**Diary Entry**
*Youre a Monster, Mum! People Like You Shouldnt Have Children!*
Youre a monster, Mum! People like you shouldnt have kids! she snapped before storming off to study. One evening, she went clubbing with friends and met Richarda handsome Londoner whose parents were abroad for work. She fell head over heels and moved in with him before long.
They lived lavishly, thanks to his parents money. Every night was either parties out or hosting them at home. At first, Eleanor loved it. But before she knew it, she was drowning in debt, skipping lectures, and failing her winter exams. She was on the verge of expulsion.
She vowed to change, buckling down to retake her tests. She buried herself in books, even locking herself in the loo when Richards mates came over. She barely scraped through, but when she begged Richard to calm downhe was in his final year, after allhe just laughed.
Dont be dramatic, Eleanor. You only live once. Youth doesnt last. If not now, when?
She was too ashamed to tell her mum they were living together unmarried. Whenever she called home, she lied, claiming theyd tied the knot and would celebrate properly once his parents returned.
Then, one day, she felt dizzy in class. Nausea hit hard. Horror struckshe was pregnant. The test confirmed it.
Richard insisted on an abortion. They fought like never before, and he vanished for two days. When he came back, he wasnt alonea drunk blonde clung to him, barely standing. Exhausted, Eleanor screamed at him, shoving the girl toward the door.
Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, *you* leave, you hysterical cow! he roared, striking her hard.
She grabbed her coat and ran. She walked all the way to her uni halls, face swollen, mascara streaked, and sobbing. The porter took pity and let her in.
The next day, Richard showed up, begging forgiveness, swearing hed never touch her again. For the babys sake, she believed him.
She barely passed first year. Terrified of going homewhat would her mum say?but equally scared to stay in London. Richards parents were due back, and she was visibly pregnant.
When they arrived and learned Eleanor was from the countryside and barely scraping by, his father gave her a blunt ultimatum: take cash and leave his son alone.
Thinkwhat kind of father would he be? All he cares about is partying. And whos to say the kids even his? Take the money, go home. Trust me, its for the best.
Humiliated, Eleanor refusedthough shed regret it later. She packed her bags and went to her mum.
The second her mother saw her belly at the door, she knew.
Back alone, then? Not married, I see. So the London lad had his fun and tossed you out? Did he at least give you money? she asked, blocking the doorway.
Mum, how can you? I dont want his money.
Then why come here? We barely fit in this flat as it is. I thought youd landed a posh life, married to a Londoner. Now youre back, knocked up. Where are we supposed to put a baby?
We?
While you were gone, I got a boyfriend. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. I raised you alone, never thinking of myself. Now its my turn. Hes younger. I wont have him eyeing you up.
Where am I supposed to go, Mum? Im due soon.
Go back to the father. Let *him* take care of you.
Her mum was ice-cold. No pity, just disdain. Heartbroken, Eleanor left. She collapsed onto a bench, sobbing. Where could she go? If even her own mother didnt want her
Then a voice cut through. Eleanor? It was Sophie, an old school friend. Seeing her state, Sophie took her in.
Stay with me. My parents are away till autumn. Well figure it out.
Grateful, Eleanor accepted. Days later, Sophiea nursing studentfound her a lifeline: an elderly woman needed a live-in carer. The daughter refused to take her in.
I didnt mention youre pregnant. Just goits your only shot.
Eleanor hesitated. How could she care for an ailing woman *and* a newborn? But she was desperate.
The daughter, haughty and cold, agreedbut only if Eleanor used the old womans pension for expenses. The house is *mine*. Dont get any ideas.
So Eleanor moved in with Mrs. Whitmore, tending to her and sharing her story. When little Matilda was born, the old woman even helped soothe her.
Time passed. Matilda took her first steps, but Mrs. Whitmore grew weaker. After her death, the daughter swooped in, demanding Eleanor leave.
I *told* you the house wasnt yours.
But while sorting papers, they found a willEleanor inherited the flat. The daughter raged, threatening court, but neighbours testified to Eleanors care.
With a stable home, Eleanor raised Matilda alone. Years later, her mum reappeared, claiming she was ill and had sold her flat for treatment. Pity won, and Eleanor took her in.
Until she overheard a phone call: Shes not listening Im skimming rent money Be there soon
It was all a lie. Her mum *hadnt* sold the flatshe was renting it out to fund a lover.
Mum! Youre a *monster*! You lied *again*!
Wait, its not what you think
I dont care. Get out.
Sophie comforted her. You dont choose family. Shes wrong, but shes your mum.
Eleanor relented, but her mum had already fled. Years later, when her mum *truly* fell ill, Eleanor cared for her until the end.
Hate only breeds hate. If a mother wont love her child, what love can she expect in return? But in the end, even monsters deserve mercy.
**Lesson:** Blood binds, but it doesnt always heal. Sometimes, the kindest thing is to forgivenot for them, but for yourself.
