You’re a Monster, Mum! Kids Deserve Better Than This!

*”Youre a Monster, Mum! Some People Shouldnt Have Kids!”*

Youre a monster, Mum! People like you shouldnt have children! she muttered, burying herself in her books. One evening, she went clubbing with her mates and met Richarda handsome bloke from London whose parents had gone abroad for work for a year. Head over heels, she moved in with him faster than you could say “bad decision.”

Life was one long party, funded by Richards parents. They either went out or hosted raucous gatherings at home. At first, Eleanor loved it. Then, before she knew it, she was drowning in debt, skipping lectures, and flunking her winter exams. She was one misstep away from getting kicked out of uni.

Swearing to turn things around, she hit the books hard. When Richards mates dropped by, she locked herself in the loo. Miraculously, she scraped through her resits. But when she tried to convince Richard to tone it downfinal year looming and allhe just laughed. Dont be such a bore, Eleanor. YOLO, yeah? When else are we supposed to have fun?

She was too ashamed to tell her mum they were shacking up unmarried. Every phone call was a web of liesclaiming theyd tied the knot and were just waiting for his parents to return for the big celebration.

Then, one day in class, she felt dizzy and queasy. Horror dawnedshe was probably pregnant. The test confirmed her worst fears.

Since it was early days, Richard pushed for an abortion. They had their biggest row yet, and he vanished for two days. When he finally reappeared, he wasnt alonesome plastered blonde was clinging to him, barely able to stand. Exhausted, Eleanor screamed at him and tried to shove the girl out.

Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, *you* can leave, you nutter! he snarled, shoving her so hard she stumbled.

She grabbed her coat and fled. On foot, she trudged back to her student halls, face swollen, mascara streaked, and knocked on the door. The porter took pity and let her in.

The next day, Richard turned up, grovelling, swearing hed never lay a hand on her again, begging her to come back. For the babys sake, she caved.

She *just* passed first year. Terrified of facing her mum but equally scared to stay in Londonespecially now, pregnant and unrecognisableshe stalled until Richards parents returned.

When they found out Eleanor was from the sticks and barely scraping by, his dad cornered her. Think about itwhat kind of father would he be? All he cares about is partying. And whos to say the kids even his? Take the money and go home. Trust me, its for the best.

Humiliated, Eleanor glanced at Richardsilent as a statue. She refused the cash (though later regretted it), packed her bags, and slunk back to her mum.

The second her mum saw her belly on the doorstep, the jig was up.

So, youre back alone? Didnt get married, then? The London lad had his fun and booted you out? You *did* get some money, didnt you? her mum snapped, blocking the doorway.

Mum, how can you? I dont want his money.

Then why come here? This flats barely big enough for two. I thought youd landed on your feetmarried to some posh Londoner. Instead, you waltz back knocked up. Where are we supposed to put a baby?

*We*? Eleanor frowned.

While you were gone, I got myself a boyfriend. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. Raised you alone, never thought of myself. Now its *my* turn. Hes younger. I wont have him gawping at you.

Where am I supposed to go, Mum? The babys due soon, she whispered, tears threatening.

Go back to the father. *He* can look after you.

Her mum was ice. No warmth, no pityjust cold dismissal.

Eleanor lugged her suitcase to a park bench and sobbed. Where *could* she go? If even her own mother didnt want her, who would? For a dark moment, she thought about stepping in front of a caruntil the baby kicked, as if warning her.

Eleanor? A familiar voice cut through her despair. It was Sophie, an old school friend. Taking one look at herpregnant, tear-streakedshe whisked her home.

Stay with me. My parents are away in the countryside till autumn. Well figure it out.

With no options, Eleanor agreed.

Sophie worked at a hospital and was training as a nurse. Two days later, she burst in with news: an elderly woman needed a live-in carer. The daughter refused to take her.

Didnt mention youre pregnant. Come on, its your shot.

Eleanor hesitatedhow could she care for a bedridden woman *and* a newborn? But desperation won.

The daughter, a snooty piece of work, agreedbut only if Eleanor lived off the old ladys pension. The house is *mine*, she sneered. Dont get any ideas.

So Eleanor moved in with Mrs. Amelia, tending to her and pouring out her troubles. When little Matilda was born, the old woman even helped soothe her.

Time passed. Matilda took her first stepsbut Mrs. Amelia worsened and passed away. The daughter showed up just for the funeral, then demanded Eleanor leave.

I *told* you the house wasnt yours.

While sorting paperwork, they found a will: Eleanor inherited the flat. The daughter screamed legal threats, but neighbours vouched for Eleanors care.

With a stable home, Eleanor worked and raised Matilda. Years later, her mum reappearedclaiming she was gravely ill, had sold her flat for treatment. Pity won, and Eleanor took her in.

Until she overheard a phone call: Shes not listening Im skimming rent money Be there soon

It was all a lie. Her mum had *never* sold the flatjust rented it out to fund some bloke.

Mum! Youre a *monster*! Lying to me *again*!

Wait, its not what you think

I dont care. Get out.

Sophie comforted her: You dont pick family. She messed up, but shes your mum.

Eleanor relentedbut her mum had already bolted. Years later, when she *did* fall ill, Eleanor nursed her till the end.

Hate breeds hate. If a mother wont love her child, what love can she expect in return? But in the end, Eleanor chose kindnessbecause monsters shouldnt raise monsters.