Emily, why on earth would we want a child? I heard my wife say one evening, sitting at the kitchen table. Were fine just the two of us! Darling, kids bring a heap of hassles: they wont let you sleep through the night, they need roundtheclock care. My figure will go to the dogs, Ill end up plump Do we really need all that? Lets push the idea of a baby back another six years, shall we?
***
Ethan and Emily had been married for five years, and at first everything seemed like a fairytale. Then Ethan began steering Emily gently toward the idea of motherhood. Emily, as best she could, kept putting it off, and eventually she bluntly declared she didnt even want to hear the word children again. Their relationship soured, arguments flared. Ethan sank to the low of shameful blackmail, while Emily spent the last months muttering:
Ethan, whats the use of a bundle of drool and snot? Sleepless nights, flipopen nappies, a waistline like a cow after calving, and constant exhaustion. And thats just the harmless part! I dont want to bury my youth for all that. Lets wait a bit longer!
For Ethan those words rang like thunder on a clear day. Before they wed, Emily had dreamed of a big family and reassured him:
Of course, love, well have lots of kids! At least three! But not right away, okay? Lets have a few years to settle down first, then well start a brood.
Five years later, Emily suddenly announced she wasnt ready for children just yet. Ethan, who had always longed for an heir, tried to convince her that the time had long since arrived:
Emily, weve been together eight years, five of them married. I think its high time we thought about continuing the line! Weve got a flat, a car, a decent pension, and weve set aside enough pounds for paternity leave and a babys needs. What are we waiting for?
How do you know now is the right moment? Emily snapped. I think we should still enjoy life as a couple. I have so many plans, so many things I want to achieve! A child simply doesnt fit into them. Ethan, arent we fine just the two of us? We have everything! Why do we need a third person?
What do you mean third person? Are you treating the baby like a stranger? When will you ever be ready? Ethan retorted, his voice rising. I believe a normal family should have children. I want to be a father, period! I dont understand why youve changed your mind so abruptly. Before we married you said something entirely different!
Thats because its easy for you to talk! Emily exploded. You dont have to walk around with a ninemonth bump, you dont have to suffer morning sickness, you dont have to battle the extra weight! Ive been at the gym for five years! And now you expect me to throw it all away? I wont lose my shape, nor will I give up the lifestyle I love! After a baby Id have to give up friends, shopping, a normal life for about five years! Why would I do that?
Emily, everyone lives like that! Ethan tried to reason. Its not the end of the world; the child will grow, and youll return to your hobbies. Ill help with everything!
Ethan, lets revisit this in five or six years, alright? Im not ready now! I dont want us to argue, just understand and accept my point of view. After all, its my body, and Im the one who decides what to do with it. Im not going to let myself become uglier!
At first Ethan tried every tack. They watched films about happy families, took long walks in parks near playgrounds, and he even coaxed Emily into looking after his cousins newborn fourth child, shuttling her over for visits. Yet Emily showed no enthusiasm; she seemed uncomfortable even touching the infant. The maternal instinct was nowhere to be found.
***
Having exhausted every method, Ethan finally drew a line in the sand:
Emily, if you dont want children with me, were simply not meant for each other. Lets separate. Each of us will go our own way. Youll find someone who shares your views, and I I wont be left alone.
Emilys heart fluttered. Shed never even considered divorce. She worked from home, and Ethan helped her with the household. A split would mean hunting for a new job and a new flat.
Ethan, wait! Emily pleaded. Why are you saying this? Divorce? Are you really ready to lose me over this?
Its not a joke, Emily! Ethan replied. I grew up in a full family, with brothers and sisters. I believe a marriage without children is doomed. Were wasting time. If you dont want kids, why stay together? I dont understand why you kept this from me. I asked about children before we married, and you always said you wanted them! Now you claim its all about not gaining weight. Its laughable!
Ethan, cant we just live for ourselves? A child is a massive expense. Wed have to give up a lot. Youd be fine, but Id have to overhaul my whole lifestyle! With a baby you cant go out, you cant leave the house. You have to be on call 24/7. Sleepless nights, constant fatigue. Im not ready for that. Can you see why thats hard to swallow?
Ill hire a nanny! And a housekeeper! My parents will pitch in! Whats the problem? Ethan shouted. The problem is your attitude toward the child! Theres not a single drop of tenderness in your eyes! Emily, tell me what you truly want. What future do you picture for us?
Emily couldnt admit that children didnt feature in her plans. She wanted to spend her money on travel and fine things, and she needed a husband to foot the bill. Though she still cared for Ethan, financial security was high on her list.
She found no support. Her aunt bluntly told her:
Emily, youre behaving disgracefully! Youve lost all shame! Forget youre married! Youre hopping from bar to bar while Ethan works! Stop bringing shame on the family!
Auntie, what am I doing wrong? Ethan knows where I go. Not every day! When the weekend comes Im home, locked in! Dont scold me, just give some advice. Ethan and I keep fighting over children. He wants them, I dont. Why now? Maybe you could speak to him? He respects you, maybe hell listen?
I wont talk to him! the aunt snapped. I think hes right. Its high time you have a baby! Then youll get your senses back!
Emily refused to budge. In the end it was her body, and she decided to play along with Ethans demands. One day she dramatically tossed a pack of nappies in the bin and announced:
Fine, Ethan, Ill agree! Ill have a baby for you! But on one condition: a nanny will raise him, and Ill continue with my own life!
Ethan believed her. Yet Emily kept secretly taking contraceptive pills, and to keep Ethan at ease she took him to a familiar doctor a few times. The doctor shrugged and urged patience:
I see no problem. Just relax! Forget about the baby for now! I know many couples who, after years of infertility, simply let nature take its course and it works out!
***
Six months later the very thing Emily feared happened: a pregnancy test flashed two lines. She panicked. What now? Give birth? Ruin the life shed built?
Ethan popped into the bathroom unexpectedly. Emily tried to hide the test behind her back, but it was too late.
Whats that youve got? Ethan asked, moving closer.
Emily stayed silent, head bowed. Ethan snatched the test from her hand.
Emily! Could it be? Youre pregnant! Oh my God, Im going to be a dad! he lifted her into his arms, spinning her round the bathroom, laughing. Thank you, love! This is the happiest day of my life!
Emily forced a smile. What now? How to get out of this mess?
They celebrated the news at a restaurant. A fresh ring sparkled on Emilys finger, Ethan sat opposite in a crisp suit, grinning and repeating:
Well be the best parents ever! I promise youll never want for anything! Thank you, darling!
That night Emily lay awake for hours. Ethans joyous face replayed in her mind, while dark thoughts crept in:
Maybe a child will really improve our lives? Maybe Im just scared of change? I could lose weight, stay fit women manage, after all. And its my partners child
For the first time in years her heart fluttered. Something new, unfamiliar awoke inside her. Perhaps shed made the right choice after all?
***
Nine months flew by. Ethan carried Emilys cravings, fulfilled her whims, chose the hospital, attended parenting classes with her. Emily tried to support him in everything, yet the dread of labour and motherhood never left her.
When the due date arrived, Emily gave birth to a healthy baby boy. As the midwife placed him on her chest, she saw his tiny face for the first timea little, wrinkled bundle that uncannily resembled Ethan, letting out a soft, funny wail. In that instant all her fears melted away.
My Emily whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
They named the boy Sam. From the first days, Emily threw herself into motherhood. She fed him, sang lullabies, took him to the park. She even grew jealous when Ethan held Sam, and each night by his cot she asked herself the same question: how could I ever have been so foolish? If only shed known sooner how much joy parenthood would bring
The story of Ethan and Emily shows that sometimes the path we resist is the one that leads us to the deepest happiness.
