The Daughter

June 14, 2025 My own little notebook, tucked into the nightstand

I can still hear the crackle of the phone as Emily’s voice bursts through the line, Tom, weve got a girl£3,500 worth of joy! I was standing under the awning of StThomas Hospital, waving at my wife, who cradled the newborn like a precious heirloom. Its a daughter, I shouted, halflaughing, but didnt we agree on a boy? The silence on the other end stretched a heartbeat before Emily whispered, I think weve been given the wrong script.

I turned away from the throng of ecstatic new fathers, their chalk hearts and balloons turning the pavement into a kaleidoscope, from the polished black cabs and clusters of relatives who gathered like a flock of sparrows. All my life Id imagined a sonsomeone to carry on the Harper name, to toss a football in the back garden, to haul in the biggest trout on a lazy Sunday and brag about it over the dinner table. Id painted those scenes in my mind: us, a boy, laughing under the summer sun, the boys cheek flushed with pride as I clapped him on the back.

Emilys road to motherhood had been anything but smooth. Wed chased appointments all the way to Oxford, even sat in the presence of a renowned specialistpractically a luminary of the medical world. It took five long years before the news finally came.

A familiar voice called from behind me. I spun to see Jack Spencer, my old university mate, emerging from the car park. Tommy, you hear that? Whats the news? he asked, cheeks dusted with the early morning mist.

Just back from the maternity wardEmily gave birth to a daughter.

His grin faltered for a split second, then he lifted his chin. Congratulations! And youre not smiling?

Just a bit stunned, thats all. He glanced around, then gestured toward a small café a few doors down. Come on, lets have a cuppa. Weve all been waiting for a lad, a heirnothing wrong with a girl, though. I was in the same boat once, prepping for a son, and the universe handed me a daughter instead.

I asked, How are the kids? Did they come with you?

Jacks eyes dropped, a heaviness settling over his shoulders. Im on my own now. No family left, Tom. My mothers frail, my dads been gone for years. Ive been thinking of moving back to my mums place, finding work, fixing up the flat. He swallowed, as if the words were bitter pills. There was an accident Id rather not go into it. Its been a lonely year.

We lingered over our coffee, swapping stories of latenight study sessions, old acquaintances, and future plans. I gave him my number, promising he could ring anytimeday or night.

The next morning, I raced back to the hospital, a massive bouquet of Emilys favourite garden peonies in my hands, a cluster of helium balloons bobbing on my shoulder. Emily, I called, the sound of her voice already waiting on the line.

Forgive me! Im over the moon about our little girl. What does she look like? she asked, breathless with excitement.

Like you, loveabsolute spitting image.

Really? I felt like a complete mess yesterday

No need to worry, I understand everything. I tried to steady my voice, but Emily cut in, Tom, shes a healthy, happy little thing. She eats, sleeps, and even smiles in her sleep. Theyll let us take her home soon, youll see for yourself.

The years that followed were a blur of tiny footsteps and school recitals. Our daughter, Lucy, grew into a bright, stunning young womansomething we both swelled with pride over. Jack became her godfather, and I never stopped thanking him for that morning conversation that opened my eyes, teaching me to value and love the people right beside me.

P.S. We never had any more children; the birth was arduous and left lingering effects on Emilys health. Yet, looking at Lucy now, I cant help but feel grateful for the unexpected twist of fate that brought her into our lives.