life is full of pushes and pulls.’

Society rewards couples so much. Life is just so much easier in a couple. Cheaper, easier, more logical: take couple-discounted train tickets for example, or splitting bills, or tax benefits! It’s also someone to share the mental load of household admin, someone to share the driving with on a long journey, someone to share a holiday with and be a plus-one to boring parties and weddings. I glare at the couple in the seats next to me, they keep nudging my laptop while snuggling into each other, making the most disgusting slurpy kissing noises. I actually can’t believe I was one of those smug couples for so long.

‘Well, you must remember that no decision is ever really the wrong decision. Because it’s the decision you made at the time. Respect your past self and her choices,’ she says, looking me directly in the eye.

We both have a new chapter to embark on, but the beginning of it will feel as if we’re being dragged through a forest of thorns, jagged rocks and stinging nettles, bleeding everywhere for everyone to see.

No choice is the wrong choice, because it’s the one you make at the time with the information you have.

Sometimes we don’t ‘know’ for sure, and maybe we never will, but we just have to live each day in the way that feels most natural to us.