It was many years ago that these events unfolded, and even now, looking back, the tension of those days remains clear in recollection. Margaret Thompson spoke with insistence, nearly demanding, as she stared intently at the young woman who might one day be her daughter-in-law. “Your relationship appears quite serious already,” she said. “When are you planning the wedding?”
Emily answered with a forced smile, choosing her words to avoid upsetting the future mother-in-law. “Perhaps the time isn’t right yet,” she responded. “We’ve only been living together for a month. It would be better to wait a while and get to know each other better in everyday situations. We might start arguing over the smallest things, after all.”
Margaret slightly raised an eyebrow but persisted in her goal to get all the details. Actually, she found Emily much more appealing than Nathan’s last girlfriend, Alice, who had been insufferable and arrogant. It was fortunate that Nathan had left her.
“How is everything with Eddie?” she inquired, shifting the topic while keeping her watchful look. “He’s a grown boy now, but still…”
A sense of warmth filled Emily at the mention of Nathan’s son. Memories from the early days of their acquaintance came back unbidden. She had been very anxious then: how would the teenager react to a new woman in the household? Would he view her as a threat, an effort to take his mother’s place?
“He’s a wonderful boy,” Emily replied honestly, and her smile grew warmer and more genuine. “Of course, I was worried at the start. I thought Eddie might be unfriendly or cautious with me. But it all worked out perfectly! He turned out to be a very open and kind-hearted lad!”
She paused for a moment, thinking back to the time when Eddie returned from school, tried her pie with delight, and announced that there would always be tasty food in the house from then on.
“What’s more,” Emily went on with a slight grin, “he was happy that someone better at cooking than his father would be preparing the meals now. He even asks me to show him some recipes from time to time.”
Nathan, who had been listening quietly up to that point, finally raised his eyes and gave a brief nod to back up Emily’s words. A barely noticeable smile appeared on his face, showing he was also pleased that things had gone so well between his son and his partner.
“Has he asked for a little brother yet?” the woman asked with a clear suggestion.
Nathan winced at his mother’s question and gave her a short, reproachful glance. His look conveyed a silent “why bring that up again?” He was familiar with his parent’s manner she had no qualms about bringing up the most sensitive subjects, seemingly unaware that such talks could make others uncomfortable.
“And what’s wrong with that?” Margaret continued without any embarrassment, sticking to her point with confidence. Her tone was lively and almost playful, as though discussing something everyday. “Eddie adores children and spends a lot of time with his cousins. Besides, you’re only thirty-five there’s still time to bring up a couple of children!”
Emily felt a wave of discomfort building within her. It was unpleasant to discuss such a private and sensitive matter with a woman she hardly knew. She gripped her fingers under the table, doing her best to stay composed outwardly.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” she said in a controlled manner, keeping her voice steady. “Doctors strongly recommend that I do not have children.”
Silence hung in the room for a moment. Margaret raised her eyebrows a little, seeming to consider the information. Her expression changed at once the friendly facade vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.
“Some kind of women’s trouble, is it?” she said with pretended sympathy, a hint of superiority creeping into her voice. “But don’t lose hope medicine keeps progressing. Things that once seemed impossible are now handled without much trouble.”
Emily let out a faint sigh. She wished to drop the subject, but knew she couldn’t just remain quiet. She glanced at Nathan, hoping for support, but he merely shrugged, as if to say “you handle it.”
“In my situation, that won’t help,” she said quietly, staring ahead. Truthfully, she couldn’t see why she had to reveal her personal matters to this woman she barely knew! Yet silence wasn’t an option; she might assume something else… “I have serious issues with my eyesight. The diagnosis came when I was eighteen, and over the years I’ve accepted that I won’t be having children.”
Margaret paused, clearly trying to grasp the meaning. Her eyebrows lifted, and her face showed real puzzlement as if facing something she couldn’t comprehend.
“What does eyesight have to do with children?” she asked, leaning her head to one side. She saw no link between vision problems and having kids, and even suspected it was merely a weak excuse. “I don’t get it.”
Emily sighed deeply, searching for the right words. She preferred not to delve into medical specifics, but avoiding the answer was impossible.
“There’s a ninety percent chance I could lose my sight,” she explained in a calm, measured voice. “The strain on my body from pregnancy is strictly not advised; the risk is far too high! It’s not worth it, don’t you see? What good is having a child if you might never be able to see them?”
She stopped speaking to allow the other woman time to take it in. Emily adjusted her glasses nervously. She wanted Margaret to realize this was no mere fancy or an excuse to stay slim. It was a genuine threat!
Emily could clearly sense the growing disappointment from her companion. Margaret stopped trying to make conversation and only threw occasional glances at her, filled with obvious displeasure. It was evident that this was not the daughter-in-law she had envisioned for her son. In her mind, she likely pictured a robust, energetic woman who would soon present her with grandchildren.
Yet Emily felt no guilt and no urge to defend herself. She and Nathan had thoroughly discussed the matter long ago, considering every aspect. Talks with doctors, evenings spent researching, honest conversations between them all led to the same conclusion. The danger to her health was too significant, and neither wanted to expose her to it. If necessary, they could look into adoption or a surrogate. Nowadays, such arrangements were not too complicated.
When the pair finally prepared to leave, the mood had lightened slightly. Margaret embraced her son in farewell and nodded to Emily, but the nod lacked warmth it was more a polite gesture. As they put on their shoes in the hallway, Emily met Nathan’s eyes they held a clear, unspoken apology.
Once outside, they both breathed a sigh of relief. The night air felt particularly crisp after the strained discussion. Emily reached for Nathan’s hand, and he squeezed her fingers back right away. Nothing was said about the evening’s events, but they both knew the introduction to his parents hadn’t gone well. Still, it didn’t alter their core decision to stay together, regardless of what others expected or believed…
Three months later.
Emily noticed more frequently that she wasn’t feeling like herself. Initially, she paid little attention assuming she was simply tired from work or had picked up a minor bug. But as the unwell feeling persisted for several days, concern grew.
A constant light fatigue plagued her, nausea often rose in the mornings, and usual scents now bothered her. Emily attempted to manage alone purchasing antiviral remedies from the chemist, drinking plenty of water, and retiring to bed earlier. Yet no improvement occurred. She found herself distracted more at her job, and by evening she was exhausted despite not having done anything especially demanding.
One evening during a phone call with her mother, Emily shared her worries without meaning to. Her voice was somewhat subdued the odd tiredness still lingered.
“Emily,” her mother asked carefully after a brief silence, “are you certain you’re not expecting a baby?”
Emily was taken aback by the idea. She paused for a moment to think, then answered assuredly:
“Completely! I’ve not missed any of the pills. The doctor gave them to me after a full check-up, and I’ve followed the directions exactly.”
Her mother didn’t argue but spoke with determination:
“Buy a test anyway just to be sure. This is too important to ignore.”
Emily had wanted to say it couldn’t be pregnancy, but her mother’s tone made her reconsider. Ultimately, getting a test was easy and fast, and a bit more certainty was harmless.
“Fine, Mum. I’ll go to the chemist now. Nathan’s at work, so I have time,” Emily said before hanging up.
She gathered her belongings quickly, slipped on her coat, and headed out of the flat. The chemist’s in the next building was close by only about five minutes’ walk. Emily moved quicker than usual, trying to outpace her racing thoughts. Questions repeated in her mind: “What if Mum is right? But how could it happen? We had everything under control…”
At the chemist’s, she hesitated before the shelf of pregnancy tests. There were many options various makes and types. Emily glanced uncertainly at the assistant, then at the display again. In the end, she picked two mid-priced ones no sense saving money here. After paying, she tucked them away and rushed back.
Back home, she paused in the hallway to settle her nerves. Her hands shook slightly as she unwrapped the tests. She performed the steps as instructed and waited.
The initial minutes seemed endless. Emily kept looking at the time, then at the tests. Suddenly, two clear, bold lines showed up. She checked the second test it had clear lines too.
“How can this be?!” she cried out, a surge of turmoil rising within. “This is impossible! I was so meticulous!”
Just then, the doorbell rang loudly. Emily startled. Checking the clock, it wasn’t a time for visitors on business. It hit her it must be Eddie. He frequently forgot his keys when rushing back from school.
Emily tossed the tests into the bin in a hurry, fixed her hair, and went to the door. Opening it revealed a panting Eddie with his rucksack.
“Forgot your keys again?” she smiled, ushering him inside.
“Yes,” Eddie nodded apologetically, removing his trainers. “I rushed and only noticed once I was outside…”
The girl went to the kitchen to feed the hungry teenager. She had no idea that one test had missed the bin and lay on the floor betraying them…
“Nathan, I’m going to my mother’s for a week she’s not well,” Emily told him, not meeting her fiancé’s eyes. Lying to the man she loved felt wrong, but she couldn’t reveal the full truth just yet. She had no choice! Risking her health was out of the question, and the choice was made…
Nathan turned from his laptop and looked at her with real concern.
“Do you need help?” he asked at once. “Should I get some medicine? Or come along? Your mother is on her own…”
Emily smiled warmly but with a touch of guilt. His eagerness to assist was touching, yet it made things harder now.
“No help needed for now, thanks for offering,” she replied steadily. “I’ll call if anything comes up.”
She turned and busily packed a small bag with a jumper, jeans, t-shirts, underwear, and a toothbrush. Time was running out less than an hour until the last bus to the neighboring town, and she still had to reach the station. Her mother would meet her, which helped a little: someone who understood and wouldn’t ask extra questions would be there.
“Keep in touch, all right? Call immediately if you need anything. I can come over anytime.”
“Of course,” Emily nodded, giving him a quick hug. “I’ll return soon. You won’t miss me much.”
The trip to the station felt dreamlike. She checked her phone often for messages from Nathan or calls from her mother. Her thoughts were in disarray, but the plan stayed firm: get there, sort things out, come back. Then, once settled, have an honest talk with Nathan.
The following day, Emily visited a private clinic. She had arranged the appointment online beforehand, selected the doctor based on feedback, and set it up to avoid questions. The visit was quick and ordinary: check-up, tests, an ultrasound scan. The doctor, a woman in her middle years with a steady voice, reviewed the results thoroughly, verified the dates, and asked again about her medical background.
“Yes, you are pregnant,” she stated at last. “It’s early, around five or six weeks.”
Emily nodded without a word. A small hope still remained inside that it was an error, the tests wrong, results mixed up. But now it was definite.
“But I’ve been taking the pills! How did this happen?” Her voice shook with both confusion and suppressed distress. How was it possible? She had followed the instructions precisely!
The doctor tilted her head. She took her time responding first tidying the papers on her desk, then meeting the patient’s eyes.
“The medicine might not have been effective,” she suggested professionally. “Or other factors could have interfered, like taking antibiotics alongside or missing doses, or stomach issues. It happens occasionally, though not often.”
After a short pause to watch Emily’s reaction, she went on gently:
“From what I gather, you’re not intending to continue with the pregnancy?”
Emily shut her eyes briefly. She had asked herself this many times lately. The doctors’ warnings from years ago came back, the risks that persisted. She breathed in deeply and answered firmly:
“The chance of losing my sight is nine to one. Would you say I should take that risk?”
The doctor nodded understandingly. Having looked at the records, she confirmed the risk was real. The decision was right under the circumstances.
“I see where you’re coming from,” she said softly. “It’s a major choice, and you can decide based on your health. I’ll provide forms for further tests to get a better picture and plan the best approach.”
She entered details on the computer, printed some documents, folded them neatly, and passed them to Emily.
“Come back tomorrow for another visit. We’ll have the results by then and can talk about what comes next. Call the clinic if you have questions or concerns, and they’ll put you through to me.”
Emily accepted the papers and smoothed them out. Her thoughts were still whirling but now more structured. She gave a brief nod of thanks and stood up slowly. In the corridor, she leaned on the wall for a moment, inhaling and exhaling deeply. A new day tomorrow would bring the next phase of this tough choice…
“Nathan, why didn’t you tell me?” Nathan’s voice came excitedly over the phone, so lively that Emily tensed up immediately. “That you’re pregnant!”
Emily’s stomach knotted. She gripped the phone tightly to stop her hands from shaking.
“What are you talking about?” she asked cautiously, keeping her voice level. “Did he find out somehow?” she wondered.
“I found the positive test on the floor,” Nathan explained with pure excitement, no doubt or worry in his tone. “I’ve made an appointment with a top specialist. Shall we go together? I want to support you.”
Emily inhaled deeply, finding the words to temper his excitement without causing pain.
“Don’t celebrate too soon,” she said firmly yet kindly. “It’s probably a mistake. Remember, I’m on the pills. I took them exactly as told, no skips. This can’t be real.”
There was a pause on the line. Emily sensed Nathan grappling with her words.
“Well, regarding that…” he said hesitantly, sounding embarrassed. “Mum came by recently. She saw the pills and tried to convince me your condition isn’t as bad as all that. She mentioned people with worse illnesses having kids without issues. She shared stories of friends and talked about current pregnancy care methods… She was so persuasive that I went along with it.”
Nathan stopped, awaiting her response. Emily listened, a mix of feelings stirring. She knew he wanted to hope for the best, but it bothered her that someone else was meddling in their private affairs.
“So she talked you into tampering with my pills?” she asked evenly, though seething inside.
“No, not at all!” Nathan protested quickly. “Nothing like that. She just made me think I shouldn’t stick so rigidly to the doctor’s orders. That taking a chance might be okay. I didn’t realize it could cause this. I’m sorry.”
A chill went through Emily. She struggled to speak.
“What did you do exactly?”
Nathan looked down, fidgeting with the table edge. He felt awkward but spoke up.
“I dropped the bottle by accident, and the pills scattered. I wondered if it was a sign and swapped them for vitamins. I wanted us to have a baby. Mum assured me it would all be fine…”
Emily stood still, absorbing the revelation. It was hard to believe the man she loved would do something like this. She had stressed repeatedly how vital the daily medication was, the dangers of even one missed dose…
“Are you kidding me?!” her voice quivered with rising anger as she clenched her fists. “You did this on purpose? You listened to your mother and switched out the medicine?”
Nathan shifted uncomfortably.
“I believed it would be good for our family…” he murmured.
“For our family?!” Emily’s anger spilled over. “You didn’t ask me! You knew my diagnosis and the dangers, yet you went behind my back!”
She paused to steady her trembling hands. Her head throbbed, but she knew she needed to stop the call.
“I can’t talk about this now,” she said more calmly, emotions still high. “Can you come the day after tomorrow? Meet me at the park at midday?”
“I’ll be there!” Nathan replied hopefully. “Everything will turn out okay, I’m sure!”
Emily didn’t explain further.
“See you then,” she said and ended the call.
Emily was furious! Nathan’s explanation about accidentally dropping the bottle and deliberately replacing the essential pills with vitamins kept replaying. He had known the risks, the long-standing medical advice, how crucial the medication was for her well-being. Yet he trusted his mother, who had no medical training but insisted “it would be fine.”
The idea consumed her. How could he dismiss her health so casually? Emily realized that without trust, respect, and care, their relationship couldn’t last. She planned to tell him so clearly the day after tomorrow.
Nathan arrived at the park early, half an hour ahead. He had bought white roses, her favorite, and paced nervously by the entrance, checking the time. He hoped Emily had overreacted and that they could sort it out, that he could show he meant well. He pictured her accepting the flowers, her expression softening, and them deciding together.
But when Emily arrived exactly at noon, holding her brother’s arm, her face was icy and unreadable. She ignored the flowers Nathan offered. Instead, she pulled a paper from her bag and gave it to him.
“What is this? I don’t understand,” Nathan said, bewildered by her cold manner. He tried to look her in the eye, but she gazed away.
“It means there won’t be a child,” she said icily. “You knew about my diagnosis and still endangered my health by following your mother’s advice. I’ll never forgive you! I’ll collect my things tomorrow, and my brother will come with me to prevent any trouble.”
She turned and left without waiting. Nathan moved to follow, calling out:
“Emily, hold on! Let’s discuss this!”
She didn’t stop, walking faster. He chased after her but was stopped by James, Emily’s brother, who stood firmly in the way, his stance saying “Don’t follow her.”
Nathan tried to pass, but James kept him back with an outstretched hand.
“You’re lying!” Nathan yelled, his voice full of rage and desperation. He felt his hopes crumbling. “I spoke to doctors myself! They said the risks are tiny with today’s medicine! You just don’t want a child and are making excuses!”
Emily turned slowly. She looked pale but calm and resolute, no tears, only determination built over days.
“You saw doctors without me? Talked about my health to others?” she said quietly but powerfully. “Do you even know my precise diagnosis? Or did you just tell them my fiancée might go blind?”
Nathan was shocked. He hadn’t anticipated this. He clenched his fists to think.
“I was considering our future! Our family!” he insisted tensely but sincerely. “You said you might consider adoption or a surrogate. Why not try for our own child?”
Emily breathed deeply, pain flashing in her eyes despite her resolve.
“This isn’t a game, Nathan!” her voice cracked with real feeling. “It’s my life, my body, my sight. Do you realize I could lose my vision? I’d be helpless, unable to work or care for myself. Have you thought about living in darkness?”
She waited for him to understand, but he started to reply.
“But the doctors said…”
“Which doctors?” she cut in sharply, bitterness in her tone. “The ones you saw in secret? Did you ask about complication rates or actual cases? Do you know how many women with my condition lose their sight in pregnancy? No, you heard only what you wanted!”
Nathan was quiet. Resentment remained in his eyes, but also a dawning awareness of his error.
“You betrayed my trust,” Emily continued steadily. “You knew these pills mattered to me. You knew I’d spent years accepting my diagnosis… Yet you undid it all with one action.”
James moved closer then. He was tempted to confront the former fiancé but restrained himself for his sister’s sake.
“I want nothing more to do with you!” Emily declared, her voice cold again. “I won’t live fearing another trick from you!”
Nathan tried to speak but couldn’t find the words. He searched her eyes for any sign of doubt or chance to make amends, but saw only coldness and disdain.
Emily turned and walked away. Nathan wanted to call her back but stayed silent. He watched her figure fade into the dusk, with James beside her, protective and sure.
When they were gone, Nathan sat on a nearby bench, still holding the white roses that had never been given.
Staring at the soft petals, he realized for the first time that he had lost not just the child he desired, but the woman he loved.
The thought “What if she was right?” struck him, but it was far too late.It was many years ago that these events unfolded, and even now, looking back, the tension of those days remains clear in recollection. Margaret Thompson spoke with insistence, nearly demanding, as she stared intently at the young woman who might one day be her daughter-in-law. “Your relationship appears quite serious already,” she said. “When are you planning the wedding?”
Emily answered with a forced smile, choosing her words to avoid upsetting the future mother-in-law. “Perhaps the time isn’t right yet,” she responded. “We’ve only been living together for a month. It would be better to wait a while and get to know each other better in everyday situations. We might start arguing over the smallest things, after all.”
Margaret slightly raised an eyebrow but persisted in her goal to get all the details. Actually, she found Emily much more appealing than Nathan’s last girlfriend, Alice, who had been insufferable and arrogant. It was fortunate that Nathan had left her.
“How is everything with Eddie?” she inquired, shifting the topic while keeping her watchful look. “He’s a grown boy now, but still…”
A sense of warmth filled Emily at the mention of Nathan’s son. Memories from the early days of their acquaintance came back unbidden. She had been very anxious then: how would the teenager react to a new woman in the household? Would he view her as a threat, an effort to take his mother’s place?
“He’s a wonderful boy,” Emily replied honestly, and her smile grew warmer and more genuine. “Of course, I was worried at the start. I thought Eddie might be unfriendly or cautious with me. But it all worked out perfectly! He turned out to be a very open and kind-hearted lad!”
She paused for a moment, thinking back to the time when Eddie returned from school, tried her pie with delight, and announced that there would always be tasty food in the house from then on.
“What’s more,” Emily went on with a slight grin, “he was happy that someone better at cooking than his father would be preparing the meals now. He even asks me to show him some recipes from time to time.”
Nathan, who had been listening quietly up to that point, finally raised his eyes and gave a brief nod to back up Emily’s words. A barely noticeable smile appeared on his face, showing he was also pleased that things had gone so well between his son and his partner.
“Has he asked for a little brother yet?” the woman asked with a clear suggestion.
Nathan winced at his mother’s question and gave her a short, reproachful glance. His look conveyed a silent “why bring that up again?” He was familiar with his parent’s manner she had no qualms about bringing up the most sensitive subjects, seemingly unaware that such talks could make others uncomfortable.
“And what’s wrong with that?” Margaret continued without any embarrassment, sticking to her point with confidence. Her tone was lively and almost playful, as though discussing something everyday. “Eddie adores children and spends a lot of time with his cousins. Besides, you’re only thirty-five there’s still time to bring up a couple of children!”
Emily felt a wave of discomfort building within her. It was unpleasant to discuss such a private and sensitive matter with a woman she hardly knew. She gripped her fingers under the table, doing her best to stay composed outwardly.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” she said in a controlled manner, keeping her voice steady. “Doctors strongly recommend that I do not have children.”
Silence hung in the room for a moment. Margaret raised her eyebrows a little, seeming to consider the information. Her expression changed at once the friendly facade vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.
“Some kind of women’s trouble, is it?” she said with pretended sympathy, a hint of superiority creeping into her voice. “But don’t lose hope medicine keeps progressing. Things that once seemed impossible are now handled without much trouble.”
Emily let out a faint sigh. She wished to drop the subject, but knew she couldn’t just remain quiet. She glanced at Nathan, hoping for support, but he merely shrugged, as if to say “you handle it.”
“In my situation, that won’t help,” she said quietly, staring ahead. Truthfully, she couldn’t see why she had to reveal her personal matters to this woman she barely knew! Yet silence wasn’t an option; she might assume something else… “I have serious issues with my eyesight. The diagnosis came when I was eighteen, and over the years I’ve accepted that I won’t be having children.”
Margaret paused, clearly trying to grasp the meaning. Her eyebrows lifted, and her face showed real puzzlement as if facing something she couldn’t comprehend.
“What does eyesight have to do with children?” she asked, leaning her head to one side. She saw no link between vision problems and having kids, and even suspected it was merely a weak excuse. “I don’t get it.”
Emily sighed deeply, searching for the right words. She preferred not to delve into medical specifics, but avoiding the answer was impossible.
“There’s a ninety percent chance I could lose my sight,” she explained in a calm, measured voice. “The strain on my body from pregnancy is strictly not advised; the risk is far too high! It’s not worth it, don’t you see? What good is having a child if you might never be able to see them?”
She stopped speaking to allow the other woman time to take it in. Emily adjusted her glasses nervously. She wanted Margaret to realize this was no mere fancy or an excuse to stay slim. It was a genuine threat!
Emily could clearly sense the growing disappointment from her companion. Margaret stopped trying to make conversation and only threw occasional glances at her, filled with obvious displeasure. It was evident that this was not the daughter-in-law she had envisioned for her son. In her mind, she likely pictured a robust, energetic woman who would soon present her with grandchildren.
Yet Emily felt no guilt and no urge to defend herself. She and Nathan had thoroughly discussed the matter long ago, considering every aspect. Talks with doctors, evenings spent researching, honest conversations between them all led to the same conclusion. The danger to her health was too significant, and neither wanted to expose her to it. If necessary, they could look into adoption or a surrogate. Nowadays, such arrangements were not too complicated.
When the pair finally prepared to leave, the mood had lightened slightly. Margaret embraced her son in farewell and nodded to Emily, but the nod lacked warmth it was more a polite gesture. As they put on their shoes in the hallway, Emily met Nathan’s eyes they held a clear, unspoken apology.
Once outside, they both breathed a sigh of relief. The night air felt particularly crisp after the strained discussion. Emily reached for Nathan’s hand, and he squeezed her fingers back right away. Nothing was said about the evening’s events, but they both knew the introduction to his parents hadn’t gone well. Still, it didn’t alter their core decision to stay together, regardless of what others expected or believed…
Three months later.
Emily noticed more frequently that she wasn’t feeling like herself. Initially, she paid little attention assuming she was simply tired from work or had picked up a minor bug. But as the unwell feeling persisted for several days, concern grew.
A constant light fatigue plagued her, nausea often rose in the mornings, and usual scents now bothered her. Emily attempted to manage alone purchasing antiviral remedies from the chemist, drinking plenty of water, and retiring to bed earlier. Yet no improvement occurred. She found herself distracted more at her job, and by evening she was exhausted despite not having done anything especially demanding.
One evening during a phone call with her mother, Emily shared her worries without meaning to. Her voice was somewhat subdued the odd tiredness still lingered.
“Emily,” her mother asked carefully after a brief silence, “are you certain you’re not expecting a baby?”
Emily was taken aback by the idea. She paused for a moment to think, then answered assuredly:
“Completely! I’ve not missed any of the pills. The doctor gave them to me after a full check-up, and I’ve followed the directions exactly.”
Her mother didn’t argue but spoke with determination:
“Buy a test anyway just to be sure. This is too important to ignore.”
Emily had wanted to say it couldn’t be pregnancy, but her mother’s tone made her reconsider. Ultimately, getting a test was easy and fast, and a bit more certainty was harmless.
“Fine, Mum. I’ll go to the chemist now. Nathan’s at work, so I have time,” Emily said before hanging up.
She gathered her belongings quickly, slipped on her coat, and headed out of the flat. The chemist’s in the next building was close by only about five minutes’ walk. Emily moved quicker than usual, trying to outpace her racing thoughts. Questions repeated in her mind: “What if Mum is right? But how could it happen? We had everything under control…”
At the chemist’s, she hesitated before the shelf of pregnancy tests. There were many options various makes and types. Emily glanced uncertainly at the assistant, then at the display again. In the end, she picked two mid-priced ones no sense saving money here. After paying, she tucked them away and rushed back.
Back home, she paused in the hallway to settle her nerves. Her hands shook slightly as she unwrapped the tests. She performed the steps as instructed and waited.
The initial minutes seemed endless. Emily kept looking at the time, then at the tests. Suddenly, two clear, bold lines showed up. She checked the second test it had clear lines too.
“How can this be?!” she cried out, a surge of turmoil rising within. “This is impossible! I was so meticulous!”
Just then, the doorbell rang loudly. Emily startled. Checking the clock, it wasn’t a time for visitors on business. It hit her it must be Eddie. He frequently forgot his keys when rushing back from school.
Emily tossed the tests into the bin in a hurry, fixed her hair, and went to the door. Opening it revealed a panting Eddie with his rucksack.
“Forgot your keys again?” she smiled, ushering him inside.
“Yes,” Eddie nodded apologetically, removing his trainers. “I rushed and only noticed once I was outside…”
The girl went to the kitchen to feed the hungry teenager. She had no idea that one test had missed the bin and lay on the floor betraying them…
“Nathan, I’m going to my mother’s for a week she’s not well,” Emily told him, not meeting her fiancé’s eyes. Lying to the man she loved felt wrong, but she couldn’t reveal the full truth just yet. She had no choice! Risking her health was out of the question, and the choice was made…
Nathan turned from his laptop and looked at her with real concern.
“Do you need help?” he asked at once. “Should I get some medicine? Or come along? Your mother is on her own…”
Emily smiled warmly but with a touch of guilt. His eagerness to assist was touching, yet it made things harder now.
“No help needed for now, thanks for offering,” she replied steadily. “I’ll call if anything comes up.”
She turned and busily packed a small bag with a jumper, jeans, t-shirts, underwear, and a toothbrush. Time was running out less than an hour until the last bus to the neighboring town, and she still had to reach the station. Her mother would meet her, which helped a little: someone who understood and wouldn’t ask extra questions would be there.
“Keep in touch, all right? Call immediately if you need anything. I can come over anytime.”
“Of course,” Emily nodded, giving him a quick hug. “I’ll return soon. You won’t miss me much.”
The trip to the station felt dreamlike. She checked her phone often for messages from Nathan or calls from her mother. Her thoughts were in disarray, but the plan stayed firm: get there, sort things out, come back. Then, once settled, have an honest talk with Nathan.
The following day, Emily visited a private clinic. She had arranged the appointment online beforehand, selected the doctor based on feedback, and set it up to avoid questions. The visit was quick and ordinary: check-up, tests, an ultrasound scan. The doctor, a woman in her middle years with a steady voice, reviewed the results thoroughly, verified the dates, and asked again about her medical background.
“Yes, you are pregnant,” she stated at last. “It’s early, around five or six weeks.”
Emily nodded without a word. A small hope still remained inside that it was an error, the tests wrong, results mixed up. But now it was definite.
“But I’ve been taking the pills! How did this happen?” Her voice shook with both confusion and suppressed distress. How was it possible? She had followed the instructions precisely!
The doctor tilted her head. She took her time responding first tidying the papers on her desk, then meeting the patient’s eyes.
“The medicine might not have been effective,” she suggested professionally. “Or other factors could have interfered, like taking antibiotics alongside or missing doses, or stomach issues. It happens occasionally, though not often.”
After a short pause to watch Emily’s reaction, she went on gently:
“From what I gather, you’re not intending to continue with the pregnancy?”
Emily shut her eyes briefly. She had asked herself this many times lately. The doctors’ warnings from years ago came back, the risks that persisted. She breathed in deeply and answered firmly:
“The chance of losing my sight is nine to one. Would you say I should take that risk?”
The doctor nodded understandingly. Having looked at the records, she confirmed the risk was real. The decision was right under the circumstances.
“I see where you’re coming from,” she said softly. “It’s a major choice, and you can decide based on your health. I’ll provide forms for further tests to get a better picture and plan the best approach.”
She entered details on the computer, printed some documents, folded them neatly, and passed them to Emily.
“Come back tomorrow for another visit. We’ll have the results by then and can talk about what comes next. Call the clinic if you have questions or concerns, and they’ll put you through to me.”
Emily accepted the papers and smoothed them out. Her thoughts were still whirling but now more structured. She gave a brief nod of thanks and stood up slowly. In the corridor, she leaned on the wall for a moment, inhaling and exhaling deeply. A new day tomorrow would bring the next phase of this tough choice…
“Nathan, why didn’t you tell me?” Nathan’s voice came excitedly over the phone, so lively that Emily tensed up immediately. “That you’re pregnant!”
Emily’s stomach knotted. She gripped the phone tightly to stop her hands from shaking.
“What are you talking about?” she asked cautiously, keeping her voice level. “Did he find out somehow?” she wondered.
“I found the positive test on the floor,” Nathan explained with pure excitement, no doubt or worry in his tone. “I’ve made an appointment with a top specialist. Shall we go together? I want to support you.”
Emily inhaled deeply, finding the words to temper his excitement without causing pain.
“Don’t celebrate too soon,” she said firmly yet kindly. “It’s probably a mistake. Remember, I’m on the pills. I took them exactly as told, no skips. This can’t be real.”
There was a pause on the line. Emily sensed Nathan grappling with her words.
“Well, regarding that…” he said hesitantly, sounding embarrassed. “Mum came by recently. She saw the pills and tried to convince me your condition isn’t as bad as all that. She mentioned people with worse illnesses having kids without issues. She shared stories of friends and talked about current pregnancy care methods… She was so persuasive that I went along with it.”
Nathan stopped, awaiting her response. Emily listened, a mix of feelings stirring. She knew he wanted to hope for the best, but it bothered her that someone else was meddling in their private affairs.
“So she talked you into tampering with my pills?” she asked evenly, though seething inside.
“No, not at all!” Nathan protested quickly. “Nothing like that. She just made me think I shouldn’t stick so rigidly to the doctor’s orders. That taking a chance might be okay. I didn’t realize it could cause this. I’m sorry.”
A chill went through Emily. She struggled to speak.
“What did you do exactly?”
Nathan looked down, fidgeting with the table edge. He felt awkward but spoke up.
“I dropped the bottle by accident, and the pills scattered. I wondered if it was a sign and swapped them for vitamins. I wanted us to have a baby. Mum assured me it would all be fine…”
Emily stood still, absorbing the revelation. It was hard to believe the man she loved would do something like this. She had stressed repeatedly how vital the daily medication was, the dangers of even one missed dose…
“Are you kidding me?!” her voice quivered with rising anger as she clenched her fists. “You did this on purpose? You listened to your mother and switched out the medicine?”
Nathan shifted uncomfortably.
“I believed it would be good for our family…” he murmured.
“For our family?!” Emily’s anger spilled over. “You didn’t ask me! You knew my diagnosis and the dangers, yet you went behind my back!”
She paused to steady her trembling hands. Her head throbbed, but she knew she needed to stop the call.
“I can’t talk about this now,” she said more calmly, emotions still high. “Can you come the day after tomorrow? Meet me at the park at midday?”
“I’ll be there!” Nathan replied hopefully. “Everything will turn out okay, I’m sure!”
Emily didn’t explain further.
“See you then,” she said and ended the call.
Emily was furious! Nathan’s explanation about accidentally dropping the bottle and deliberately replacing the essential pills with vitamins kept replaying. He had known the risks, the long-standing medical advice, how crucial the medication was for her well-being. Yet he trusted his mother, who had no medical training but insisted “it would be fine.”
The idea consumed her. How could he dismiss her health so casually? Emily realized that without trust, respect, and care, their relationship couldn’t last. She planned to tell him so clearly the day after tomorrow.
Nathan arrived at the park early, half an hour ahead. He had bought white roses, her favorite, and paced nervously by the entrance, checking the time. He hoped Emily had overreacted and that they could sort it out, that he could show he meant well. He pictured her accepting the flowers, her expression softening, and them deciding together.
But when Emily arrived exactly at noon, holding her brother’s arm, her face was icy and unreadable. She ignored the flowers Nathan offered. Instead, she pulled a paper from her bag and gave it to him.
“What is this? I don’t understand,” Nathan said, bewildered by her cold manner. He tried to look her in the eye, but she gazed away.
“It means there won’t be a child,” she said icily. “You knew about my diagnosis and still endangered my health by following your mother’s advice. I’ll never forgive you! I’ll collect my things tomorrow, and my brother will come with me to prevent any trouble.”
She turned and left without waiting. Nathan moved to follow, calling out:
“Emily, hold on! Let’s discuss this!”
She didn’t stop, walking faster. He chased after her but was stopped by James, Emily’s brother, who stood firmly in the way, his stance saying “Don’t follow her.”
Nathan tried to pass, but James kept him back with an outstretched hand.
“You’re lying!” Nathan yelled, his voice full of rage and desperation. He felt his hopes crumbling. “I spoke to doctors myself! They said the risks are tiny with today’s medicine! You just don’t want a child and are making excuses!”
Emily turned slowly. She looked pale but calm and resolute, no tears, only determination built over days.
“You saw doctors without me? Talked about my health to others?” she said quietly but powerfully. “Do you even know my precise diagnosis? Or did you just tell them my fiancée might go blind?”
Nathan was shocked. He hadn’t anticipated this. He clenched his fists to think.
“I was considering our future! Our family!” he insisted tensely but sincerely. “You said you might consider adoption or a surrogate. Why not try for our own child?”
Emily breathed deeply, pain flashing in her eyes despite her resolve.
“This isn’t a game, Nathan!” her voice cracked with real feeling. “It’s my life, my body, my sight. Do you realize I could lose my vision? I’d be helpless, unable to work or care for myself. Have you thought about living in darkness?”
She waited for him to understand, but he started to reply.
“But the doctors said…”
“Which doctors?” she cut in sharply, bitterness in her tone. “The ones you saw in secret? Did you ask about complication rates or actual cases? Do you know how many women with my condition lose their sight in pregnancy? No, you heard only what you wanted!”
Nathan was quiet. Resentment remained in his eyes, but also a dawning awareness of his error.
“You betrayed my trust,” Emily continued steadily. “You knew these pills mattered to me. You knew I’d spent years accepting my diagnosis… Yet you undid it all with one action.”
James moved closer then. He was tempted to confront the former fiancé but restrained himself for his sister’s sake.
“I want nothing more to do with you!” Emily declared, her voice cold again. “I won’t live fearing another trick from you!”
Nathan tried to speak but couldn’t find the words. He searched her eyes for any sign of doubt or chance to make amends, but saw only coldness and disdain.
Emily turned and walked away. Nathan wanted to call her back but stayed silent. He watched her figure fade into the dusk, with James beside her, protective and sure.
When they were gone, Nathan sat on a nearby bench, still holding the white roses that had never been given.
Staring at the soft petals, he realized for the first time that he had lost not just the child he desired, but the woman he loved.
The thought “What if she was right?” struck him, but it was far too late.
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