She Had Made Up Her Mind
“Why aren’t you dressed yet?” Tanya stood in the doorway, barely containing her irritation. “Have you forgotten what day it is?”
“What’s so special about today?” Ilya didn’t even glance away from the telly, lazily flipping through channels. “Are we off somewhere again?”
“We’re supposed to go to the hospital! Lena’s had her baby—you heard. She’s the first in our group to become a mother. We ought to congratulate her!”
“Congratulate her on what?” The man smirked, still clicking the remote. “On sleepless nights? A screaming infant? On life no longer being her own? A dubious occasion for celebration, if you ask me.”
“What on earth are you saying? You used to talk about wanting children! You said you dreamed of little feet running around the house, of tiny arms wrapped around your neck. You said—three, at least! Or did I imagine that?”
“Yes, I said it. But admit it, it sounded nice. Women love that sort of thing. You melted at the words,” Ilya replied coolly.
Tanya sank onto the sofa in silence, her face frozen in shock.
“Well, I don’t want kids. What’s the big deal? Most blokes don’t. Ever think we could live for ourselves? Travel, hobbies, freedom… Yet you lot jump straight to children, family, nappies.”
“Will you take me?” Her voice turned icy. She couldn’t mask the hurt—especially today, when she’d meant to share the most important news of her life with him.
“Can’t they manage without us? I don’t want to see all that foolish fussing and cooing. Go later. Maybe it’ll change your mind about having one yourself.”
Without another word, Tanya walked into the bedroom. A quarter of an hour later, she emerged in a sharp, elegant outfit. The taxi was already called—thank heavens she wouldn’t have to endure Ilya’s bleak remarks.
And to think she’d been so close to happiness… Just this morning, she’d seen those two lines on the test. She’d planned to give him the news tonight. But now… now she wasn’t sure he even deserved to know.
Tanya had always craved stability. She’d worked through university, graduated with honours, and now had a brilliant job, a steady income, and a flat of her own—a gift from her parents. She’d done everything right. And she was ready for a child. But the man she’d believed would be the father of her children had merely been a fine actor.
Ilya had seemed mature, dependable, serious. His age, his words, his views—all had inspired confidence. Only today had he finally dropped the act.
“I’ve made up my mind,” she whispered into the emptiness of the car. The taxi driver, an elderly man with quiet eyes, glanced at her, assessed her with a knowing look, and unexpectedly said: “Congratulations.”
Tanya faltered. She thanked him and hurried inside. There, glowing with joy, stood Lena, cradling a tiny bundle in her arms. The baby’s father already held him, enveloped in a tender embrace. The air was thick with love.
“Congratulations, love!” Tanya hugged her friend. “What’s his name?”
“Henry, after his granddad. I’d like you to be his godmother.”
“I’d be honoured,” Tanya smiled, though her heart ached. Everything she’d ever wanted was right here before her, yet just out of reach.
“Something the matter?” Lena murmured when they had a moment alone.
“Ilya’s been lying all this time. He doesn’t want children. He said he did. And the worst part—I’m pregnant. Found out today. And now… now I have to choose.”
“Tanya, men are ten a penny. But the chance to be a mother? That’s rare. My sister, for one, couldn’t have children. She wept with joy and pain when she learnt I was expecting. You mustn’t give up your dream.”
“That’s what I think. If he won’t change his mind, I’ll leave. My parents will be over the moon to be grandparents.”
Ilya never changed his mind. He called children a burden, a waste of energy, time, and money. Tanya didn’t argue. Inside, she’d already decided.
Three years later.
“Oh, Ilya!” A former neighbour nearly collided with him at the airport. “Congratulations on your son!”
“You’re mistaken. I don’t have children,” he answered coldly.
“How’s that? I saw Tanya—with a pram. The little one’s about four months. I can count, you know.”
Ilya went pale. He hadn’t known. Or hadn’t wanted to. And now… now it was too late.
“Where is she? Where did you see her?”
“Won’t say. It was just a chance meeting. And you—turns out you’re one of those… who wouldn’t own their own child.”
Ilya stood there, motionless. Only now did he begin to grasp what he’d lost.
When he finally found Tanya three years later, it was too late. The boy called another man ‘Dad.’ Ilya couldn’t compete—not in love, not in deeds, not in heart.
The ending was set in stone. Tanya had chosen rightly.
