He refused to marry his pregnant sweetheart. His mother stood by him, but his father defended the unborn child.
When he refused to wed the girl, his mother supported him, but his father insisted the child must not be abandoned.
“Father, Ive news,” said Edward as he stepped into the house. “Our neighbour, Eleanorshes with child. Mine.”
His father, Alfred, paused a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you mad? Im still young. This isnt the time to start a familywe werent even courting properly!”
“Properly?” Alfreds smile was cold. “You were man enough to chase after a girl, but now its time to face the consequences, youve turned into a boy. Very well.” Without another word, he called sharply for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret entered the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron. “Whats the matter?”
“Listen to this. Our sons got a girl with child and now refuses to do right by her. Eleanor, the neighbours daughter. And he means to slink away like a coward.”
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened. “And hes right to. Why bring the first scheming girl who comes along into this house? Girls these days are cunningthey find a man with means, trap him with a babe, then demand marriage. Whos to say the childs even his? Let him have the tests done. Besides, we mustnt pressure Edwardhes young yet. Hes a man; temptation was too much. But were not obliged to raise anothers mistake.”
Alfred took a slow breath and muttered, “And if it is his child?”
“What if it is? Must we shoulder that burden? Tell him to take the testthen well know.”
She turned on her heel and returned to the kitchen, leaving Alfred alone with his son.
“Listen,” Alfred began, “I was young once too. There was a girl I loved, but I married another. Not for lovefor duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion, but choices and consequences. Your mother was with child. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthe babe wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, Edward? I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, Edward was the father of Eleanors child.
“So what?” Margaret scoffed when Alfred placed the paper before her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Eleanor steps foot in this house. She shant, I tell you!”
Edward sat silent, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression made his choice plainhed taken his mothers side. His fists clenched, but he said nothing.
Alfred rose slowly from the table. “If the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was low but steady.
“As long as I live, my grandchild shall want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a home, and hemy bloodwill have all Ive earned. And you two may no longer rely on me. Ill not be part of this disgrace. Edward, from this day, youre no son of mine. Everything I have goes to that child. Youll not see a penny.”
Margaret erupted. “Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?”
Alfred didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and curses. Edward remained, frozen, unable to believe his fathers words. But he knewwhen Alfred spoke, he meant it.
