Did you really skip your own sons wedding?
Gail, have you lost your mind? Its your only childs wedding and youre just sitting here sipping tea!
Lucy Victor stood in the doorway of the kitchen, hands on her hips, eyes flashing with righteous anger. Gail didnt even look up from her mug.
Sit down, the kettles hot, Lucy said, moving to the table and pulling out a chair opposite her.
Its half past one now. In an hour Arthur will be under the veil, and youre still here
Im not going anywhere, Gail replied, taking a sip and staring out the window. Dont try to persuade me.
Lucy fell silent, studying her friends face. Theyd been friends for forty years, since school, and Lucy knew Gail like the back of her hand. But this was unexpected.
Whats happened? she asked softly. You seemed to have patched things up after that argument.
Gail smiled bitterly.
He called two nights ago and said, Come, Mum, if you want to. As if I were going to a market on a whim instead of my sons wedding.
Maybe he just meant it politely?
Gail turned to Lucy, tears glinting. Im fortynine. I raised him alone, no husband. I worked two jobs to give him everything. I taught him, nursed him, stayed up nights when he was ill. And now Im a burden, an extra weight.
Lucy reached out and covered Gails hand.
Tell me everything, from the start.
Gail poured Lucy a fresh cup, fetched some biscuits, and sighed heavily.
It began six months ago. Arthur introduced me to Christina. Tall, slim, beautiful. I was thrilled at firstfinally my son was in a serious relationship, hes twentyseven. I said, Come over, lets get to know each other, Ill cook dinner.
What about her?
She walked in, looked around, and you could tell she wasnt impressed. Our flat is a modest twobedroom terraced house, old furniture, wallpaper thats seen better days. Still tidy, though. I spent the whole day cleaning, baking pies.
Gail recalled that evening, how shed dressed in her best blouse, done her hair, set the table with the chipped china that had belonged to her mother.
She perched on the edge of the chair as if afraid to get dirty. She smiled, but her eyes were cold. I asked what she did for a living. I work in marketing, running projects, she said, then added, Your Arthur is very talented, a shame hes still in a regular job.
Lucy rolled her eyes. Thats cheeky.
At first I didnt get it, then I realised she was implying I hadnt helped Arthur reach his potential. But Im just a nurse at the local health centre, earning a modest wage. Arthur finished university, works as a software developer, makes a good salary, lives in a new flat. Im proud of him.
Of course you are, Lucy nodded. What happened next?
We were having dinner. Christina kept talking about her successes, her projects, how much she earned. Then she asked me, Gail, have you ever thought of moving into a care home? They have good care and youd be with people your age.
Lucy gasped. Are you serious?
I was stunned. Arthur just stared at his plate. I said, Im fortyeight, a care home? Im still working, healthy enough. She smiled, Just thinking ahead, so I dont become a burden to Arthur.
Gail rose and went to the window. The sun was bright, it was a glorious May day. Somewhere Arthur was getting ready, slipping into his suit, nerves fluttering. And she was still here.
After that dinner they left. Arthur hugged me goodbye and said, Dont worry, Mum, Christina is just practical. Practical, as if she were an old sofa to be thrown away.
You kept quiet?
No, I called him later and said what I thought. He got angry, accused me of being jealous, told me I needed to learn to let him go, that he was an adult who could decide who to live with.
Lucy shook her head. Kids can be cruel, they dont understand.
We fought. He didnt call for a month. I thought Id lost him forever. Then he came back, begged forgiveness, said he loved me and Id always be the most important person in his life. I believed him.
Gail returned to the table, the tea long cold, but she finished it anyway.
A month later they announced their engagement. Arthur called, ecstatic: Mum, were getting married! I asked when. He said, Soon, weve already booked a restaurant. Come Saturday, well sort the details.
Did you go?
I did. Their flat was spacious and bright, freshly renovated, brandnew furniture. Christina greeted me coldly, like a health inspector. She led me into the living room and didnt even offer tea.
Lucy clicked her tongue. Rude.
They showed me the guest listseventy people. None of my friends were on it. I asked, What about my friend Lucy? Can she be invited? Arthur looked at Christina, then said, Mum, the venue is limited, only close friends and colleagues. I kept quiet. Then they started talking about the banquet hall, the menueverything expensive and glamorous. I sat there thinking, Wheres my place in all this?
A flock of sparrows flitted past the window, perching on an old oak. As a child Arthur used to feed them breadcrumbs from the sill.
Later Christina said, Gail, we need to discuss something important. Arthur and I were thinking, maybe you could take out a loan for the wedding. Well pay part of it, but the extra money would help.
Lucy jumped up. She asked you to take a loan for their wedding?
Yes. I thought Id heard wrong. I asked, Are you serious? I earn thirty thousand pounds a year; no one would give me a loan. And you both earn well, why need my money? She said they were saving for a bigger house in the city centre, and traditionally parents pay for the wedding.
Lucys face flushed. Ive never seen such arrogance.
I looked at Arthur. He stayed quiet, eyes down. It hit mehe agreed with her. He thought I should pay for a wedding I wasnt even truly invited to.
Gails legs shook as she paced the kitchen. How had her beloved son become a stranger?
I refused. I said, Youre adults, you earn your own money. Ill help where I can, but I wont take a loan. Christina pursed her lips, Its selfish of you not to support your sons happiness. Id spent thirty years giving everything for him, and now I was called selfish.
What did Arthur say?
He stood, walked me to the door, and said, Mum, dont be angry. Christina is used to her parents paying everything. I asked you, what do you think? I felt his shoulders slump. He replied, We want a lavish wedding but we dont have enough. I could use your help.
Both women poured more tea, the silence heavy. Such stories happen often when children marry, but living it yourself makes silence impossible.
I left that night, walked the streets and wept. My neighbour, Aunt Valerie from the flat above, called. Gail, why are you so upset? I told her everything. She said, Christina tells the neighbours youre a hindrance, that youre holding them back.
Lucys eyes widened. She really says that?
Aunt Valerie heard Christina on the lift complaining that the motherinlaw is outdated and that shell ask Arthur to see her less after the wedding.
Gail covered her face with her hands, the memory painful. It hurt to realise the son shed raised allowed someone to speak of her that way.
I didnt call Arthur right away, hoping hed come to me. Weeks passed in silence. Then a message: Mum, wedding is Saturday. Invitation coming.
Did he send it?
Yes. An email with a link and the venue address, no warm words, just the details. I realised he no longer saw me as his mother, but as an obligation to be shed.
Lucy sighed. Maybe shes influencing him more than he realizes?
Arthur is twentyseven, a grown man. If he wanted to protect you, he would. He chose not to, so its easier for him.
A neighbours TV blared, the clock read half past two. Guests were surely gathering now. Outside, the May sun shone brightly, and Christina in a white dress was looking perfect, while Arthur fidgeted. Gails absence was palpable.
Did you ever tell him you wouldnt go? Lucy asked.
I called yesterday, Arthur, I wont be at the wedding. He was quiet, then asked why. I said, Because Im not welcome, Im a burden. He tried to apologise, Of course we want you there. I asked, Is that what Christina wants? He paused, then said, Come if you want.
Thats exactly what she said, Lucy repeated. If you want.
Gail stood, opened the fridge, and took out the pastries shed baked the night before. She thought maybe Arthur would drop by before the ceremony, but he didnt.
Eat one, she offered Lucy, handing over a cabbage pastry, her favourite.
Lucy took the pastry but placed it on the plate without eating. Do you regret not going? Its a onceinalifetime event.
Gail thought. Of course I regret it. I wanted to be there, to see my boy under the veil, to hug him, to wish the couple a long life. But the thought of being tolerated, not welcomed, would have hurt more.
Thirty years I gave my life to himskipped meals, sacrificed sleep, never thought of myself. I hoped hed be grateful, love me, care for me. Instead he sees me as a hindrance, as someone who should move into a care home. So let him live without me.
Are you angry at him?
No, Gail shook her head. It just hurts. I feel Ive lost my son. Hes alive, healthy, nearby, but the boy I raised is gone, replaced by a stranger.
Lucy rose and embraced her friend. Gail clung to Lucys shoulder, tears finally spilling, quiet sobs of lost hopes and broken dreams. She had never heard those words of thanks from her own son.
Maybe things will improve, Lucy whispered, stroking her back. Maybe hell realise.
Probably not, Gail whispered back. Christina will keep pulling him away. Hell have children, shell keep me out. I see it clearly. Im not blind.
They sat in the kitchen for a long while, sipping the nowcold tea in silence. Lucy later promised to visit again that evening. Gail stayed alone in the empty flat, turned on the TV but couldnt watch. Thoughts of Arthur as a child returnedthe boy who brought daisies from the garden, drew cards for Mothers Day, whispered, Mum, I love you more than anything. Where had that boy gone?
The phone rang sharply. It was Arthur. She stared at the screen, then let it ring. A text followed: Mum, why arent you answering? The weddings already started. Everyones asking where you are. She read it, placed the phone down, typed back, Wishing you happiness. Take care of yourself.
More messages buzzed, but she didnt look. She went to her bedroom, lay down, the silence pressing on her ears, thoughts swirling. Had she done the right thing? Should she have gone for the sake of propriety?
No. Shed spent her whole life giving to othersArthur, work, everyones expectations. It was time to start living for herself.
That evening Lucy called to check in. Gail said she was fine, asked Lucy not to come over, needed some alone time. She went to bed early, but sleep eluded her. She lay in the dark listening to traffic, a distant dog bark, pondering the future. How would she and Arthur get along now? Would they even speak?
The next morning a knock sounded at the door. Arthur stood there, suit rumpled, eyes red from a sleepless night.
May I come in? he asked quietly.
Gail stepped aside. He entered, sat in the same chair Lucy had used the day before. She put the kettle on, set out cups. They sat opposite each other.
You didnt come, Arthur said finally.
No, I didnt.
Why?
Gail looked at himher son, grown but still a stranger.
Because I wasnt welcome, she replied simply. Because I realized Im no longer needed.
Mum, thats not true he began.
Dont. You know its true. You chose Christina, thats your right. But dont pretend Im still important if you dont feel it.
Arthur covered his face with his hands. Im ashamed, Mum. Im so ashamed.
Gail poured him tea, placed the cup before him, and sat down.
Yesterday I stood at the altar and thought, Where is my mother? Why isnt she here? I saw all the guests, but not you. I realised Id let her push you aside, that Id stayed silent while she insulted you. I put her wishes above your feelings.
Yes, Gail agreed. I let it happen.
Forgive me, Arthur said, tears streaming. I was a fool. I chased the picture of a perfect wedding, the status, the sparkle. I hurt the most important person.
Gail listened, unsure whether to believe him or see it as empty words.
I told Christina, Arthur continued, wiping his cheeks, that if she never respects you, Ill leave her. I said it right at the ceremony. She started to cry, ran to the restroom, then came back apologising, saying shed try to change. I dont know how sincere she is, but I made it clear that mother is sacred and no one can disrespect you.
A warmth spread through Gails chest. Her son was back, even if only briefly, and he remembered her.
I want to fix this, Arthur reached across the table, gripping her hand. I want you to be part of my life, to see you, to talk. I love you, always have, always will.
Gail squeezed his hand. I love you too. It was just painful.
I know. I promise Ill make sure you never feel hurt again.
They sat holding hands, the old wounds slowly easing. The scars would remain, trust would need time to rebuild, but the most important thing was that Arthur finally understood. That was a start.
Christina wants to speak with you, Arthur said. She wants to apologise. Should she come?
Gail hesitated. She didnt really want to see her, but if reconciliation was genuine, she would try.
Let her in, she said. Well see.
Arthur smiled, the first genuine smile in weeks, and embraced his mother tightly. Gail returned the hug, burying her face in his shoulder. Her boy, her blood, had finally recognised his mistake and was willing to make amendsthat was worth everything.
Later, a message from Lucy popped up: How are you?
Gail typed back: Arthur stopped by. I think things will get better.
Life is unpredictable. One day hurts, the next brings hope. The lesson is simple: never lose hope, and never forget that you deserve respect. Even when love tests you, standing up for yourself and asserting your worth brings the truest freedom.
