He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother sided with him, while his father defended the unborn child.
Dad, Ive got news. The neighbor, Lucía shes pregnant. With me Javier announced as soon as he stepped inside.
Marcelino, his father, paused a beat before answering calmly:
Then marry her.
Are you kidding? Im still young. Its not the right time to start a family, and we arent even in a serious relationship
Seriously? the father cracked a cold smile. You were a man when it came to courting, but the moment responsibility shows up you turn into a child. Fine. Without further comment, he called his wife in a loud voice: Carmen! Come here!
Carmen entered the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron:
Whats happening?
Listen. Our son got a girl pregnant and now he wont marry her. Lucía, the neighbors daughter. He wants to hide like a coward.
Carmen wasnt surprised at all. Her face hardened:
And hes right. Why would we let anyone walk into this house? Modern girls are cunning: they look for money, get pregnant, then demand marriage. Sometimes the child isnt even theirs. Let him get tested. Besides, we shouldnt pressure Javier; hes still young. Its hard for a man to resist, but we arent forced to support other peoples children.
Marcelino inhaled deeply and muttered:
What if it really is his child?
So what if it is? Are we obligated to bear that burden? Tell him to get the tests done and well find out.
He turned back to the kitchen, leaving Marcelino alone with his son.
You know, I was young once too he began. I loved one woman, but married another. Not for love, but out of duty. Being a man isnt just passion; its choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing: the child isnt at fault. Its my blood, my conscience. And, Javier, despite everything, I never regretted staying.
Three months passed. The DNA test gave a clear answer: with 99.9% certainty, Javier was the father of Lucías child.
So what? Carmen scoffed as Marcelino placed the paper before her. Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lucía lives here. She wont set foot in this house. I said so!
Javier sat, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression showed hed taken his mothers side. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
Marcelino rose slowly from the table:
If you two have already decided, now hear mine.
His voice was deep and firm:
As long as I live, my grandson will never lack. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. You both can no longer count on my help. I refuse to be part of this shame. Javier, from today on you are no longer my son. Everything I have will go to that child. You wont see a single euro from me.
Carmen erupted:
Have you gone mad? You want to disinherit your own son?
Marcelino gave no answer. He simply turned and left, ignoring the shouts and insults. Javier remained frozen, unable to believe his father had said that. Yet he knew: if Marcelino said it, he would follow through.
