He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
He wouldnt marry the girl carrying his baby. His mother agreed, but his father fought for the childs future.
«Dad, Ive got news,» said James, barely stepping through the door. «The neighbor, Emily… shes pregnant. Its mine.»
William, his father, stood frozen for a moment before answering quietly.
«Then marry her.»
«Are you mad? Im still young. This isnt the time to start a familywe werent even serious!»
«Werent serious?» Williams smile was cold. «Plenty of courage chasing after her, but none when it comes to responsibility. Suddenly, youre a boy again.» Without another word, he called sharply for his wife. «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 neighbors daughterand now hes running from it like a coward.»
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
«And hes right to. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? Girls these days are cleverfind a lad with money, trap him with a baby, then demand marriage. Whos to say its even his? Get the tests done. And dont pressure Jameshes young. Hes a man; its hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise another mans child.»
William took a deep breath, his voice low.
«What if it *is* his?»
«So what if it is? Are we bound to shoulder that burden? Tell him to get the test. Then well know.»
She turned on her heel and marched back to the kitchen, leaving William alone with his son.
«You know, I was young once too,» William began. «Loved one girl, married another. Not for lovefor duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthat child wasnt to blame. My blood. My conscience.» His voice roughened. «And James? I never regretted staying.»
Three months later. The DNA test came back clear99.9% probability James was the father.
«So what?» Margaret scoffed when William set the paper before her. «Fine, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emily steps foot in this house. She wont. *I* say so!»
James sat silent, avoiding his fathers gaze. His clenched fists and stiff shoulders made his choice clear.
William rose slowly from the table.
«If the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.» His voice was steel. «As long as I live, my grandchild will not want. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. But you two? Youll get nothing from me. I wont be part of this shame. James, from today, youre no son of mine. Every penny I have goes to that child. You wont see a pound.»
Margaret exploded.
«Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?»
William didnt answer. He turned and walked away, deaf to the shouts and curses behind him. James sat motionless, stunned. But he knewwhen William gave his word, he meant it.
