Mum, You Need to Accept It – We Don’t Want to Have Children

Many years ago, Mary suffered a difficult childbirth, after which the doctors told her she would never be able to have another child. When her husband, Edward, heard this, he became cold and distant towards his wife. Six months passed in this manner. Not only did Edward take up with another woman, but his mistress soon became pregnantwith twins, no less. Without hesitation, he left Mary and their little daughter, forcing Mary to raise the child alone.

As a small child, their daughter, Emily, attended all sorts of activities and classes. Emily grew up an inquisitive and spirited young girl, with a fondness for dolls from her earliest days. Shed set them in a circle and pretend to teach them lessons. Mary could never get enough of her daughter’s laughter and inventiveness.

Emily had an easy time making friends at school and quickly became something of a leader among her classmates. Later on, she began going out with a boy who, though amiable, was rather eccentric. All their time together was spent attending music festivals and youth gatherings of every description. Emily played drums, and her boyfriend played guitar. Before long, their band began to gain some local fame and perform at village halls and summer fêtes. Life was free and light-hearted for the young pair. As the years rolled on, Mary found herself growing anxious about Emily’s future. She waited ever more longingly for the day she might become a grandmother. By now, Emily was 29.

“My dear, it’s time to think about having a child,” Mary said to her one afternoon.

“Mum, do you want me to end up like Auntie Jane? She had four children and now she cant see past themher whole world is inside the house, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the little ones. Is that all there is to life?” Emily replied.

“But you don’t have to be like your aunt. Just have one child, and that’s that,” Mary reasoned.

“Mum, youll have to accept itwe dont want children of our own. And if we change our minds, we can always adopt from an orphanage.”

“But its wonderful to have your own flesh and blood. Just think it over,” Mary pleaded.

“Id rather not go over this again, Mum,” Emily insisted.

Eventually, Emily made up her mind to tell her mother the full truth. Perhaps, with time, things would look different…