He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother supported him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got news,” Thomas said as soon as he stepped inside. “Our neighbour, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine.”
Arthur, his father, paused for a moment before responding calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you kidding? Im too young for this. Its not the right time for a family, and we werent even serious”
“Serious?” His father let out a dry laugh. “You were man enough to chase after her, but now youre a child when it comes to owning up to your actions. Fine.” Without another word, he called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Whats going on?”
“Listen. Our son got Emily, the neighbours girl, pregnant, and now he wont marry her.” He scoffed.
Margaret didnt even flinch. Her expression hardened. “And hes right. Why bring home the first girl who comes along? These modern girls are cleverthey find someone with money, get pregnant, and then its marry me. Whos to say the babys even his? He should get a DNA test. And anyway, we cant force Thomashes still young. Hes a man; it wasnt easy to resist. But we dont have to raise someone elses child.”
Arthur sighed deeply and spoke quietly. “What if it really is his?”
“Even if it is, are we obligated to take responsibility? Tell him to do the test, and then well see.”
She turned and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with their son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I fancied one girl but married another. Not for love, but because it was the right thing to do. Being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthat child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And Thomas, Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, Thomas was the father of Emilys baby.
“Well?” Margaret huffed when Arthur placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, its his. But that doesnt mean Emilys setting foot in this house. I wont have it!”
Thomas sat silently, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression made his choice clearhe was siding with his mother. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
Arthur rose slowly from the table. “Since the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was quiet but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and that boymy grandsonwill have everything Ive worked for. And the two of you can forget my help. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. Thomas, as of today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to that child. Not a penny will come to you.”
Margaret exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd disown your own son?!”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, ignoring the shouting and curses. Thomas stood frozen in the silence, unable to believe what his father had said. But he knew one thing: if Arthur said it, he meant it.
