“You’re a Monster, Mum! People Like You Shouldn’t Have Children!”
The words still echo in her memory. Eleanor had been studying when she shouted them, her heart burning with resentment. One evening, she went out with friends to a club in London and met Richardhandsome, charming, with parents abroad for work. She fell hopelessly in love and soon moved in with him.
They lived lavishly, funded by his parents cheques. Every night was a party, either out or at home. At first, Eleanor loved it. But before she knew it, she was drowning in debt and absences, failing her winter exams. She risked expulsion.
Swearing to change, she buried herself in books. When Richards friends came over, she locked herself in the bathroom. She barely passed her courses and begged Richard to slow down. He was in his final year, nearly done.
Dont be dull, Eleanor. You only live once. Youth slips awaywhen else will we have fun? he replied, carefree.
She was too ashamed to tell her mother they lived together unwed. When she called home, she lied, saying theyd married quietly and would celebrate when his parents returned.
Then, one day in lectures, dizziness and nausea overwhelmed her. Horror struckshe was likely pregnant. The test confirmed her fears.
Richard insisted she end it. They argued fiercely, and he vanished for two days. When he returned, he wasnt alone. A drunken blonde clung to him, barely standing. Exhausted, Eleanor screamed, trying to shove the girl out.
Shes not leaving. If you dont like it, *you* can go, you mad cow! he roared, striking her hard.
She grabbed her coat and fled. On foot, she reached the student halls, her face swollen, mascara streaked. The porter took pity and let her in.
The next day, Richard begged forgiveness, swearing hed never touch her again. For the babys sake, she believed him.
She scraped through her first year but dreaded going home. What would her mother say? Yet staying in London terrified her too. Richards parents were due back, and she, heavily pregnant, was a shadow of herself.
When they arrived and learned Eleanor was from the countryside and barely passed her exams, his father was blunt. He offered her money to leave his son alone.
Thinkwhat kind of father would he be? All he cares for is revelry. And whos to say the childs even his? Take the money and go home. Trust me, its for the best.
Humiliated, Eleanor refusedthough she later regretted it. She packed her bags and returned to her mother.
The moment her mother saw her belly at the doorstep, she knew.
So, youre alone? Not married, then. That London boy had his fun and tossed you out? Did he at least give you money? she demanded, blocking the entry.
Mum, how can you? I dont want his money.
Then why come here? We barely fit in this flat as it is. I thought youd landed a fine matchmarried, living well. Instead, youre back, knocked up. Where will we all go? *All* of us?
All? Eleanor whispered.
While you were gone, I found a man. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. Raised you alone, never thought of myself. Now its my turn. Hes younger. I wont have him eyeing you.
Where am I to go, Mum? The babys due soon, she pleaded, tears brimming.
Go back to the father. Let *him* keep you.
Her mother was merciless. No warmth remainedonly cold detachment.
Eleanor took her bag and left. On a bench, she wept. Where could she go? If her own mother wouldnt take her, who would? She even thought of stepping in front of a caruntil the baby kicked, as if sensing danger.
Eleanor? A familiar voice broke through. Sophie, an old schoolmate, found her therepregnant, weepingand took her in.
Stay with me. My parents are in the countryside till autumn. Well sort it then.
With no choice, Eleanor agreed.
Sophie worked at a hospital. Days later, she returned excitedan elderly woman needed a live-in carer. Her daughter refused to take her.
I didnt mention youre expecting. Come on, its your chance.
Eleanor hesitated. How could she care for a bedridden woman *and* a baby? But desperation won.
The daughter, haughty, agreedbut without pay. Youll have her pension for expenses. The house is *mine*dont get ideas.
So Eleanor moved in with Mrs. Whitmore, tending to her and sharing her story. When little Matilda was born, the old woman even soothed the baby at times.
Years passed. Matilda took her first steps, but Mrs. Whitmore worsened and died. At the funeral, the daughter appeared only to evict her.
I warned youthe house isnt yours.
While sorting papers, they found a will: Eleanor inherited the flat. The daughter threatened court, but neighbours testified to Eleanors devotion.
With a stable home, Eleanor worked and raised Matilda. Years later, her mother reappearedclaiming grave illness, having sold her flat for treatment. Pitying her, Eleanor took her in.
Until one day, she overheard her on the phone: Shes not listening Im saving rent money Ill be there soon
It was all a lie. Her mother never sold the flatjust rented it out to fund a lover.
Mum! Youre a monster! You lied to me *again*!
Wait, its not what you think
I dont care. When I get back, I want you *gone*.
Sophie consoled her: You dont choose family. Shes wrong, but shes your mother.
Eleanor relentedbut her mother had already left. Years later, when she truly fell ill, Eleanor nursed her until the end.
Hate breeds hate. If a mother wont love her child, what love can she expect in return? But the mother
