He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
Dad, Ive got news. The neighbour, Inês shes expecting. Its mine Tomás said as soon as he walked in.
Artur, his father, paused a moment, then answered calmly:
Then marry her.
Are you kidding? Im still too young. Its not the right time for a family, besides we never even dated seriously family games.
Seriously? his dad let out a sarcastic laugh. So youd chase after a girl like a man, yet to own up to your actions you act like a child. Fine. Without another word, he called out, Beatriz! Come here!
Beatriz entered the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron:
Whats happening?
Look. Our son got Inês, the neighbours daughter, pregnant and now refuses to marry. And he ran away.
Beatriz wasnt shocked. Her expression turned serious:
Hes right. Why bring home the first girl that shows up? Todays girls are clever they find a richer man, get pregnant and then expect a marriage. And sometimes the child isnt even theirs. Do a DNA test. In any case, we cant pressure Tomás; hes still young. Hes a man, but it wasnt easy to resist. Still, we dont have to support other peoples kids.
Artur sighed deeply and whispered:
What if the child really is his?
And if it is? Are we forced to take responsibility? Tell him to do the test; the truth will come out.
He turned his back and went back to the kitchen, leaving Artur alone with his son.
You know, I was young once too he began. I liked one, married another. Not for love, but for duty. Being a man isnt just about passion; its about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could stay with her, but I did know one thing the child isnt at fault. My blood, my conscience. And Tomás, despite everything, Ive never regretted staying.
Three months passed. The DNA test gave a clear result: with 99.9% certainty, Tomás was the father of Inêss baby.
So? Beatriz scoffed as Artur placed the paper before her. Yes, its his child. That doesnt mean Inês will move into this house. Shes not welcome here. I told you!
Tomás sat, avoiding his fathers gaze. His face showed his choice: he sided with his mother. He clenched his fists in silence, saying nothing.
Artur rose slowly from the table:
Since you two have made your decisions, listen to mine.
He spoke in a low, firm tone:
As long as Im alive, my grandson wont lack anything. Ill buy land, build a home, and my grandson my blood will have everything Ive earned. And you both can forget my help. I refuse to take part in this disgrace. Tomás, from today onward you are no longer my son. Everything that is mine will go to the child. He wont receive a single cent from me.
Beatriz erupted:
Are you insane? Youll disinherit your own son?!
Artur said nothing, turned and left, ignoring the shouts and curses. Tomás stood frozen in the quiet, unable to believe what his father had said, yet he knew one thing: if Artur spoke it, he would follow through.
