He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother supported him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
He wouldnt marry the girl, even though she carried his child. His mother backed his decision, but his father argued for the babys sake.
«Dad, Ive got news,» said James as he stepped into the house. «The neighbour, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine.»
William, his father, paused for a moment before replying calmly, «Then marry her.»
«Are you mad? Im still young. Its not the time to start a familywe werent even serious!»
«Werent you?» Williams smile was cold. «So, you were man enough to chase after a girl, but when its time to take responsibility, suddenly youre a boy again. Fine.» Without another word, he called out sharply, «Margaret! Come here!»
Margaret walked into the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron. «Whats the matter?»
«Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnantEmily, the neighbours daughterand now he wont marry her. Wants to slink away like a coward.»
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened. «And hes right. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? Girls these days are cleverthey find a man with money, get themselves pregnant, then demand marriage. Next thing you know, the child isnt even his. He should get a test. And anyway, we shouldnt pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man; it was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise another mans child.»
William took a deep breath and muttered, «What if it really is his?»
«So what if it is? Are we bound to take on that burden? Tell him to get the test, and well see.»
She turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen, leaving William alone with his son.
«You know, I was young once too,» William began. «I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for lovefor responsibility. Because being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thingthe baby wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? Ive never regretted staying.»
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Emilys child.
«So what?» Margaret scoffed when William placed the paper in front of her. «Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emilys moving into this house. She wont set foot here. Ive made up my mind!»
James sat silent, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression made it clearhed chosen his mothers side. His fists clenched, but he said nothing.
William rose slowly from the table. «If the two of you have made your choice, then listen to mine.»
His voice was steady but heavy. «As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and that childmy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. And the two of you? Youll get no more help from me. I wont be part of this shame. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to that baby. You wont see a single penny.»
Margaret exploded. «Have you lost your mind? Youd disown your own son?»
William didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and curses behind him. James sat frozen, unable to believe his fathers words. But he knew one thingwhen William said something, he meant it.
And so, in the end, the greatest lesson was this: a mans true worth isnt measured by what he takes, but by what hes willing to stand for.
