Emily, why do we need a baby? his wife argued one evening. Were perfectly fine as the two of us. Children mean sleepless nights, constant care, and Ill ruin my figure and become plump Do we really want that? Lets postpone having a child for another six years.
Evan and Emily had been married for five years, and at first everything seemed like a fairytale. Gradually, however, Evan began to steer Emily toward the idea of motherhood. She tried to delay the decision, and then suddenly declared that she didnt even want to hear the word children. Their relationship grew tense, arguments flared, and Evan resorted to desperate blackmail. Emily, exhausted, kept repeating:
Evan, whats the point of a bundle of spittle and snot? Sleepless nights, endless diapers, a body that looks like a cow after calving, and perpetual fatigue. And thats only the harmless part! I dont want to bury my youth for this. Lets wait a little longer!
Emilys words struck him like thunder. Before they wed, she had dreamed of a large family and reassured him:
Of course, love, well have many childrenat least three! But not right away, okay? Well live for a while, settle down, and then well start.
Five years after the wedding, Emily suddenly announced she was not ready for children. Evan, 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. Isnt it time to think about continuing the line? We have a flat, a car, a nestegg saved for maternity leave, and enough money saved for a baby. What are we waiting for?
What makes you think now is the right moment? Emily snapped. I still have so many plans I want to fulfil. A child just doesnt fit in. Arent we fine as a couple? We have everything! Why do we need a third person?
What do you mean third person? Are you treating the baby like a stranger? Evan retorted. When will you ever be ready? 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 the opposite!
Because its easy for you to talk! Emily exploded. You dont have to endure nine months of a growing belly, nausea, or postbirth weight gain! Ive spent five years at the gym! And now you expect all that to be thrown away? I dont want to lose my shape, nor give up my lifestyle! After a baby Id lose five years of friends, shopping, a normal life. Why would I want that?
Everyone goes through that, Evan tried to soothe. It wont be a disaster; the child will grow and youll return to your hobbies. Ill help with everything!
Lets revisit this in five or six years, alright? Emily pleaded. Im not ready now. I dont want to argue; just understand my point of view. This is my body, and I alone decide what to do with it. I dont want to ruin it.
At first Evan tried every gentle method. They watched films about happy family life, strolled through parks and playgrounds, and Evan even arranged visits to a cousin who had just welcomed a fourth baby, hoping Emily would feel the pull of motherhood. She showed no enthusiasm; even touching the infant made her uneasy. Her maternal instinct seemed absent.
Having exhausted every tactic, Evan finally drew a line:
If you dont want children with me, were not meant for each other. Lets separate and find our own paths. Youll meet someone who shares your view, and I I wont be left alone.
Emily was frightened; divorce had never crossed her mind. She worked from home, and Evan helped with the household. Splitting up would mean finding a new job and a new flat.
Evan, wait! she begged. Why are you saying this? A divorce? Are you ready to lose me over this?
Its not a joke! he replied. I grew up in a full family with brothers and sisters. A marriage without children is doomed. Were wasting time. I asked you about children before we married and you always said yes! Now you say its because youre scared of gaining weight. Thats absurd!
But why cant we just enjoy ourselves? A child is a huge expense. Wed have to give up a lot. Youd be fine, but Id have to completely change my life! With a baby you cant go out, you cant leave the house. Youre on call 24/7. Endless sleeplessness. Im not ready for that. Is that really so hard to understand?
Ill hire a nanny, a housekeeper! Our parents will help! Whats the problem? Evan shouted. The issue is your attitude toward a child! Theres not a hint of tenderness in your eyes. Emily, tell me what you really want. How do you see our future?
Emily could not admit that children were never part of her plan. She wanted to travel, buy designer things, and needed a husband who would fund it. Though she cared for Evan, financial security was a priority.
Her aunt, never one to mince words, intervened:
Emily, youre behaving disgracefully! Youve forgotten youre married! Youre out in pubs while your husband works! Stop bringing shame on our family!
What am I doing wrong? Emily protested. Evan knows where I go. And its not every day! Weekends come and Im home, locked in. Give me advice instead of scolding. We argue all the time about children. He wants them, I dont. Why now? Maybe you could talk to him? He respects you.
I wont speak to him! the aunt snapped. Hes right. Its high time you got pregnant, then your brain will finally be in order!
Emily stood firm. It was her body, her decision. To keep the peace, she pretended to agree to Evans terms. One day she dramatically tossed a packet of nappies and declared:
Fine, Evan, Ill have a baby but only if a nanny raises him while I go about my life.
Evan believed her. Meanwhile, Emily secretly took contraceptive pills and, to keep Evan from suspecting, arranged several visits to a friendly doctor who kept telling them to relax and wait.
Six months later, an unexpected test result shattered Emilys plans: the pregnancy strip showed two lines. She panicked. What now? Should I give birth and ruin the life Ive built?
Evan walked into the bathroom unexpectedly. Emily tried to hide the test, but it was too late.
Whats that? he asked, drawing nearer.
She stayed silent, head bowed. He snatched the test from her hand.
Emily! Are you really pregnant? Oh my God, Im going to be a father! He lifted her in the bathroom, spinning her around. Thank you, love! This is the happiest day of my life!
Emily forced a smile. What now? How to cope?
They celebrated the news at a restaurant. A new ring glittered on Emilys finger, and Evan, in a crisp suit, beamed repeatedly:
Well be the best parents ever! I promise youll never lack anything! Thank you, darling!
That night Emily lay awake, haunted by doubt. In her minds eye was Evans jubilant face. Dark thoughts crept in:
Could a child truly improve our life? Am I just scared of change? I could lose weight, keep my routine women manage it all. And its his child, after all For the first time in years her heart fluttered. A new, unfamiliar feeling awakened. Perhaps she had made the right choice.
Nine months flew by. Evan doted on Emily, fulfilled every whim, chose the hospital, and they attended prenatal classes together. Emily tried to support him, but the fear of labour and motherhood never left her.
When the due date arrived, Emily gave birth to a healthy boy. As the midwife placed him on her chest, she saw his tiny face, a miniature version of Evan, gurgling sweetly. All her anxieties melted away.
My, Emily whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
They named him Samuel. From the first day, Emily was consumed by motherhood. She fed him, sang lullabies, strolled with him in the park, and even grew jealous when Evan held Samuel. Each evening, sitting beside his cot, she asked herself how she could ever have been so foolish not to recognise the joy that motherhood would bring.
In time Emily learned that lifes most unexpected turns often hide the greatest blessings. She discovered that love, compromise, and an open heart can turn conflict into a shared adventure, and that the courage to embrace change can lead to a richer, fuller life. The lesson lingered: true happiness is rarely found by clinging to old plans, but by welcoming the unknown with trust and compassion.
