**Diary Entry 4th March 2024**
I never thought Id write this down, but here it is. My boy, Thomas, came home today looking like hed seen a ghost. He barely stepped through the door before he blurted it out.
“Dad, Ive got news. The neighbours girl, Emilyshes pregnant. Its mine.”
Arthur, my husband, paused for a heartbeat, then answered calmly.
“Then marry her.”
“Youre joking, right? Im too young for this. Its not the right time, and we werent even serious”
“Serious?” Arthur gave a dry laugh. “Old enough to chase after her, but suddenly a child when its time to own up. Fine.” Without another word, he called for me. “Margaret! Come here.”
I walked into the kitchen, wiping my hands on my apron.
“Whats the matter?”
“Look. Our sons got the neighbours daughter, Emily, pregnant, and now he wont marry her.” Then he folded his arms, waiting.
I wasnt surprised. My voice turned sharp.
“And hes right. Why bring home the first girl who comes along? Girls these days are cleverfind someone with money, get themselves in trouble, and suddenly its marry me. Whos to say the childs even his? He should get a DNA test. And honestly, we cant pressure Thomashes still young. Hes a man; it wasnt easy to resist. But we dont have to raise someone elses mistakes.”
Arthur let out a deep breath and spoke quietly.
“And if it *is* his?”
“Even if it is, are we obligated to take responsibility? Tell him to do the test, then well see.” I turned my back and walked off, leaving Arthur alone with Thomas.
“You know,” Arthur began, “I was young once too. Fancied one girl, married another. Not for loveresponsibility. Being a man isnt just passion, its choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could stay, but I knew one thingthe child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And Thomas? Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear: 99.9% chance Thomas was the father.
“Well?” I huffed when Arthur laid the paper in front of me. “Fine, its his. But that doesnt mean Emilys moving into this house. Shes not setting foot here. I wont have it!”
Thomas sat silent, fists clenched, refusing to look at his father. His choice was clearhe sided with me.
Arthur stood slowly.
“Since youve both made your decision, now hear mine.” His voice was low, firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild wont want for anything. Ill buy land, build a house, and everything Ive worked for will go to that child. The two of you? Forget my help. I refuse to be part of this shame. Thomas, as of today, youre no longer my son. Not a single penny of mine will come to you.”
I exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Disowning your own flesh and blood?!”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, ignoring my shouts. Thomas stood frozen, stunned by his fathers words. But he knewif Arthur said it, he meant it.
**Lesson learned today:** Some choices carve paths you cant walk back from. Pride digs graves deeper than mistakes ever could.
