You’re holding him wrong!
The shout sliced through the quiet, sharp and high. Emily didnt even flinch shed heard that voice so many times over the last few months. Her exmotherinlaw, Evelyn Harper, always turned up at the worst possible moment.
Emily turned slowly, clutching her baby. Eightmonthold Oliver was peacefully cooing against her shoulder, swaddled in a cosy onesie. The park was almost empty on a weekday; only a few hurried walkers in jackets passed by.
Good afternoon, Evelyn, Emily said, trying to sound indifferent.
Evelyn brushed off the greeting like an annoying fly. Her cheeks were flushed, half from anger, half from the cold. She stepped closer, lips pressed together, eyes fixed on the little boy.
What are you doing? Evelyns tone rang with outrage. Do you even realise what youre doing? Its freezing out there! My grandson is dressed far too lightly. Hell catch a cold! Do you want him to fall ill?
Emily glanced at Oliver the onesie, warm hat, scarf. Everything was appropriate for the weather.
Its only eight degrees outside, Evelyn. Hes dressed fine.
Fine? Evelyn leaned in another step. Do you even know how to hold a child? Youre going to ruin his posture, make him hunch over. Look at how skinny he is! Are you starving him?
Emily clenched her jaw. Oliver was healthy; the paediatrician praised his development at every visit. Yet Evelyn kept pressing.
And these walks of yours! she continued, relentless. Youre dragging him outside for two hours a day! Do you enjoy tormenting him? He needs warmth and rest, not a gust of wind! Mothertobe
Emily shifted Oliver to her other arm. The baby squirmed, opened his eyes, then drifted back to sleep.
Evelyn, can we just
Just what? Evelyn snapped. Lets do this! You have no idea how to raise children! You think you know everything after one baby? Youre so clever, arent you?
Inside Emily felt a knot tighten. The barrage of accusations was all too familiar. Every visit from Evelyn turned into an interrogation; every encounter felt like a trial.
And honestly, Evelyn stepped even closer, eyes flashing, its all your fault! Youve torn the family apart! My son was happy until you turned his life into a circus! You drove him out, stripped our grandson of his father! All because of you!
Emily froze. The air seemed to thicken, Evelyns words echoing around her. Was she really to blame for the familys collapse?
We should go, Emily whispered, turning toward the exit.
Youre running from me? Evelyn shouted after her. Do you really think youve ruined my sons life? And his grandsons too!
Emily quickened her pace, her legs carrying her away from the park, from the shouting, from the blame. Oliver stirred but stayed asleep. Evelyn kept shrieking something, but Emily couldnt hear it any more. It was easier not to listen.
Only when enough distance lay between them, when the shouts faded, did Emily let out a breath. Her hands trembled, her heart hammered against her throat. How could Evelyn so brazenly claim Emily was at fault?
Memories crashed in. That night, the flat. The door that Emily had opened an hour early. Her exhusband, Mark, and his new partner, standing in their bedroom.
Emily hadnt screamed or wept then. She simply started packing Marks things. He tried to explain, muttering about mistakes, about it not meaning much. Emily just pointed to the door. Three days later she filed for divorce.
Two weeks after that she discovered she was pregnant, and she told Mark before he left.
Evelyn turned up at the flat shortly after, banging on the door until Emily finally opened it.
Cancel the divorce! Evelyn roared from the threshold. What are you doing? Youre pregnant! The baby needs both parents! You must forgive my son! Youre not in the right position, love!
Emily leaned against the wall, exhausted. Evelyn kept going:
He made a mistake. Men do that sometimes. But youre a woman you must forgive, think of the family, think of the child!
What child? Emily asked quietly. The one wholl be ashamed of his father?
Shame? Evelyn snapped. You should be ashamed! Youre destroying a family out of pride and selfishness! Youve thought about how terrible itll be for a child growing up without a dad? Men can be forgiving, for the sake of a child!
Emily closed her eyes.
Evelyn, please leave.
I wont! Evelyn stamped her foot. I wont go until you see sense! Youre being stubborn, ruining your childs future!
Emily never cancelled the divorce. The paperwork cut the tie with Mark. And then Oliver was born a small, warm bundle, completely hers.
She never asked for child support, didnt even list Mark as a father. He made it clear he didnt want the child. Emily worked from home, earned a decent salary, and her mother helped whenever she needed a break. She asked nothing from Marks family. He never called to ask whether it was a boy or a girl, whether the baby was healthy. He didnt care, and that was obvious from the start.
But Evelyn kept harassing from every angle. She turned up at the hospital for the discharge without invitation, bouquet in hand.
What did you name him? she asked as Emily emerged with the newborn.
Oliver, Emily replied.
Evelyns face twisted.
Oliver? Why not Charlie, after my father? I told you what I wanted
You said that, Evelyn, but hes my son and I name him as I wish.
Evelyn clamped her jaw, said nothing, and left.
Then the visits began five times a week, unannounced, just popping in and demanding to see her grandson. She handed out advice on feeding, changing, bathing, sleeping, holding, even how long a walk should be.
Emily endured, nodded, and did things her own way. Until one day she snapped.
Evelyn, thats enough! Emily shouted when Evelyn started berating her choice of formula again. Stop telling me what to do! Hes my child, and I know how to look after him!
Evelyn first turned as white as a wall, then flushed like a tomato.
Are you shouting at me? she demanded.
Yes! Emily shot back, eyes never leaving Evelyns. I cant take this any longer! You come here every day and poke, criticize, accuse! Im fed up!
Evelyn stormed out, stamping loudly. After that she came less often twice a week but each visit still felt like torture.
Now there was no peace even outdoors.
Emily got back to her flat, climbed the stairs, and the house was quiet and warm. She tucked Oliver into his cot, shed her jacket, and collapsed onto the sofa. Evelyns words still rang in her ears: You ruined the family. Was it really her fault? Or was it Mark whod shattered their plans? All Emily wanted was to raise her child.
Oliver sighed softly in his cot. Emily went over, adjusted his blanket, and watched him smile in his sleep.
Everythings right, she whispered to herself. Just as it should be.
Two weeks passed, calm and quiet. Evelyn didnt show up or call. Emily began to think maybe shed finally gotten some breathing space.
Then Saturday morning, there was a sharp knock on the door. Emily opened it to find Evelyn standing there.
Hello, Evelyn tossed out, stepping straight into the flat.
Emily froze, barely managing a reply. Evelyn marched straight into the nursery where Oliver was playing on his mat, crouched, and cooed.
My darling grandson! My sweet little rabbit!
Emily followed, arms crossed.
Whats happening? she asked.
Evelyn beamed. Tomorrows the christening! Ive sorted everything church, godparents, the lot!
Emily stared at her, baffled.
What?
The christening, tomorrow at two. I chose a lovely church and fantastic godparents. All set.
Emily stepped forward, voice firm.
You cant decide when my sons christening will be!
Evelyns smile hardened.
I can. Who else is going to decide? You, love, are just a piglet?
I am his mother! Emily snapped, exhaling sharply.
You? Youre young and foolish! You dont understand anything! Im experienced, I know whats right! Youll have to listen to me because you cant raise a boy on your own. Youre not grown enough.
Something ignited inside Emily a hot, bright flare of all the months of hurt and humiliation.
You have no right to be here! Not one!
Evelyn took a step back.
How can that be? Hes my grandson!
He isnt on any official papers! In his birth certificate the fathers name is left blank. Legally he has no dad, so you have no grandson! Until that changes, youre not welcome.
Evelyns face turned pale, her lips trembling.
Youre kicking me out?
Yes, Emily said, steady. Leave.
Evelyn grabbed her bag and bolted out. Oliver started to wail. Emily lifted him, holding him close.
Its okay, love. Its okay, she whispered.
The week passed in silence.
Then the doorbell rang again. Emily opened it to find two people: Evelyn and Mark, looking tired and annoyed. Mark clutched Evelyns elbow as if she might run.
Hi, Emily, Mark grunted, not meeting her eyes.
Evelyn shoved Mark forward into the flat. Emily barely had time to react as Evelyn dragged Mark into the nursery.
Look! Evelyn shouted, pointing at Oliver. Hes your son! You must officially become his father! Youre obliged!
Mark glanced at the baby, then turned away.
Emily leaned against the doorway, watching Marks stubborn stare. She knew what she had to do.
Ill apply for child support, she said evenly.
Mark flinched, turning sharply toward her.
What?
Child support, she repeated. You earn well, Mark. The court will grant me a fair amount.
His face twisted with anger.
I dont want this child, he spat. Enough, Mum! Leave me alone! Im not taking responsibility for anyone!
He stormed out, Evelyn chasing after him.
Mark! Mark, wait! Evelyn yelled. Because of you I cant see my grandson! Do you understand?
I dont give a toss! Mark shouted from the hallway. I dont care about you or this child!
Emily closed the door, walked over to Oliver, who reached for her hands. She lifted him, pressed him close, and a small smile tugged at her lips. The plan had worked. Mark didnt want the boy, and Evelyn was finally out of the picture. She could finally breathe.
