**No Joy Without Struggle**
How did you end up in such a state, you foolish girl? Wholl want you now with a baby on the way? How do you plan to raise it? Dont expect me to help. I raised youmust I raise your child too? I wont have you here. Pack your things and leave!
Emily kept her head down, saying nothing. Her last hope that Aunt Margaret might let her stayeven just until she found workhad vanished.
If only Mum were still here
Emily never knew her father. Her mother had been struck by a drunk driver at a crossing fifteen years ago. Social services were about to send her to a childrens home when a distant cousin of her mothers unexpectedly took her in. With a steady job and her own house, Aunt Margaret made guardianship straightforward.
She lived on the outskirts of a quiet market town, lush in summer and damp in winter. Emily was always well-fed, neatly dressed, and used to hard work. Between the house, garden, and a few chickens, there was always something to do. She may have missed a mothers warmth, but who fretted over such things?
Emily did well in school and later attended teacher training college. Those carefree student years passed quickly. Now, with her exams done, she returned to the town she called homethough not the homecoming shed imagined.
After her outburst, Aunt Margaret finally settled.
Enough. Get out of my sight. I dont want you here.
Please, Aunt Margaret, just let me
No. Ive said all there is to say!
Silently, Emily lifted her suitcase and stepped outside. Had she ever imagined coming back like this? Shamed, cast out, and expecting a childthough still earlyshed confessed the truth. She couldnt hide it any longer.
She needed somewhere to stay. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the world around her.
It was high summer. Apples and pears ripened in orchards, while golden plums and cherries hung heavy on branches. The scent of jam and fresh bread drifted from open windows. The heat was stifling, and Emily was parched. Spotting a woman by a garden shed, she called out.
Excuse me, could I have some water?
Penny, a sturdy woman in her fifties, turned. Come in if youre friendly. She handed Emily a cup from a nearby jug. The girl drank deeply before sinking onto a bench.
Mind if I sit awhile? Its so warm.
Of course, love. Where are you headed with that case?
Ive just finished collegehoping to teach. But Ive nowhere to stay. Do you know anyone renting a room?
Penny studied herneat but weary, as if weighed down.
You could stay with me. I wont charge much, but you must pay on time. If that suits you, Ill show you the room.
The idea of a lodger pleased Penny. Extra money always helped, especially in a quiet town like theirs. Her son lived miles away and seldom visited. Company would be welcome during long winter evenings.
Hardly believing her luck, Emily followed. The room was small but cosya window overlooking the garden, a bed, a wardrobe, and a sturdy table. Perfect. They agreed on rent, and after changing, Emily headed to the local education office.
Days flew bywork, home, work. She barely had time to flip the calendar pages.
She grew close to Penny, who proved kind and motherly. In return, Emily helped where she could. Many evenings, they chatted over tea in the garden, for autumn came slowly here.
Her pregnancy progressed smoothlyno sickness, just steady weight gain. She confided in Penny, sharing a story too common to shock.
In her second year, shed fallen for Thomas, the charming son of university lecturers. His path was setdegree, postgraduate studies, an academic career. Handsome and witty, he was popular with girls. Yet he chose quiet Emily. Perhaps it was her shy smile or gentle nature. Or maybe he sensed the strength hidden in those whove known hardship. Whatever the reason, they spent their remaining college years inseparable, and Emily dreamed of a future together.
That morning stuck in her memory. She couldnt face breakfast, certain smells turned her stomach, and shed been queasy for days. Worst of allshe was late. How had she ignored it? She bought a test, returned to her dorm, and waited. Two lines. She stared, disbelieving. Exams loomed, and now this. How would Thomas react? Children werent part of the plan.
Yet, a fierce love for the tiny life inside her surged.
Little one, she whispered, resting a hand on her belly.
That evening, Thomas insisted on introducing her to his parents. The memory still brought tears. In short, they suggested termination and leaving town after graduation. Thomas needed to focus on his career, and she wasnt the right fit.
What they said to him, Emily could only guess. The next day, Thomas entered her room, set down an envelope of cash, and left without a word.
Abortion never crossed her mind. She already loved her babyhers alone. Still, she took the money, knowing theyd need it.
Penny listened sympathetically. These things happen. Youre brave to keep the babyevery childs a blessing. Maybe its for the best.
But Emily couldnt forgive Thomas. The humiliation lingered like a stain.
Time passed. She stopped working, waddling as her belly grew. Would it be a boy or girl? The scan was unclear, but all that mattered was health.
One Saturday in late February, her labour began, and Penny drove her to hospital. The birth went smoothly, and Emily held a healthy baby boy.
Little Oliver, she murmured, stroking his round cheek.
She befriended other mothers on the ward. Two days earlier, the partner of a local officer had given birth to a girl. They werent married, just living together.
You shouldve seen ithe brought flowers, chocolates, even whisky for the nurses. Visited daily in a Land Rover. But she kept saying she didnt want children. Left a note, abandoned the baby, claiming she wasnt ready.
Whatll happen to her?
Theyre bottle-feeding, but the nurse said breast milk would be better. Everyones got their own to feed.
When feeding time came, the nurse brought the tiny girl in.
Could anyone help? Shes so small, the nurse pleaded, eyes scanning the room.
I will, Emily said softly, laying Oliver down and cradling the girl. Oh, shes tiny! Ill call her little Charlotte.
Compared to Oliver, she was delicate. The baby latched eagerly, then dozed off moments later.
Told you shes fragile, the nurse sighed.
From then on, Emily fed both.
Two days later, the nurse announced the babys father wished to meet her. Thats how Emily met Captain Daniel Hartleya man of average height with steady blue eyes and a firm handshake.
What followed became hospital legend, then town gossip, for the ending was unforgettable.
On discharge day, staff gathered at the entrance. A Land Rover decked with blue and pink balloons waited. The officer, now in captains uniform, helped Emily inside, where Penny sat ready. He handed her Oliver, then little Charlotte.
With a honk, they drove off, disappearing round the bend.
Lifes twists are unpredictable. Emily never expected forgiveness to come in the form of a strangers quiet courage, nor love to bloom from such sorrow. She and Daniel began cautiously, bonded by the two small lives they now shared. Penny beamed every morning as the house filled with laughter, bottles, and lullabies. Seasons turned. Oliver babbled, Charlotte learned to crawl, and Emily taught them both their first words beneath the same orchard trees where she once stood alone, thirsty and afraid. In the end, no joy came without strugglebut the struggle, she realized, had led her exactly where she was meant to be.
