He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
Dad, Ive got news. The neighbour, Inês shes pregnant. Its my child Tomás announced as soon as he stepped inside.
Artur, his father, paused briefly before replying calmly:
Then marry her.
Are you kidding? Im still too young. Its not the right time for a family, and we havent even been serious Family games.
Seriously? his father let out a sarcastic laugh. So youd chase after a girl like a man, yet you cant own up to your actions and act like a child. Fine. Without another word he called his wife: Beatriz! Come here!
Beatriz entered the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron:
Whats happening?
Look. Our son got Inês, the neighbours daughter, pregnant and now he wont marry her. And he ran away.
Beatriz wasnt surprised. Her face grew serious:
He has a point. Why bring home the first girl that shows up? Nowadays girls are clever they find someone richer, get pregnant and then demand a marriage. Then you discover the child isnt even yours. Do a DNA test. And anyway, you cant pressure Tomás; hes still young. Hes a man, but it isnt easy to resist. Still, were not going to support anyone elses children.
Artur let out a deep sigh and whispered:
What if it really is his child?
And if it is? Are we forced to take responsibility? Tell him to do the test; the truth will appear.
He turned his back and returned to the kitchen, leaving Artur alone with his son.
You know, I was young once too he began. I liked one girl, married another. Not for love, but for duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion; its about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing the child was innocent. My blood, my conscience. And Tomás, despite everything, I never regretted staying.
Three months passed. The DNA test gave a clear result: with 99.9% certainty, Tomás was the father of Inêss baby.
So? Beatriz scoffed as Artur placed the paper before her. Yes, its his child. But that doesnt mean Inês will move into this house. Shes not welcome here. Ive said that!
Tomás sat motionless, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression showed his decision: he was on his mothers side. He clenched his fists in silence, saying nothing.
Artur rose slowly from the table:
Since you two have made your choices, listen to mine now.
He spoke low but firmly:
As long as Im alive, my grandson wont lack anything. Ill buy land, build a house, and my grandson will have everything Ive earned. You both can forget my help. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. Tomás, from today onward you are no longer my son. Everything I own will go to the boy. He wont receive a single cent from me.
Beatriz erupted:
Are you insane? Youre disinheriting your own son?!
Artur didnt answer. He turned and left, ignoring the shouts and curses. Tomás stood in the quiet, unable to grasp what his father had said, but he knew one thing: if Artur declared it, he would follow through.
