How can this happen? - Joyce

Joyce was a retired lady in her sixties, living alone in the suburbs.

She met Isla, a lady in her fifties, at a Spring fair and they began to spend time together. Isla saw herself as befriending a lonely, elderly lady in her neighbourhood. She found meaning in bringing some cheer to Joyce's life.

Joyce counted herself lucky to have such a great neighbour and friend in Isla, who became her confidant.

Occasionally, Isla's husband, Hudson, would join in their activities. Hudson, just like Isla, was respectful and helpful towards Joyce. He changed the bulbs in Joyce's home and fixed the leaking water pipes. Occasionally he would fetch her from the shops and carry what she needed.

Joyce was grateful. These were tasks she could no longer manage easily. Having neighbours like Isla and Hudson felt like a blessing.

One day, Hudson showed up at Joyce's home without Isla by his side.

"I need help," he said at the door. Joyce, without suspicion, opened the door.

Hudson overpowered and assaulted her before leaving.

Joyce sat in shock, her body trembling. What had just happened? This was Hudson. Isla's husband. The man who had helped her, who had been nothing but kind.

Then Hudson told Isla that Joyce had seduced him. That he had played along because he felt sorry for the elderly lady.

Isla felt betrayed. Joyce had seemingly repaid her kindness with evil.
Isla stopped contacting Joyce. No calls. No visits. Nothing.

Joyce was distraught. She couldn't make sense of what had happened. She was assaulted by Hudson. And now Isla, her only close friend, abandoned her.

Should she report what Hudson did? But would anyone believe her over him? He was married, respectable, known for helping her.

And if she spoke up, would she lose even the memory of the friendship she had with Isla?

Joyce sat in her home, more alone than she had ever been.