A Father Is No Less Than A Mother
Anna met her second husband at a volunteer wildlife retreat on the coast, where a team worked to protect rare bird nests from poachers. Shed brought along her ten-year-old son, Stephen.
Anthony was the heart and driving force behind the projecta passionate biologist with a spark in his eyes. He and his childhood friend organised these unusual adventure weeks, both as an escape and as a way to earn some extra pounds.
Three days in, Anna slipped on some damp rocks and twisted her ankle. As it turned out, Anthony was not only an enthusiast but also a practising doctor. He tied her a firm bandage, carried her to her tent, and then spent the week fussing over her as if she were a child.
While Stephen gleefully helped the scientists, the adults realised a connection had formed between them. Still, they acted sensiblyeach had been burnt before and neither was prepared to plunge blindly into the rush of infatuation.
After the holiday, Anna buried herself in her work, determined to forget what she thought was a fleeting camp romance. Anthony too believed it had been nothing more than a holiday fling, but within a fortnight, he found himself searching for her address.
Six months later they moved in together, and a year after that, they married.
Anthony threw himself into the role of father. He had always wanted children but never seemed to find the right time, work and hobbies kept him busy. Stephen, whod been raised by his mother and grandmother, adored his stepdad and soon began calling him dad. Together, they bought a roomy flat overlooking the park and started planning for a child of their own. Anna had long dreamed of a daughter, and luckily, her husband shared that wish. They even picked out a name: Emily. Life seemed perfect.
Everything changed when the twins were born. Alongside Emily, the parents welcomed a son, Michael. Anna was swept up in the whirlwind of nappies, porridge and sleepless nights. Her own mother helped as much as she could with the babies. To provide for the larger family, Anthony took a job at a pharmaceutical company, which meant endless business trips and paperwork. He soon realised he dreaded returning to the flat, where the constant wailing of babies and his exhausted wife left little room for intelligent conversation.
He believed he deserved his own space and a proper break as the breadwinner. Anna, however, was adamant that children were a shared responsibility, with her husband needing to pull his weight at home. Their arguments grew more frequent, and it became rare when a conversation didnt dissolve into wrangling over family duties.
Nursery brought some relief. The twins werent even three when Anna returned to her job as a designer. Stephen became a genuine help around the house. The tension eased for a while. But not for long.
Two years later, Anthony fell in love againwith a new colleague, as passionate about her career and as vibrant as he once was. After his affair, Anthonys innate honesty forced him to confess immediately and insist they should separate.
Ill always help you and the children, promise. Ill sort the accommodation for you within the year. For now, please take the kids and move in with your mother. Ill file for divorce myself.
And what about the fact that we bought this flat together, with a large family in mind? Anna asked calmly.
Dont complicate things! Im offering a civilised solution! he exploded.
I need to think, she replied, still composed.
She took a week to consider, then delivered her answer:
Youve fallen for someone else. It happens. But the children arent just minetheyre yours, too. And theyll always be our children, yes? I wont argue over the flat, even though its my right. You can live here with your new wife. But lets share parenting equally. Ill take Stephen and Emily. Michael will stay with you.
Anthony was stunned.
Are you mad? I cant raise a pre-schooler on my own! I work! He needs a mother!
Does he? Anna looked at him with surprise. You wanted your own children, a real familywell, heres your dream. I work, too, in case you hadnt noticed. So you get to move on while Im left with three kids? No, darling, Im not having that. You can at least take one. Thats only fair.
An argument erupted.
Anthony slammed the door in fury and rushed off to tell friends, family, colleagues. Everyone was shocked. They rang Anna, appealed to her, scolded her, called her heartless and cruel. Even her own mother declared shed never forgive her. But Anna stood firm: Why is a father any worse than a mother? He loves them too! Besides, Michaels well past the bottle and a remarkably independent little boy.
Cornered and desperate, Anthony gave in. His mother refused to help with her grandson, on account of her health. Anthonys new love, after three weeks of seeing what life as a single father really meant, vanished without a trace. Looking after someone elses child was not part of her plans.
***
Three months passed.
One evening, Anna arrived to collect Stephen, whod been staying with his dad. Anthony opened the door. The flat was tidy, suffused with the smell of porridge; Michael was on the floor, deeply engrossed in his Lego.
Anthony looked tired, but he seemed at peace.
Come in, he said quietly.
Stephen dashed off to gather his things; Anna and Anthony remained in the kitchen.
You know, Anthony began, staring at the table, for weeks, I hated you. Thought it was the cruellest revenge. And then I just got to know Michael. Turns out he loves tomatoes and oranges. Hes petrified of the hoover. He adores building blocks. Snores so sweetly at night, and only falls asleep if you scratch his back.
He looked up at her:
I became his dad. Really. Not just at weekends, but every day.
Anna listened in silence.
Im not asking for forgiveness for what happened. But I am grateful to you for this, he nodded toward Michael. For us.
I knew, Anna said eventually.
Knew what? That Id manage?
That, certainly. But more importantlyI never doubted youd love him, properly. That was the main thing. Weve always been all or nothing, Anthonyin love, in work, and, as you can see, in parenting.
So, was it really revenge?
Anna smiled and, as she left the kitchen, replied,
No. It was the only way to see in you again the man I once married. And I think I managed it.
She left, and he remained in that quiet flat with their son. And for the first time in ages, both understood that while their marriage was broken, their familystrangely and painfullyhad survived.
