“Why Did You Bring Your Son to the Wedding? We Didn’t Invite Any Children!”

Author Walton MerrittReading 2 minViews 14

Why have you brought your boy to the wedding? We didnt ask for children!

My son, Oliver, is nine, a sunnydispositioned, wellbehaved lad. Not long ago my sister, Lucy, was getting married. The invitations clearly said adults only. I wasnt thrilled with the idea, but I struck a deal with a friend, Sarah, to watch Oliver while we celebrated.

The night before the ceremony Sarah called, sounding miserable. Shed come down with a flu and apologised profusely. Was it really her fault? I tried to soothe her, then retreated to the kitchen to think. Oliver was already asleep and the wedding was the next morning. What to do? I decided to take Oliver with me. Would Lucy actually throw out her own nephew?

My brotherinlaw, James, is a welloff fellow, so the reception was bound to be grand. Lucy was a bundle of nerves in the leadup, so I hadnt mentioned that Oliver would be in tow. When Lucy spotted the little boy, her face went from polite to panic in a split second. She practically lost it and shouted:

Why have you brought your son to the wedding? We didnt invite kids! Youve ruined everything!

I was mortified. Oliver stood there, clueless about the chaos. And really, why make such a fuss? As it turned out, that was only the start.

Let him be, its his choice where he goes, James said, almost as if hed been waiting for a chance to play the peacemaker.

I was taken aback. Lucy wouldnt even hear a word of explanation. I tried to reason, but it fell on deaf ears.

In a huff, I grabbed Oliver and bolted home. Mum and Dad stayed at the venue, though they werent exactly in the mood to celebrate. The festive spirit was nowhere to be found.

Lucy is still sulking and expects an apology. I dont think Im at faulther reaction made the day more awkward than any child could have. Besides, shes about to become a mum herself. Should I apologise to my sister? What would you do in my shoes?

I’ve Done My Share — You might as well have sent him to a kennel, like a kitten. Why not? Pay someone and off you go—enjoy your freedom! — Galina Petrovna sneered with toxic sarcasm. Maria, lips pursed in irritation, yanked the zipper on her suitcase. Useless—it stuck, just like her mother-in-law’s broken-record speech every time they planned a holiday. — Mum, stop it, — Maria’s husband, Andrew, tried to settle his mother. — Timmy’s going on holiday too—just to the countryside. Not to strangers, but to my in-laws. Fresh air, a veggie patch, paddling pool, and fresh milk every day. It’s perfect at his age. — That’s not a holiday, it’s exile! — Galina Petrovna clapped her hands in outrage. — The child’s three! At that age, he needs his parents! And what about you? Off to London for museums! Like your son doesn’t need museums or any cultural development? Maria wrestled the suitcase zipper into place, straightened up, and glared at her mother-in-law. — Not right now, he doesn’t, — she replied icily. — What he needs is routine, an afternoon nap, and a potty within reach. Not a nine-hour flight with a layover, jet lag, and city tours. When’s the last time you, Galina Petrovna, took your grandson for a simple walk in the park? — I’ve done my share with my son! — her mother-in-law huffed, nose in the air. — Took him everywhere. And I made it through. You just want things easy for yourselves. It’s about thinking of others, not just yourself. — Exactly! — Maria nearly shouted. — Others! Like everyone on that plane listening to your grandson scream for two hours. Or the tour group trying to hear the guide over “I’m tired, I’m thirsty, I need a wee, my feet hurt, when are we going home?” A holiday with a three-year-old isn’t a holiday, Mrs Petrovna. It’s torture. For Timmy too. Her mother-in-law pressed her lips together and turned away. — I see. Done with the parenting game. Just want to palm him off. Why not just admit you don’t need your son anymore… If you wanted, you could always fit around your child. Maria shut her eyes, counting to a hundred in her head to calm herself. If only Galina Petrovna knew the hell they’d been through on their last trip, maybe she’d mind her tongue. But how would she, when she was hardly involved in her grandson’s life? Maria remembered it all too well. Her left eyelid had twitched for a month after that trip. …It was last summer. Naive as they were, they’d decided to visit friends in the country. Only sixty miles away. Their friends had a daughter, a playground, a huge garden. Sounded promising. But nothing went to plan. The car wouldn’t start—despite their friends marinating barbecue and waiting for them. They had to scramble for train tickets. And the weather betrayed them—a heatwave of 35°C. No working air con in their carriage, windows open but useless. Packed tighter than sardines—no space to breathe. Timmy lasted just ten minutes before whining. Complained about the heat, the boredom. Then tried to run about the train. — Let me go! — he shrieked while Andrew, red from exertion and embarrassment, tried to hold him still. — Timmy, love, you can’t. People are sitting there, — Andrew hissed. — I don’t want to sit! Aaaah! Timmy’s screams drowned out the clattering wheels. People started staring—first with pity, then with annoyance, and soon with outright loathing. A woman in a white blouse scolded them, and in righteous fury, Timmy wielded his juice box. It splashed on Andrew, Maria, and her. The scandal was epic. The woman raged louder than Timmy. Maria, near tears, apologized and tried to offer money. Timmy bellowed because he’d lost his juice. Andrew gritted his teeth. Ninety minutes in hell. By the time they reached the platform, they had no energy left for holidaying at all. Timmy, traumatized, skipped his nap, misbehaved all evening, nearly knocked over the grill. Getting home was a repeat performance. And that was just an hour and a half of travel. Galina Petrovna wanted to drag a child around on city tours for a week? No, thanks. That’s torture for everyone. — You’re just not raising him properly! — his grandmother loved to declare whenever Maria brought up arguments. Except Galina Petrovna was a Sunday-grandparent: a theoretical expert, she’d drop by fortnightly with bananas or chocolates (to which Timmy was allergic—she’d been told a hundred times), dote for twenty minutes, snap a picture “for Facebook,” and leave. — Why does it even matter to you who Timmy stays with? — Maria once asked during a similar row. — It’s not like he’s staying with you. — Well, I’m not obliged, am I? He’s got parents, let them look after him. If you were in hospital or had work, I’d help. But this… You just treat him like an unwanted pet no one wants to take. They tolerated the bickering, but it slowly wore away at them. Galina Petrovna was concrete-certain of her rightness and refused to hear reason. But life is the best teacher. Four years zipped by. Timmy turned seven. Talking in full sentences, off to school, after-school clubs—the works. Galina Petrovna’s life had changed for the gloomier: widowed, her flat grew silent. Perhaps to fill the emptiness, or to prove herself to the world (or especially her in-laws), she decided on a display of unexpected generosity. — Bring the boy to me, — she announced magnanimously. — He’s not a baby anymore, we’ll get along. — Are you sure? — Maria asked cautiously. — Timmy’s active, needs lots of attention. Or at least a computer. — Don’t try to teach your grandmother! — his grandmother snorted. — I raised a son, I can handle this. We’ll read books, play ludo, manage fine without computers. Bring him! With fingers crossed, they packed Timmy off—for two whole weeks! And off they went for a weekend break, feeling that time was short. Maria’s intuition didn’t fail her. Grandma imagined idyll—her neat, brushed grandson poring over an animal encyclopedia while she calmly knitted socks, offering occasional pearls of wisdom. Later, soup, then a dignified stroll, hand-in-hand. That dream shattered within half an hour of their departure. — Gran, I’m bored! — Timmy declared. — Have you got a tablet? — No. Why would I? — Then let’s play zombie apocalypse. You be the zombie, I’ll be the survivor! — What apocalypse? — Galina Petrovna was bewildered. — Timmy, why don’t you draw? Here, I bought a colouring book. — Don’t want to, that’s for babies! — Timmy began circling the sofa. — Let’s play! Please, graaaan! Play with me! Look at me! Look! LOOK! You’re not looking! He didn’t still for a second. Pretended to be a plane, banged saucepan lids, dragged Grandma into his wild games. He cared for neither Chekhov’s stories nor the box of old Lego. He wanted an audience, a playmate, an entertainer in one. Every three minutes: “Gran, why…?”, “Gran, let’s…?”, “Gran, look!” Galina Petrovna, used to a peaceful pace, by lunchtime felt as if she’d unloaded a train carriage full of coal. But that was the easy bit. The real fun began at lunch. Galina Petrovna proudly served beef soup—a treat she’d made just for Timmy. He peered into the bowl like it held garbage, wrinkled his nose. — I’m not eating that. — And why not? — It’s got boiled onion. Don’t like it. — What?! — Gran was indignant. — It’s healthy! Eat up, and stop fussing! — I won’t! — Then what will you eat? — Pasta with cheese. And a sausage—cut into an octopus, please. His gran’s eyebrows shot up. That she couldn’t do. — I’m not a flipping restaurant! — she replied. Timmy shrugged and went off to build a den with chairs, cushions, and the standard lamp. By evening, Gran’s blood pressure was like a rollercoaster. She couldn’t rest—Timmy would leap on her, bouncing and shrieking, “Get up, the enemy’s advancing!” She couldn’t watch the news—he demanded cartoons because “It’s boring!” And cartoons just wound him up more, not less. Meanwhile, Andrew and Maria had a lovely evening—watching the sunset from their cottage veranda, listening to the peaceful crackle of the barbecue. — Listen to that… silence, — Maria sighed contentedly, eyes closed. — Maybe we were too harsh on your mum? Just then, Andrew’s phone rang. — Hello, Mum? — Come home at once! — Galina Petrovna screamed. — Fetch your son this instant! — Mum, what’s happening? Is everything alright? — It’s a nightmare! Your son’s impossible! He’s destroyed half my flat, won’t eat proper food, bounces on me like a kangaroo! My heart’s about to give out! If you’re not here in an hour, I’m calling 999—they can take both of us away! I can’t take it! I’m waiting! She hung up. Maria put her glass down, her wine unfinished, barbecue ungrilled. — Pack up, — Andrew said morosely. — Our break’s over… They drove in silence, bitter and close to tears: she had insisted on this, now she was throwing a tantrum. At the door, Galina Petrovna opened up instantly. She was pale and smelled strongly of heart medicine. She looked fresh out of a warzone. Timmy, however, ran to his parents bright-eyed and beaming. — Thank heavens, — his gran sighed, pushing her grandson out. — Take him. And never ask me again! What have you raised? He’s not a child, he’s a monster! Onions aren’t right, everything’s boring, he has to bounce on poor grandma! — He’s just a child, Mum, — Andrew replied coolly, taking Timmy’s hand. — A normal, energetic kid. We warned you. You said you could handle it. — I thought he was normal! But he… He needs a doctor! — Galina Petrovna clutched her heart. — Go. I need to lie down or I’ll drop dead. …Back in the car, Timmy, settling in, asked: — Mum, when are we visiting Granddad John and Granny Liz again? — Soon, love. We’ll go soon. — That’s good… — he murmured, falling asleep. — Because Granny Gally… she’s weird. Shouts all the time, can’t play, and her food’s nasty. From that night, Galina Petrovna never raised the subject of childcare again nor asked why she wasn’t included in holidays. Now when they went away, she simply wished them a happy trip. Timmy spent every holiday with Maria’s parents—digging worms with Granddad, playing soldier, eating Granny Liz’s soup. No onions—because she knew her grandson’s tastes. Relations with the mother-in-law didn’t exactly improve, but that suited Maria fine. At least no one lectured her on parenting anymore. And Galina Petrovna was left alone with her unassailable rightness—and all those untouched encyclopedias nobody ever needed…

00

You’re Not Welcome: How a Daughter Rejected Her Mother Because of Her Appearance I’m sorry, Mum, could you not come over right now, please? — my daughter said quietly, almost as an afterthought, while tying her trainers in the hallway. — Thank you for everything, really, but for the time being… it’s probably best if you stay at home and rest. I already had my bag in hand and was putting on my coat, ready—as usual—to go watch my granddaughter while my daughter went to her yoga class. It had always been so routine: I’d arrive, look after the baby, and then head back to my little studio flat. But today something felt different. After her words, I stood there rooted to the spot. Had I done something wrong? Put the baby down incorrectly? Picked out the wrong baby grow? Fed her at the wrong time? Or simply looked the wrong way? But no—it was much more trivial and much more hurtful. It was about her in-laws. Wealthy, influential, in high-flying careers—they had suddenly decided to swing by for daily “visits” with the baby. With solemn faces, they unwrapped presents and took their seats around the dining table—the same one they’d bought themselves. The flat, too, had been their gift to the young couple. The furniture, the tea—everything was from them. They’d brought an expensive tin of rare tea and more or less moved in. And apparently, the grandchild was now “theirs” too. I… I was simply surplus to requirements. Me, the railway worker with 30 years of service, an ordinary woman—no titles, no jewellery, no high-end styles or fashionable dresses. — Just look at you, Mum, — my daughter said. — You’ve put on weight. Your hair’s gone grey. You look… messy. That jumper’s tasteless. And you smell like trains. Don’t you see? I was silent. What could I possibly have said? After she left, I went to look in the mirror. And yes, the woman looking back at me had tired eyes, little wrinkles around her mouth, a saggy jumper, and cheeks blushing in shame. I felt disgust at myself—like a storm out of nowhere on a clear day. I walked outside for some air and felt a tightness in my throat as tears pricked my eyes. Hot, bitter tears ran down my cheeks. Then I returned to my little flat—my studio in the suburbs. I sat on the sofa and scrolled through my old phone, flicking through the pictures. There was my daughter—a child, her first day at school with a bow, her graduation, her wedding, and the baby—smiling out from her crib. My whole life in those photos. Everything I lived for. Everything I’d poured myself into with every last ounce I had. And now if I was being told “don’t come round”—well, maybe that’s how it should be. My time had passed. I’d played my part. Now I just had to stay out of the way. Not be a burden. Not clutter up their life with my unsightly appearance. If I was needed, I’d be called for. Maybe they’d call. Some time went by. Then one day, a phone call. — Mum… — my daughter’s voice sounded strained. — Could you come over? The nanny’s left, the in-laws… well, showed their true colours. And Andrew’s gone out with his mates—I’m totally alone. I paused. And then I answered calmly: — I’m sorry, love. But right now, I can’t. I need to look after myself. Become “presentable”, as you put it. If I manage that—maybe I’ll come round then. I hung up and smiled for the first time in ages. Sad, but proud.

05

She Couldn’t Wait “I’m filing for divorce,” Vera announced calmly as she handed her husband his cup of tea. “In fact, the papers are already in.” She said it as casually as if she were serving up a typical dinner—something like, “we’re having chicken with vegetables tonight.” “If I may ask… Well, not in front of the kids,” Arthur lowered his voice, glancing from one worried child’s face to the other. “Did I do something wrong? And let’s not forget, the children need a father.” “Oh, you think I couldn’t find another one?” Vera rolled her eyes extravagantly, a wry smile spreading across her lips. “What did you do wrong? Everything! I hoped life with you would be like a tranquil lake, not a raging river.” “So, boys, all done eating?” Arthur wasn’t about to carry on this conversation in front of their sons. “Off you go, run along and play. And no eavesdropping!” he called after them, well aware of his lively sons’ habits. “Now, let’s continue.” Vera pursed her lips in frustration. He always manages to play the boss! Pretends he’s Father of the Year… “I’m tired of living like this. I don’t want to spend eight hours at work every day, smile at colleagues, impress clients… I want to sleep until noon, shop at fancy places, get pampered at beauty salons. And you can’t give me that. Enough! I gave you the best ten years of my life…” “Can we skip the drama?” Arthur cut in dryly. “Didn’t you spend all those ten years chasing me for a husband when I wasn’t all that keen to marry?” “Mistakes happen. I’m only human.” The divorce went quickly and quietly. Arthur, albeit reluctantly, agreed to let the boys live with their mother—on the condition that he’d have them every weekend and on holidays. Vera accepted easily. Six months later, Arthur introduced the boys to his new wife. Smiling, sunny Lila won over their hearts, and they couldn’t wait for the weekends—much to their mother’s irritation. What bothered Vera even more was that Arthur had inherited a country estate from a distant uncle, bought a big house outside the city, and was living comfortably. True, he hadn’t quit his job, only paid meagre child support, preferring instead to buy the boys clothes and gadgets himself—and kept a tight rein on those support payments too! Why couldn’t she have held on just six more months? If only Vera had known… She would have played her cards so differently! But maybe it’s not too late for a comeback? ***** “Fancy a cuppa? For old times’ sake?” Vera flashed a playful smile, twirling a loose lock of hair around her finger. Her short dress showed off her figure to perfection and expert makeup knocked years off her face. She’d gone all out—and it showed! “I’m busy,” Arthur replied coldly, barely glancing at his ex. “Are the boys ready?” “They’ve misplaced something, so it’ll be ten minutes or so—I know them well,” Vera replied with a slightly forced optimism, but didn’t give up. “How about we celebrate New Year’s together? Nick and Harry have been dressing the tree all afternoon.” “We already agreed in court—the holidays are mine. And this year, we’ll celebrate in a charming little village—lots of snow, mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Lila’s sorted everything.” “But it’s a family holiday…” “And that’s just what we’ll have—a proper family gathering. If you make a fuss, I’ll fight for sole custody.” As soon as the door closed behind her ex-husband and the elated children, Vera angrily smashed the expensive wedding china. Lila… Always Lila! Why does she have to get involved in everything? Pretends to be delighted to see the boys, but probably counts down the days till they go back. Vera knew better than anyone how unruly her boys could be! But—what an idea. A satisfied smile crept onto Vera’s face. Maybe it’s not all lost. Soon, Arthur’s money could be hers and hers alone… ***** “And what’s all this?” Arthur raised an eyebrow at the sight of suitcases crowding his doorstep. “What do you mean? Nick and Harry’s things,” Vera nudged the heaving suitcase until it wobbled. “I’ve decided—since you’ve sorted out your life, it’s time I did the same. Trouble is, not every man wants another man’s kids, so the boys will live with you now. I’ve informed social services; just need to formalise the paperwork. That’s your job now—I’m off on holiday with a rather promising gentleman.” Leaving a stunned Arthur in her wake, Vera strutted to the waiting car. She wondered how “saintly” Lila would cope. A week? Two? Surely no more than that. And Arthur’s bound to pick his sons over his new wife—and return to her, money in tow. Two weeks passed. Then a month. Then two. No desperate calls from Arthur. According to the boys, Lila hadn’t even raised her voice once! How could that be? Had her two terrors suddenly turned into angels? Impossible! “How are the boys? Not tired of them yet?” Vera finally caved and phoned her ex. “They’re wonderful—well-behaved, helpful, a real credit,” Arthur’s voice softened at the mention of his sons. “Absolute stars!” “Really?” Vera said, taken aback. “They were a nightmare for me…” “That’s because children need attention,” Arthur snorted. “But you were always glued to your phone. Oh, and by the way—we’re moving. If you want, I’ll bring the boys round on the holidays.” “But… they’re my children too!” “You gave up your rights willingly,” Arthur laughed outright. “And you call yourself a mother.” All Vera could do was gnash her teeth. She hadn’t won her husband back—or his wealth. The new boyfriend didn’t last, and now the kids would be far away. Not that she’d miss them much—she’d grown too enamoured of living for herself. So unfair. Ten years of patience, and she’d thrown it all away just six months short of the life she’d dreamed of… Unfair…

02

Spring 1992, in a quiet English town: Every day, a man named David sat on a bench outside the railway station—not begging, never speaking, just watching the tracks with a battered shopping bag at his feet and a faraway look in his eyes. Once a train driver before the 80s, his world changed when the local depot closed after political shifts, leaving men like him behind. Approaching 54, David carried a silence that wouldn’t lift. Each morning at eight, he arrived as if starting his old shift, staying until midday before heading home. Locals recognized him only as “the bloke who used to work at British Rail.” No one ever questioned him. One day, a nervous 19-year-old lad with an old rucksack sat beside him, clutching a crumpled letter and glancing anxiously at his watch. Unsure if it was hunger or nerves making him tremble. “Is there a train to Manchester?” the boy asked, not looking at David. “Quarter to four,” David replied, almost automatically. The boy sighed. He’d been accepted to university, but didn’t have fare for the journey—he’d collected what he could from home, but it wasn’t enough. “I promised I’d make it,” he muttered. David said nothing. He stood up, took his bag, and left. The boy kept his eyes down, convinced he’d spoken in vain. Ten minutes later, David was back. He placed an old British Railemployee badge and a few notes next to the boy. “I don’t need these anymore,” he said. “I’ve been where I needed to go. You haven’t yet.” The boy tried to refuse, saying it wasn’t right to accept, but David stopped him with a gesture. “When you make something of yourself, help someone else. That’s all.” The train arrived and the boy caught it. David returned the next morning, same time—but didn’t stay for long after that. Months later, one morning the boy reappeared, thinner but smiling. “I passed my first year,” he announced. “And got a job. I came to repay you.” David just nodded, finally smiling for the first time in ages. “Keep it,” he said. “Don’t break the chain.” Years went by; David no longer came to the station. A decade later, the boy—now grown, with a steady job and a young family—returned home for a visit. Nothing about the station had changed except the people. One afternoon, he asked about the man who once sat on the bench. “David?” someone answered. “He had an accident, couple years back. Lost a leg. His wife looks after him now.” His chest tightened. Without asking more, he got David’s address and went straight there. David lay in a small upstairs room, his bed near the window. His wife, the quiet lady he remembered from the station, greeted him with a gentle smile and left them alone. “You came back,” David said after a pause. “I recognised you. You’ve turned out well.” David was older, his hair completely white, but his gaze was clear as ever. They talked for hours about trains, life, and less important things. At one point, David shrugged and grinned. “After all those years with trains, funny how a car did me in. That’s luck, eh?” He laughed—a short, honest laugh, as if not even that could beat him. The young man left with a lump in his throat and resolve in his heart. He spent the next few days making enquiries, talking to people—but told no one why. When he returned, David was alone. The man entered, wheeling in a new wheelchair, with an envelope of money hidden in the seat pocket. “What’s all this?” David asked, surprised. “As you helped me get to university, I’m helping you get moving again… it’s the least I could do.” David flustered, wanting to protest, but the man shook his head. “So we don’t break the chain—you remember what you said? Now it’s my turn.” David said nothing, only nodding and gripping the young man’s hand tight. In this world, so much is lost: People, trains, the years. But sometimes, good deeds return—not as debts, but as continuity. As long as we don’t break the kindness chain, what we pass on comes back—not always to us, but exactly where it’s needed. If you’ve witnessed—or lived—a gesture that didn’t break the kindness chain, share it on. Stories like these bring us closer. ❤ A like, comment, or share helps the chain carry on.

02

📌 Useful Social Services & Contacts in the U.S.

Stay informed and get help when you need it. Below are key national services with direct contacts that may support you or your loved ones:
🏥 Health & Mental Support

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

What they do: Free and confidential help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7, anonymous support

Website: samhsa.gov

🧒 Support for Children & Families

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Program

What they do: Nutritional and healthcare support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Federal Info Line: 1-800-522-5006

Find local WIC office: fns.usda.gov/wic

“Why Did You Bring Your Son to the Wedding? We Didn’t Invite Any Children!”