“You’re a Monster, Mum! People Like You Shouldnt Have Children!”
Emily stormed off to her room, slamming the door. “You’re a monster, Mum! People like you shouldnt have kids!” She buried herself in her books, determined to focus. One evening, she went out with friends to a club in London, where she met James. Handsome and charming, his parents were away abroad for work. She fell head over heels and moved in with him almost immediately.
Life was one long party. His parents sent money, and every night was either spent at bars or hosting gatherings at home. At first, Emily loved it. But before she knew it, she was drowning in debt, skipping classes, and failing her winter exams. She was on the verge of being kicked out of university.
She promised to change and retake her exams. Locking herself away with her books, she even hid in the bathroom when Jamess friends came over. She barely scraped through, passing her modules, but when she begged James to slow downhis final year was almost overhe just laughed.
“Dont be so dramatic, Emily. You only live once. Youth doesnt last forever. When else are we supposed to have fun?”
She was too ashamed to tell her mum she was living with him unmarried. Every phone call was a lieshe claimed theyd tied the knot and would celebrate properly when his parents returned.
Then, one day in lectures, Emily felt dizzy and nauseous. Dread settled in her stomach. A test confirmed her fearsshe was pregnant.
James insisted on an abortion. They fought bitterly, and he vanished for two days. When he returned, he wasnt alonea drunk blonde girl clung to his arm. Exhausted and furious, Emily screamed at him, shoving the girl toward the door.
“Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, *you* can leave, you mad cow!” he snapped, shoving her so hard she stumbled.
Tears streaming, mascara smudged, she grabbed her coat and ran. She walked all the way to her student halls, her face swollen from crying. The porter took pity and let her in.
The next day, James showed up, full of apologies, swearing hed never lay a hand on her again, begging her to come back. For the babys sake, she believed him.
She barely passed her first year. Terrified of going homewhat would her mum say?but equally afraid to stay in London. Jamess parents were due back, and she, heavily pregnant, was a walking disgrace.
When they arrived and learned Emily was from a small town and had barely passed her exams, his father took her aside. He offered her money to leave quietly.
“Think about itwhat kind of father would he be? All he cares about is partying. And how do we even know the babys his? Take the money and go home. Trust me, its for the best.”
Humiliated, Emily refused, though she later regretted it. James stayed silent. She packed her bags and returned to her mum.
The moment her mum saw her pregnant belly at the door, she understood.
“So, youre back alone? Not married, then. The London boy had his fun and threw you out? Did he at least give you money?” she asked coldly, blocking the doorway.
“Mum, how can you say that? I dont want his money.”
“Then why come here? This flats barely big enough for two. I thought youd landed on your feetmarried to a London boy, living the high life. Instead, you come back knocked up. Where are we supposed to put a baby?”
“*We?*” Emily whispered.
“While you were gone, I met someone. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. I raised you alone and never thought of myself. Now its my turn. Hes younger. I wont have him staring at you.”
“Where am I supposed to go, Mum? The babys due soon.”
“Go back to the father. Let *him* take care of you.”
Her mum was unmoved. Emily saw no warmth in her eyesonly cold indifference.
She picked up her bag and left, collapsing onto a park bench in tears. Where could she go? If even her own mother didnt want her, who would take her in? For a moment, she thought of stepping in front of a carbut the baby kicked, as if sensing danger. She couldnt do it.
“Emily?” A familiar voice broke through her despair. It was Charlotte, an old school friend. Taking one look at her, Charlotte led her home.
“Stay with me. My parents are away in the countryside till autumn. Well figure it out.”
With no choice, Emily agreed.
Charlotte worked at a hospital and studied nursing. Two days later, she burst in with newsan elderly woman needed a live-in carer. Her daughter refused to take her in.
“I didnt tell her youre pregnant. Come on, this is your chance.”
Emily hesitated. How could she care for an ill old woman *and* a newborn? But desperate for shelter, she agreed.
The womans daughter, haughty and dismissive, allowed Emily to staybut unpaid. “You can keep her pension for expenses. But the house is *mine*dont get any ideas.”
So Emily moved in with Mrs. Wilkins, caring for her and sharing her story. When baby Matilda was born, the old woman even helped soothe her.
Time passed. Matilda took her first steps as Mrs. Wilkins grew weaker. When she passed, her daughter returned only for the funeraland to evict Emily.
“I warned you the house wasnt yours.”
But while sorting paperwork, they found a will. Mrs. Wilkins had left the flat to Emily. Furious, the daughter threatened legal action, but neighbours testified to Emilys kindness.
With a stable home, Emily worked hard to raise Matilda. Years later, her mum reappearedclaiming she was ill and had sold her flat for treatment. Out of pity, Emily took her in.
Until one day, she overheard her on the phone: “Shes not listening Im saving rent money Ill be there soon”
It was all a lie. Her mum had never sold the flatshe was renting it out to fund her lovers lifestyle.
“Mum! Youre a *monster*! You lied to me again!”
“Wait, its not what you think!”
“I dont care. When I get back, I want you *gone*.”
Charlotte consoled her. “You dont choose your parents. She was wrong, but shes still your mum.”
Emily relentedbut her mum had already left. Years later, when she fell truly ill, Emily cared for her until the end.
Hate only breeds more hate. If a mother doesnt love her child, how can she expect love in return? Yet kindness, even to those who hurt us, is the only way to break the cycle.
