You owe us nothing, son.
Mum, think carefully before its too late! That boy is nothing like you! Your Emily probably had him with her ex and now shes making you raise him! I just know it!
Mum, enough! Daniel is my son Why must you always stir up trouble? Right, Im going home.
Margaret had raised her son alone. Between her and William, there had always been a strong bondhe never disrespected her, never talked back, and excelled in school. As he grew, he became an engineer, just as his mother had hoped. Now it was time to address his love life. Margaret had chosen a bride for hima lovely young woman named Charlotte, the daughter of her friend Beatrice.
At his mothers insistence, William and Charlotte began dating, but their romance never truly blossomed. After a few strained months, they parted ways. Then William met Emily. Their connection was instant; he saw in her a kindred spirit, and within three months, they marriedmuch to Margarets dismay. Six months later, Emily was pregnant. They named their son Daniel.
Everything should have been perfectif not for Margarets open disdain for her daughter-in-law. At every meeting, she found fault, even four years into the marriage.
Look at what shes done to you! You always look so dishevelled
Mum, Im fine! My shirt just wrinkled in the wash.
Sit down, eat something! I bet your wife hasnt cooked, and youll go hungry.
Mum, Ill have dinner at home. Emilys a good cook.
Oh, I know herfrozen meals from the supermarket, or worse, tinned spaghetti. Charlotte, though, shes taken pastry classes. Such talent
William brushed off her complaints as best he could, never passing them on to Emily. But Margarets cold war continueduntil one day, her strategy worked.
Son, why wont Emily visit me? You always come alone!
Mum, how can she when you criticise her at every turn?
Id only criticise if I had reason! And while youre here drinking tea, shes probably off with her ex! I know about Christopher, that useless bloke. And that boy looks just like him! Youre raising another mans child.
That evening, William snapped. He had tolerated years of snide remarks, but this was too much. He left in a foul mood.
At home, Daniel ran to greet him. Daddy! Mummy and I went to the park today. We saw Mr. Christopher! He bought me chocolate and juice!
A terrible suspicion gripped William. That night, he confronted Emily.
Why were you with your ex?
Will, it was just a coincidence! We ran into him, chatted, and he walked us home.
Why would my wife and son need escorting by another man? Is Daniel even mine?!
Will, how could you say that? Are you serious?
Their first real argument spiralled into frequent fights. Eventually, Emily packed her things, took Daniel, and returned to her parents home.
Divorce followed, with William paying child support. Convinced Daniel wasnt his, he never contested it legally. Thrilled, Margaret pushed him back toward Charlottethe perfect daughter-in-law.
They married, but life soured fast. Charlotte demanded luxury, berating William endlessly.
Irenes husband bought her a second fur coat! The Harrises just got a new luxury car! And here I am, stuck in last years coat driving that cheap little thing! Are you even a man?
Fifteen miserable years passed. William worked himself ragged while Charlotte indulged in spa trips. She refused children, insisting she wanted to live for herself. When Margaret suffered a stroke, Charlotte refused to care for her.
I wont waste my days on that old woman. Put her in a home.
Maybe I should quit work
Are you mad? How would we pay for my car?
Margaret died in the nursing home. Returning unannounced, William found Charlotte in their neighbours arms. He didnt arguejust packed his things and moved into his mothers flat.
Alone, he drowned in regret. Why had he listened to her? A wasted lifeno family, no friends, not even a car (all went to Charlotte). Then he thought of Emily and Daniel. Was Daniel really his? Didnt matter now.
He must be nineteen a man grown.
The next morning, William took a train to Emilys hometown. Finding her old building, he waited. Then he saw hima young man, his mirror image.
Daniel my son
You? What are you doing here?
I owe you an apology. You look just like me. Wheres your mother?
Gone. Ten years nowcar crash.
Then who cares for you? Let me helpmoney, anything!
Gran and I want nothing from you.
But son, I
The door slammed shut. William wept on the step, begging, returning again and again. But Daniel refused to speak.
*Some wounds never healespecially those we inflict ourselves.*
