Youre a monster, Mum! People like you shouldnt have children! Emily muttered under her breath as she buried herself in her books. One evening, she went out with her friends to a club in London, where she met Oliverhandsome, well-off, his parents away on business in New York for a year. She fell head over heels and moved in with him before the month was out.
They lived lavishly, his parents sending money. Every night was a blur of parties, either out or at their flat. At first, Emily loved it. But before she knew it, she was drowning in debt, missing lectures, and failed her winter exams. She was on the verge of being kicked out.
Swearing to change, she buried herself in books, retaking her tests. When Olivers mates dropped by, she locked herself in the loo. She scraped throughjust barelybut begged Oliver to slow down. He was in his final year, nearly done with his degree.
Dont be dramatic, Em. You only live once. Youth doesnt last. If we dont have fun now, when will we? he drawled, shrugging.
She was too ashamed to tell her mum she lived with him unmarried. Every phone call was a liethat theyd tied the knot quietly, that theyd have a proper wedding when his parents returned.
Then one morning, Emily felt dizzy in class. Nauseous. Horrified, she realised she was likely pregnant. The test confirmed her fears.
Since it was early, Oliver insisted on an abortion. They fought like never before, and he vanished for two days. She waited, frantic. When he returned, he wasnt alonea drunk blonde clung to his arm, barely standing. Exhausted, 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 roared, striking her hard.
She grabbed her coat and ran. Walked all the way to her student halls, face swollen, mascara streaked, sobbing. The porter took pity and let her in.
The next day, Oliver turned up, begging forgiveness, swearing hed never touch her again, pleading for her to come back. She believed himfor the babys sake.
She barely passed first year. Terrified of going homewhat would her mum say?but staying in London scared her too. Olivers parents were due back, and there she was, pregnant, a shadow of herself.
When his parents arrived and learned she was from a small town, barely scraping through uni, his father took her aside. Offered her money to leave his son alone.
Think about itwhat kind of father would he be? All he cares about is a good time. And whos to say the babys even his? Take the cash and go home. Trust me, its best.
Humiliated, Emily refusedthough she regretted it later. Oliver stayed silent. She packed her bags and went back to her mother.
The moment her mum saw her belly at the door, she knew.
So, youre back alone? I see you never married. The London boy had his fun and threw 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? This flat barely fits us two. I thought youd landed on your feet, married to some posh Londoner. But you turn up pregnant. Where are we supposed to put a baby?
We? Emily whispered.
While you were gone, I met someone. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. Raised you alone, never thought of myself. Now I want to live. Hes younger. I wont have him staring at you.
Where am I supposed to go? The babys due soon, she choked out.
Go back to the father. Let *him* take care of you.
Her mothers eyes were cold. No warmth left in them. Emily grabbed her suitcase and left. Sat on a park bench and sobbed. Where could she go? If even her own mother didnt want her, who would? For a second, she thought of stepping in front of a car. But the baby kickedas if warning her. She couldnt do it.
Emily? A familiar voice. It was Sophie, an old school friend. Seeing her tear-streaked and pregnant, she took her home.
Stay with me. My parents are in the countryside till autumn. Well figure it out.
Emily had no choice but to accept.
Sophie worked at a hospital, studying nursing. Two days later, she rushed inan elderly woman needed a live-in carer. The daughter refused to take her.
I didnt mention youre pregnant. Come on, its your chance.
Emily hesitatedhow could she care for a bedridden woman *and* a baby? But she was desperate.
The daughter, a sharp-tongued woman, agreedbut no wages. You keep her pension for expenses. But the house is *mine*dont get ideas.
So Emily moved in with Mrs. Whitmore, tending to her, 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 worsened and died. The daughter showed up only for the funeral, demanding Emily leave.
I told you the house wasnt yours.
Sorting the old womans papers, they found a willEmily inherited the flat. The daughter threatened court, but neighbours testified to Emilys care.
With a stable home, Emily worked and raised Matilda. Years later, her mum reappearedclaiming she was ill, had sold her flat for treatment. Pitying her, Emily took her in.
Until one day, she overheard her on the phone: Shes not listening Im saving from the rent Ill be there soon
It was all a lie. Her mum never sold the flatjust rented it out to fund a lover.
Mum! Youre a monster! Lying to me again!
Wait, its not what you think
I dont care. When I get back, I want you *gone*.
Sophie comforted her: You dont choose family. She messed up, but shes your mum.
Emily relentedbut her mother had already left. Years later, when she fell truly ill, Emily cared for her till the end.
Hate breeds more hate. If a mother wont love her child, what love can she expect in return? But in the end, even monsters fade.
