Tom refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mum backed him, but his dad stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got news,” said Tom as soon as he walked in. “Our neighbour, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine.”
Arthur, his father, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Well, marry her then.”
“Are you joking? Im too young for this. Its not the time for a family, and besides, we werent even serious”
“Serious?” His dad let out a bitter laugh. “You were man enough to chase after her, but now youre acting like a child when it comes to taking responsibility. Fine.” Without another word, he called for his wife, “Elizabeth! Come here!”
Elizabeth walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Whats going on?”
“Look. Our son got Emily, the neighbours girl, pregnant, and now he wont marry her.” Then he folded his arms.
Elizabeth didnt even blink. Her face turned stern. “And hes right. Why bring home the first girl who comes along? These girls today are cleverthey find someone with money, get pregnant, and suddenly its marry me. For all we know, the baby might not even be his. He should get a DNA test. And anyway, we cant pressure Tomhes still young. Hes a man; its not easy to resist. But we dont have to raise someone elses child.”
Arthur took a deep breath and spoke quietly, “What if it is his?”
“And if it is? Are we forced to take responsibility? Tell him to get the test done, then well see.” She turned and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I liked one girl, but I 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 mum was pregnant. I didnt know if I could stay with her, but I knew one thingthe baby wasnt at fault. My blood, my conscience. And Tom, despite everything, Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, Tom was the father of Emilys baby.
“Well?” Elizabeth huffed when Arthur put the paper in front of her. “Yes, its his. But that doesnt mean Emilys moving into this house. Shes not setting foot here. I mean it!”
Tom sat silently, avoiding his fathers gaze. His face said it allhed chosen his mums side. Clenching his fists, he stayed quiet.
Arthur slowly stood from the table. “Since youve both made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was soft but firm. “As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy grandsonwill have everything Ive worked for. And the two of you? Forget my help. I refuse to be part of this shame. Tom, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to that child. Not a single penny will come to you.”
Elizabeth exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd disown your own son?!”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, ignoring the shouting and curses. Tom stood frozen in the silence, unable to believe what his father had just said. But he knew one thingif Arthur said it, he meant it.
