As I took my seat on the plane, I looked out of the window and sighed. At 42, my life had taken an unexpected turn. Just a few years earlier, I'd been blissfully happy. I had a good career working as a financial journalist and was married to a wonderful man. We'd spoken about starting a family and I couldn't wait to be a mum. But then, my husband changed his mind. I was stunned. I couldn't imagine not having a baby, so I'd made the decision to leave. And now, I was single, childless and felt so lost. My natural instinct was to jump on a plane to visit my parents in North Carolina, USA.
I decided to go backpacking around South America, and hoped the time alone would do me good. By September 2012, I was in Brazil and on an excursion with a group of eight exploring a cave. But suddenly, the torch I was holding flickered, then died. 'Here, take mine,' said a kind voice from behind me. When we were back out in the daylight, I turned to properly thank the man who'd helped me.
I'm Geovani,' he said, holding out a hand. He was 29 and from Sao Paulo. We hit it off. I even found myself telling him how I'd ended up in South America. There's nothing I want more than to be a mum,' I said. He was sweet and understanding. He was also handsome, but I wasn't interested in him romantically. Besides, he'd already told me he was gay. We became friends. I stayed with his family, and made him promise to visit me in the UK, which he did, in 2014.
We talked all the time and I counted him as one of my closest friends. The following summer, when Geovani came to London to see me, I had news. I'm an auntie,' I beamed. My brother had a newborn. But as I told Geovani how much I adored being an aunt, he looked at me with a serious expression.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 02, 2023-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 02, 2023-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A BAD ROMANCE
From drink and drugs to affairs and arrests, these famous ladies can't resist striking up with a bona fide rebel
'I DON'T SUFFER FOOLS GLADLY'
Dame Joan Collins on success, dealing with rejection and what's next for her
SUNSETS AND SOUKS
Head to Morocco's boho seaside town of Essaouira for an easy, breezy break in cinematic surroundings
Help! MY HUBBY'S HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Julie Cook's husband has gone from a calm, classically dressed gent to a leather-clad, zip wiring thrill chaser!
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A POLICE DETECTIVE
Crime dramas like Happy Valley make for gripping TV, but how close are they to reality? DCI Fiona Wynne of North Yorkshire Police reveals all...
MY NEIGHBOUR TO BURN ME ALIVE
Faced with an inferno, Laura Wiggins, 53, only had only one option
HELD HOSTAGE BY MY EX
Rhianon Bragg is living in fear after the ex-partner who terrorised her was released from prison
SALON NAILS at home
Nail a DIY manicure with our easy and affordable step-by-step guide
YOUR SPEEDY SHAPE-UP
Put off your new season slimdown and now in a panic? This clever plan promises fast results
ARE YOU TOO STRESSED TO SLEEP?
Avoid restless nights with these calming tips to help you nod off