Many years have passed since those events, yet they remain vivid in recollection as a reminder of choices made and trust broken long ago. It was during a visit to Margaret’s home that the first strains appeared. “Your relationship is already so serious,” she said insistently, almost demandingly, fixing her gaze on the young woman who might one day become her daughter-in-law. “When are you planning the wedding?”
“Perhaps it’s not the right time yet,” Emily replied with a strained smile, choosing her words with care so as not to offend her possible future mother-in-law. “We’ve only been living together for a month. It would be wise to wait a little longer, to understand each other better in daily life… Who knows, we might begin to argue over the smallest matters?”
Margaret raised an eyebrow slightly but did not abandon her aim of learning everything. In truth, she liked Emily far more than James’s previous girlfriend. Alice had been intolerable and arrogant! It was fortunate that James had ended things with her.
“And how is Edward getting on?” she asked, changing the subject while keeping her look attentive. “The boy is grown now, but still…”
Emily felt a warmth inside at the thought of James’s son. Memories of their early days together surfaced unbidden. Back then she had worried greatly: how would the teenager take to a new woman in the house? Might he see her as a threat, an attempt to replace his own mother?
“He’s wonderful,” she answered sincerely, her smile growing warmer and more natural. “At first I was anxious, of course. I thought Edward might treat me with dislike or at least caution. But it all turned out for the best! He proved to be such an open and friendly lad!”
She fell silent for a moment, recalling how Edward had returned from school one day, eagerly tried her pie and declared at once that from then on there would always be tasty food at home.
“Moreover,” Emily continued with a slight smile, “he was openly pleased that someone far more skilled in the kitchen than his father would now prepare the meals. Sometimes he even asks me to teach him a recipe or two.”
James, who had listened in silence until then, finally raised his eyes and nodded briefly in support of Emily’s words. A faint smile crossed his face, as though he too was glad the bond between his son and his partner had developed so well.
“Has he asked for a little brother yet?” the woman inquired with an obvious hint.
Hearing his mother’s question, James winced and shot her a short, reproachful glance. His eyes conveyed a silent “why bring that up again?” He knew his parent’s habits wellshe never hesitated to raise the most delicate topics, as if unaware such talk could discomfort those around her.
“What’s wrong with that?” Margaret was not embarrassed in the least and continued her line with confidence. Her voice was lively and even slightly playful, as if discussing something entirely ordinary. “Edward adores children; he is always playing with his cousins. And you’re only thirty-fiveyou’ll have time to raise a couple of little ones!”
Emily felt a wave of awkwardness rise within her. It was unpleasant to discuss so personal and painful a matter before a woman she barely knew. She clenched her fingers under the table, striving to keep her outward calm.
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question,” she said evenly, trying to keep her voice steady. “Doctors strongly advise against me having children.”
Silence hung in the room for a moment. Margaret raised her eyebrows slightly, as if considering what she had heard. Her face changed at oncethe previous friendly mask faded, giving way to a cold, almost detached expression.
“Women’s problems, is it?” she said with feigned sympathy, a faint note of condescension entering her tone. “But there’s no need to despairmedicine keeps advancing. What once seemed impossible is now easily resolved.”
Emily sighed almost imperceptibly. She wished to close the topic, yet she knew remaining silent would not work. She looked to James, hoping for support, but he only shrugged slightly, as if to say “explain it yourself.”
“In my case that won’t help,” she said quietly, gazing straight ahead. Honestly, she could not understand why she must bare her soul before what was essentially a stranger! Yet silence was not an option either, or she might imagine something… “I have serious problems with my vision. The diagnosis was made when I was eighteen, and in that time I have accepted the reality: I will not have children.”
Margaret froze for a moment, clearly trying to absorb what she had heard. Her eyebrows lifted and genuine bewilderment showed on her faceas if she faced something utterly incomprehensible.
“What does vision have to do with it?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. She truly saw no connection between eyesight and children, and even suspected it was merely a weak excuse. “I don’t understand.”
Emily drew a deep breath, choosing her words. She did not wish to enter medical details, but she could not avoid answering.
“There is a ninety percent chance that I will lose my vision,” she explained in an even, restrained voice. “Such a strain on the body is strictly out of the question for me; the risk is far too high! It’s not worth it, you see! What is the point of having a child you might never even see?”
She fell silent, giving her companion time to take it in. Emily adjusted her glasses nervously. It mattered to her that Margaret understoodthis was no whim or desire, say, to keep her figure. It was a very real danger!
The young woman could distinctly sense the disappointment growing in the air. Margaret no longer tried to start a conversation, only casting occasional glances at Emily filled with undisguised discontent. It was clear that such a daughter-in-law for her son did not match her idea of an ideal match. In the mother’s mind a different picture had likely formeda healthy, strong woman who would soon present her with grandchildren.
Yet Emily felt neither guilt nor any wish to justify herself. She and James had discussed the situation long before, weighing every pro and con. Conversations with doctors, evenings spent studying information, frank talks between themall had led to the same decision. The risk to her health was too great, and neither wished to expose her to danger. In extreme cases they could consider adoption or the help of a surrogate mother. These days such arrangements were not so difficult to make.
When the couple finally prepared to leave, the atmosphere had eased a little. Margaret hugged her son goodbye and nodded to Emily, but the gesture held no warmthrather a nod to politeness. While they put on their shoes in the hallway, Emily caught James’s glancehis eyes clearly held a silent “sorry.”
Once outside, both sighed with relief. The evening air felt especially fresh after the tense talk. Emily took James by the hand, and he squeezed her fingers in return. Not a word was said about what had passed, but both understood that meeting his parents could not be called successful. Still, this did not change the main thingtheir decision to stay together, despite others’ expectations and prejudices…
Three months later.
Emily more and more often noticed she did not feel as she usually did. At first she paid it little mindsupposing she was simply overworked at her job or had caught a mild virus. But when the discomfort lasted several days, she began to worry.
She felt constant mild weakness, nausea that often rose in the mornings, and once-familiar smells now irritated her. Emily tried to manage on her ownbuying antiviral remedies at the chemist’s, drinking more water, trying to go to bed earlier. Yet no improvement came. She caught herself growing distracted at work, and by evening she would collapse with fatigue, though she had done nothing especially strenuous.
One evening, speaking on the telephone with her mum, Emily found herself sharing her concerns. Her voice sounded somewhat subduedshe still felt the strange lethargy she could not shake.
“Emily,” after a short pause her mum asked cautiously, “are you quite sure you’re not pregnant?”
Emily was slightly surprised by the suggestion. She paused a second, considering the question, then answered with assurance:
“Absolutely! I haven’t missed a single pill. The doctor prescribed them after a thorough examination, all strictly according to instructions.”
Her mum did not argue, but persistence sounded in her voice:
“Buy a test anywayfor your own peace of mind. This is too serious a matter to leave unattended.”
Emily had wanted to object that it was certainly not pregnancy, but something in her mum’s tone made her think. In the end, a test was simple and quick, and extra certainty never hurt.
“All right, mum. I’ll go to the chemist’s right now. James is at work, so there’s time,” said Emily and put down the receiver.
She gathered her things quickly, put on her coat and left the flat. The chemist’s in the neighbouring building was just a short walk awayno more than five minutes. Emily moved a little faster than usual, as if trying to outrun her own thoughts. The same questions kept turning in her head: “What if mum is right? But how could this happen? Everything was under control…”
In the chemist’s she paused briefly before the display of test kits. The choice proved unexpectedly largedifferent brands, different formats. Emily looked at the pharmacist in confusion, then back at the shelves. Finally she took two tests of average pricedeciding there was no sense in skimping on such a thing. She paid, tucked the purchases into her pocket and hurried home.
Back inside, she stopped a minute in the hallway, trying to settle a slight nervousness. Her hands trembled a little as she took the tests from their packaging. She followed the instructions and waited.
The first minutes dragged on unbearably. Emily glanced nervously at the clock, then at the tests again. And thentwo lines appeared clearly and brightly. She shifted her gaze to the second testclear lines had appeared there too.
“How is this possible?!” she exclaimed without thinking, feeling a wave of confusion rise inside. “This is unthinkable! I prepared so carefully!”
At that moment the doorbell rang loudly. Emily started at the sound. She looked at the clockit was not the hour for someone to call on business. Then it struck herit was probably Edward. The teenager often forgot his keys when hurrying home after school.
Emily quickly threw the tests into the waste bin, adjusted her hair and rushed to the door. Opening it, she saw a slightly breathless Edward with a rucksack on his shoulders.
“Forgot your keys again?” she smiled, letting him in.
“Yes,” Edward nodded guiltily, removing his trainers. “I was in a rush, and only realised once I was outside…”
The young woman hurried to the kitchen, needing to feed the clearly hungry teenager. She did not yet know that one of the tests had missed the bin and lay treacherously on the floor…
“James, I’m going to my mum’s for a weekshe’s not feeling well,” said Emily, avoiding her fiancé’s eyes. It felt wrong to deceive the man she truly loved, but right then she simply could not tell the whole truth. And she could not act otherwise! She could not risk her health; the decision was already made…
James immediately looked up from his laptop, watching her with concern.
“Do you need help?” he responded at once. “Shall I bring medicines? Or perhaps come with you? Your mum is alone after all…”
Emily could not help smilingwarmly and a little guiltily. His readiness to rush to help was touching, yet now it only complicated matters.
“For now nothing is needed, thanks for the offer,” she answered as calmly as possible. “If anything, I’ll call.”
She turned away and continued hurriedly packing a small travel bag. A jumper, a pair of jeans, several T-shirts, underwear, a toothbrush… Minutes ticked in her headless than an hour remained before the last bus to the neighbouring town, and she still needed to reach the station. Her mum had promised to meet her there, which was a little reassuring: someone would be nearby who would understand and not ask unnecessary questions.
“Keep in touch, all right? If anything, call straight away. I can come at any moment.”
“Of course,” nodded Emily, pressing against him for a second. “I’ll be back soon. You won’t have time to miss me.”
The journey to the station passed as if in a fog. She checked her phone repeatedlyhad James written, was her mum calling back? Thoughts were confused, but she held firmly to her plan: arrive, sort out the situation, return. And only afterwards, once everything settled, speak with James. Honestly, openly, without half-truths.
The next day Emily went to a private clinic. She had booked the appointment in advance through the website, chosen the doctor based on reviews, and arranged everything so no one would have unnecessary questions. The visit passed quickly and routinely: examination, tests, ultrasound. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with a calm voice, studied the results carefully, checked the dates and once more clarified the medical history.
“Yes, you are pregnant,” she confirmed at last. “The term is small, about five or six weeks.”
Emily nodded silently. Somewhere deep inside a small hope still flickered that it was a mistake, that the tests had lied, the results mixed up. But now everything was finally clear.
“But I was taking the pills! How could this happen?” her voice trembled, sounding not only confusion but barely restrained distress. How was it possible? She had followed the instructions exactly!
The doctor tilted her head slightly. She did not hurry with an answerfirst she neatly folded the papers on her desk, then raised her eyes to the patient.
“Perhaps the medication was of poor quality,” she suggested in an even, professional tone. “Or there were factors that reduced its effectiveness: for example, taking antibiotics or other medicines alongside, irregular use, or digestive problems. Such things happen, though rarely.”
She paused briefly, watching Emily’s reaction, then continued softly:
“As far as I understand, you are not planning to continue the pregnancy?”
Emily closed her eyes for a moment. She had asked herself this question countless times in recent days. Memories returned of the words doctors had spoken many years earlier, the warnings about a risk that had never gone away. She drew a deep breath and answered, trying to keep her voice firm:
“The risk of blindness is nine to one. What do you thinkcan I take such a step?”
The doctor nodded with an understanding expression. She had already studied the patient’s records and was convinced the risk was real. In such a situation the young woman’s choice was the best.
“I understand you,” she said softly. “This is a very serious decision, and you have the right to make it based on your health. I’ll write referrals for tests now. They will help assess the situation more accurately and select the best plan of action.”
She turned to the computer, quickly entered details into the system, then printed several forms. Folding them neatly, she handed them to Emily.
“I expect you tomorrow for a follow-up appointment. By then we’ll have the results and can discuss the next steps. If questions arise or something worries you, call the clinic and ask for me.”
Emily took the papers and smoothed them mechanically with her fingers. Thoughts still swirled in her head, but now they felt a little more ordered. She thanked the doctor with a short nod and rose slowly from the chair. In the corridor she stopped a second, leaning against the wall, and took a deep breath and exhaled. Tomorrow would be a new dayand a new stage in this difficult decision…
“Emily!” James exclaimed joyfully into the telephone, his voice so animated that the young woman tensed involuntarily. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Emily felt everything inside tighten. She gripped the phone in her hand, trying to steady a sudden tremble.
“About what?” she asked warily, trying to keep her voice even. The thought flashed: “Has he found out? But how?”
“That you’re pregnant!” James said with genuine delight. His voice held such enthusiasm, as if he were already picturing their future together.
Emily closed her eyes for a second, gathering her thoughts.
“What makes you think that?” she answered, trying to speak calmly although her heart pounded wildly.
“I found a test with two lines on the floor,” explained James, and there was no shadow of doubt or anxiety in his toneonly pure delight. “I’ve already booked you with an excellent specialist. Shall we go to the appointment together? I want to be there, to support you.”
Emily took a deep breath, choosing her words. She needed to cool his ardour without hurting his feelings.
“Don’t rush to rejoice,” she said gently but firmly. “Most likely it’s a mistake. You remember I’m taking pills. Everything was according to instructions, without misses. This simply cannot be true.”
For a moment a pause hung on the line. Emily could almost feel James trying to process her words.
“Well, about that…” he finally hesitated, and embarrassed notes entered his voice. “You see, mum came to visit recently. She saw your pills and began convincing me that your diagnosis isn’t such a serious problem. She said many people have children with far worse conditions and everything turns out fine. She gave examples of acquaintances, spoke of modern methods of managing pregnancy… She insisted so strongly that… well, I gave in to her persuasions.”
James fell silent, as if waiting for a reaction. Emily listened without a word, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions rise in her. On one hand she understood he had simply wanted to believe in the best. On the other it irritated her that someone was interfering in their personal life, trying to decide for her.
“Are you saying she convinced you to mix something into my pills?” she clarified in an even voice, although everything boiled inside.
“No, of course not!” James objected hastily. “Nothing of the sort. It’s just… she convinced me not to follow the prescriptions so strictly. That I could try taking a risk. I didn’t think it could lead to such consequences. I’m sorry.”
Emily felt a chill run down her spine. Words stuck in her throat, and she forced out the question with difficulty:
“What exactly did you do?”
James lowered his eyes, nervously gripping the edge of the table with his fingers. He clearly felt awkward, yet gathered his courage and spoke:
“I… accidentally dropped your bottle, and the pills spilled out. Then I thoughtmaybe it’s a sign? And replaced them with vitamins. I wanted us to have a child. Mum convinced me that everything would be fine…”
Emily froze, trying to absorb what she had heard. It did not fit in her head that the person she loved could have done such a thing. She had explained so many times how important it was to take the medication daily, what even a single miss threatened, what consequences could follow…
“Are you serious?!” her voice trembled. She clenched her fists involuntarily, feeling a wave of indignation rise inside. “You deliberately went ahead with this? You listened to your mother and swapped the medicines?”
James shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, as if seeking a way to avoid answering.
“I thought it would be better for our family…” he answered quietly, not raising his eyes.
“For the family?!” Emily could no longer hold back her emotions. Her voice shook with anger, yet she tried to speak clearly so he would grasp the full seriousness. “You didn’t even consult me! You knew about my diagnosis, knew about the risksand still did this behind my back!”
She paused, trying to calm the tremble in her hands. Her temples pounded, thoughts raced, but one thing was clear: she could not continue this conversation now.
“I just wanted children…” James tried to justify himself, his voice sounding almost plaintive. “I thought we could handle everything together.”
Emily took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together. She needed time to think everything over, to order her thoughts.
“I don’t have time to talk right now,” she said more calmly, although emotions still raged inside. “Can you come the day after tomorrow? We’ll meet at the park at noon?”
“Of course, I’ll come!” James responded at once, hope appearing in his voice again. “I’m sure everything will be fine!”
Emily did not argue or explain. She simply needed to end the call.
“See you,” she said shortly and pressed the button to finish the call.
Emily was seething with rage! In her head James’s words about how he had “accidentally” dropped the bottle and then deliberately replaced the vital medication with vitamins kept replaying. He had known all the risks, the years of warnings from doctors, how critical it was for her health not to miss doses. Yet he had preferred to believe his mother, who, without any medical training, had confidently insisted that “everything would be fine.”
The thought burned inside. How could he treat her health, her life so lightly? Emily understood that with such an attitude toward the most basic thingstrust, respect, carenothing would work between them. And the day after tomorrow she firmly intended to say so.
On the appointed day James arrived at the park half an hour early. He had bought a bouquet of white rosesher favouritesand now shifted nervously from foot to foot near the entrance, glancing at the clock often. Hope flickered in his chest: perhaps Emily had simply been upset, and now they would discuss everything and he could explain he had meant well. He pictured her accepting the flowers, her gaze softening, and them deciding together what to do next.
But when Emily appeared exactly at noon, arm in arm with her brother, her face was cold and impenetrable. She did not even glance at the flowers James hastily held out. Instead she silently took a sheet of paper from her bag and handed it to him.
“What is this? I don’t understand,” James said, bewildered by her icy tone. He tried to catch her gaze, but Emily looked somewhere to the side.
“This means there will be no child,” she said coldly. “You knew about my diagnosis. You knew and deliberately put my health at risk, listening to your mother’s advice. I will never forgive this! I’ll come for my things tomorrow. And I won’t be aloneI’ll bring my brother with me to avoid any misunderstandings.”
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away. James instinctively stepped after her, calling out:
“Emily, wait! Let’s talk!”
She did not turn around, only quickened her pace. Then he rushed after her, no longer holding back his agitation, but his path was suddenly blocked by ThomasEmily’s older brother. Thomas stood straight, feet planted firmly, and looked at James without a trace of sympathy. His posture clearly said: “Don’t you dare chase her.”
James tried to go around him, but Thomas kept him at a distance, slightly extending a hand forward.
“You’re lying about everything!” James shouted, his voice trembling with rage and despair. He felt all his hopes collapsing, the future he had imagined slipping away. “I consulted doctors myself! They said that with modern medicine the risks are minimal! You just don’t want a childthat’s why you’re making up excuses!”
Emily turned slowly. Her face was pale, yet her expression remained calm, almost detached. There were no tears in her eyesonly firm determination, which she had built up over these days.
“You went to doctors without me? Discussed my health with strangers?” she spoke quietly, but every word landed heavily, distinct and weighty. “Do you even know my exact diagnosis? Or did you simply go and say that your fiancée speaks of possible blindness?”
James flinched. He had not expected such a questionit had seemed he was sure his action was understandable, that Emily would grasp his motives. Clenching his fists, he tried to gather his thoughts.
“I was thinking of our future! Of family!” his voice sounded strained but sincere. “You yourself said you were ready to consider adoption or surrogacy. Why not give our own child a chance then?”
Emily drew a deep breath. Pain flickered in her gazethe very pain she tried to hide behind cold determination.
“Because this is not a game, James!” genuine emotion broke through in her voice for the first time. “This is my life, my body, my vision. Do you even understand that I could go blind? That I would be helpless, unable to work, to care for myself? Did you think about what it is like to live in constant darkness?”
She paused, giving him time to absorb what was said, but he had already opened his mouth to object.
“But the doctors said…”
“Which doctors?!” she cut in sharply, and bitterness sounded in her voice. “The ones you visited in secret? Did you even ask them about the statistics of complications? About real cases? Do you know how many women lose their vision during pregnancy with my diagnosis? No, you simply heard what you wanted to hear!”
James fell silent. His eyes still burned with resentment, yet something else began to show in thema vague realisation that he might have made a serious mistake.
“You betrayed my trust,” continued Emily, already quieter but no less firmly. “You knew how important these pills are to me. You knew that I had learned over years to live with this diagnosis, to accept it… And you took and crossed out everything with one act.”
At that moment Thomas stepped closer. The man’s hands itched to teach the failed fiancé a lesson! But he held back, solely at his sister’s request.
“I don’t want to have anything to do with you!” Emily straightened, her voice becoming cold and even again. “I don’t want to fear every day that you’ll pull another trick!”
James opened his mouth, trying to say something, but the words stuck in his throat. He looked at her, searching her gaze for even a drop of doubt, even a shadow of a chance to put things right! But there was only coldness and contempt…
Emily turned and walked away. James wanted to call out to her but could not. He stood watching as her figure gradually faded into the evening twilight. Beside her walked Thomassilently, confidently, as if guarding her peace.
When they disappeared from view, James sank onto the nearest bench. In his hands he still clutched the bouquet of white rosesnever given, never accepted…
He gazed at the delicate petals and for the first time realised that he had lost not only the child he had wanted so much. He had lost the woman he loved.
The single thought beat in his head: “What if she was right?” But it was already too late.Many years have passed since those events, yet they remain vivid in recollection as a reminder of choices made and trust broken long ago. It was during a visit to Margaret’s home that the first strains appeared. “Your relationship is already so serious,” she said insistently, almost demandingly, fixing her gaze on the young woman who might one day become her daughter-in-law. “When are you planning the wedding?”
“Perhaps it’s not the right time yet,” Emily replied with a strained smile, choosing her words with care so as not to offend her possible future mother-in-law. “We’ve only been living together for a month. It would be wise to wait a little longer, to understand each other better in daily life… Who knows, we might begin to argue over the smallest matters?”
Margaret raised an eyebrow slightly but did not abandon her aim of learning everything. In truth, she liked Emily far more than James’s previous girlfriend. Alice had been intolerable and arrogant! It was fortunate that James had ended things with her.
“And how is Edward getting on?” she asked, changing the subject while keeping her look attentive. “The boy is grown now, but still…”
Emily felt a warmth inside at the thought of James’s son. Memories of their early days together surfaced unbidden. Back then she had worried greatly: how would the teenager take to a new woman in the house? Might he see her as a threat, an attempt to replace his own mother?
“He’s wonderful,” she answered sincerely, her smile growing warmer and more natural. “At first I was anxious, of course. I thought Edward might treat me with dislike or at least caution. But it all turned out for the best! He proved to be such an open and friendly lad!”
She fell silent for a moment, recalling how Edward had returned from school one day, eagerly tried her pie and declared at once that from then on there would always be tasty food at home.
“Moreover,” Emily continued with a slight smile, “he was openly pleased that someone far more skilled in the kitchen than his father would now prepare the meals. Sometimes he even asks me to teach him a recipe or two.”
James, who had listened in silence until then, finally raised his eyes and nodded briefly in support of Emily’s words. A faint smile crossed his face, as though he too was glad the bond between his son and his partner had developed so well.
“Has he asked for a little brother yet?” the woman inquired with an obvious hint.
Hearing his mother’s question, James winced and shot her a short, reproachful glance. His eyes conveyed a silent “why bring that up again?” He knew his parent’s habits wellshe never hesitated to raise the most delicate topics, as if unaware such talk could discomfort those around her.
“What’s wrong with that?” Margaret was not embarrassed in the least and continued her line with confidence. Her voice was lively and even slightly playful, as if discussing something entirely ordinary. “Edward adores children; he is always playing with his cousins. And you’re only thirty-fiveyou’ll have time to raise a couple of little ones!”
Emily felt a wave of awkwardness rise within her. It was unpleasant to discuss so personal and painful a matter before a woman she barely knew. She clenched her fingers under the table, striving to keep her outward calm.
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question,” she said evenly, trying to keep her voice steady. “Doctors strongly advise against me having children.”
Silence hung in the room for a moment. Margaret raised her eyebrows slightly, as if considering what she had heard. Her face changed at oncethe previous friendly mask faded, giving way to a cold, almost detached expression.
“Women’s problems, is it?” she said with feigned sympathy, a faint note of condescension entering her tone. “But there’s no need to despairmedicine keeps advancing. What once seemed impossible is now easily resolved.”
Emily sighed almost imperceptibly. She wished to close the topic, yet she knew remaining silent would not work. She looked to James, hoping for support, but he only shrugged slightly, as if to say “explain it yourself.”
“In my case that won’t help,” she said quietly, gazing straight ahead. Honestly, she could not understand why she must bare her soul before what was essentially a stranger! Yet silence was not an option either, or she might imagine something… “I have serious problems with my vision. The diagnosis was made when I was eighteen, and in that time I have accepted the reality: I will not have children.”
Margaret froze for a moment, clearly trying to absorb what she had heard. Her eyebrows lifted and genuine bewilderment showed on her faceas if she faced something utterly incomprehensible.
“What does vision have to do with it?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. She truly saw no connection between eyesight and children, and even suspected it was merely a weak excuse. “I don’t understand.”
Emily drew a deep breath, choosing her words. She did not wish to enter medical details, but she could not avoid answering.
“There is a ninety percent chance that I will lose my vision,” she explained in an even, restrained voice. “Such a strain on the body is strictly out of the question for me; the risk is far too high! It’s not worth it, you see! What is the point of having a child you might never even see?”
She fell silent, giving her companion time to take it in. Emily adjusted her glasses nervously. It mattered to her that Margaret understoodthis was no whim or desire, say, to keep her figure. It was a very real danger!
The young woman could distinctly sense the disappointment growing in the air. Margaret no longer tried to start a conversation, only casting occasional glances at Emily filled with undisguised discontent. It was clear that such a daughter-in-law for her son did not match her idea of an ideal match. In the mother’s mind a different picture had likely formeda healthy, strong woman who would soon present her with grandchildren.
Yet Emily felt neither guilt nor any wish to justify herself. She and James had discussed the situation long before, weighing every pro and con. Conversations with doctors, evenings spent studying information, frank talks between themall had led to the same decision. The risk to her health was too great, and neither wished to expose her to danger. In extreme cases they could consider adoption or the help of a surrogate mother. These days such arrangements were not so difficult to make.
When the couple finally prepared to leave, the atmosphere had eased a little. Margaret hugged her son goodbye and nodded to Emily, but the gesture held no warmthrather a nod to politeness. While they put on their shoes in the hallway, Emily caught James’s glancehis eyes clearly held a silent “sorry.”
Once outside, both sighed with relief. The evening air felt especially fresh after the tense talk. Emily took James by the hand, and he squeezed her fingers in return. Not a word was said about what had passed, but both understood that meeting his parents could not be called successful. Still, this did not change the main thingtheir decision to stay together, despite others’ expectations and prejudices…
Three months later.
Emily more and more often noticed she did not feel as she usually did. At first she paid it little mindsupposing she was simply overworked at her job or had caught a mild virus. But when the discomfort lasted several days, she began to worry.
She felt constant mild weakness, nausea that often rose in the mornings, and once-familiar smells now irritated her. Emily tried to manage on her ownbuying antiviral remedies at the chemist’s, drinking more water, trying to go to bed earlier. Yet no improvement came. She caught herself growing distracted at work, and by evening she would collapse with fatigue, though she had done nothing especially strenuous.
One evening, speaking on the telephone with her mum, Emily found herself sharing her concerns. Her voice sounded somewhat subduedshe still felt the strange lethargy she could not shake.
“Emily,” after a short pause her mum asked cautiously, “are you quite sure you’re not pregnant?”
Emily was slightly surprised by the suggestion. She paused a second, considering the question, then answered with assurance:
“Absolutely! I haven’t missed a single pill. The doctor prescribed them after a thorough examination, all strictly according to instructions.”
Her mum did not argue, but persistence sounded in her voice:
“Buy a test anywayfor your own peace of mind. This is too serious a matter to leave unattended.”
Emily had wanted to object that it was certainly not pregnancy, but something in her mum’s tone made her think. In the end, a test was simple and quick, and extra certainty never hurt.
“All right, mum. I’ll go to the chemist’s right now. James is at work, so there’s time,” said Emily and put down the receiver.
She gathered her things quickly, put on her coat and left the flat. The chemist’s in the neighbouring building was just a short walk awayno more than five minutes. Emily moved a little faster than usual, as if trying to outrun her own thoughts. The same questions kept turning in her head: “What if mum is right? But how could this happen? Everything was under control…”
In the chemist’s she paused briefly before the display of test kits. The choice proved unexpectedly largedifferent brands, different formats. Emily looked at the pharmacist in confusion, then back at the shelves. Finally she took two tests of average pricedeciding there was no sense in skimping on such a thing. She paid, tucked the purchases into her pocket and hurried home.
Back inside, she stopped a minute in the hallway, trying to settle a slight nervousness. Her hands trembled a little as she took the tests from their packaging. She followed the instructions and waited.
The first minutes dragged on unbearably. Emily glanced nervously at the clock, then at the tests again. And thentwo lines appeared clearly and brightly. She shifted her gaze to the second testclear lines had appeared there too.
“How is this possible?!” she exclaimed without thinking, feeling a wave of confusion rise inside. “This is unthinkable! I prepared so carefully!”
At that moment the doorbell rang loudly. Emily started at the sound. She looked at the clockit was not the hour for someone to call on business. Then it struck herit was probably Edward. The teenager often forgot his keys when hurrying home after school.
Emily quickly threw the tests into the waste bin, adjusted her hair and rushed to the door. Opening it, she saw a slightly breathless Edward with a rucksack on his shoulders.
“Forgot your keys again?” she smiled, letting him in.
“Yes,” Edward nodded guiltily, removing his trainers. “I was in a rush, and only realised once I was outside…”
The young woman hurried to the kitchen, needing to feed the clearly hungry teenager. She did not yet know that one of the tests had missed the bin and lay treacherously on the floor…
“James, I’m going to my mum’s for a weekshe’s not feeling well,” said Emily, avoiding her fiancé’s eyes. It felt wrong to deceive the man she truly loved, but right then she simply could not tell the whole truth. And she could not act otherwise! She could not risk her health; the decision was already made…
James immediately looked up from his laptop, watching her with concern.
“Do you need help?” he responded at once. “Shall I bring medicines? Or perhaps come with you? Your mum is alone after all…”
Emily could not help smilingwarmly and a little guiltily. His readiness to rush to help was touching, yet now it only complicated matters.
“For now nothing is needed, thanks for the offer,” she answered as calmly as possible. “If anything, I’ll call.”
She turned away and continued hurriedly packing a small travel bag. A jumper, a pair of jeans, several T-shirts, underwear, a toothbrush… Minutes ticked in her headless than an hour remained before the last bus to the neighbouring town, and she still needed to reach the station. Her mum had promised to meet her there, which was a little reassuring: someone would be nearby who would understand and not ask unnecessary questions.
“Keep in touch, all right? If anything, call straight away. I can come at any moment.”
“Of course,” nodded Emily, pressing against him for a second. “I’ll be back soon. You won’t have time to miss me.”
The journey to the station passed as if in a fog. She checked her phone repeatedlyhad James written, was her mum calling back? Thoughts were confused, but she held firmly to her plan: arrive, sort out the situation, return. And only afterwards, once everything settled, speak with James. Honestly, openly, without half-truths.
The next day Emily went to a private clinic. She had booked the appointment in advance through the website, chosen the doctor based on reviews, and arranged everything so no one would have unnecessary questions. The visit passed quickly and routinely: examination, tests, ultrasound. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with a calm voice, studied the results carefully, checked the dates and once more clarified the medical history.
“Yes, you are pregnant,” she confirmed at last. “The term is small, about five or six weeks.”
Emily nodded silently. Somewhere deep inside a small hope still flickered that it was a mistake, that the tests had lied, the results mixed up. But now everything was finally clear.
“But I was taking the pills! How could this happen?” her voice trembled, sounding not only confusion but barely restrained distress. How was it possible? She had followed the instructions exactly!
The doctor tilted her head slightly. She did not hurry with an answerfirst she neatly folded the papers on her desk, then raised her eyes to the patient.
“Perhaps the medication was of poor quality,” she suggested in an even, professional tone. “Or there were factors that reduced its effectiveness: for example, taking antibiotics or other medicines alongside, irregular use, or digestive problems. Such things happen, though rarely.”
She paused briefly, watching Emily’s reaction, then continued softly:
“As far as I understand, you are not planning to continue the pregnancy?”
Emily closed her eyes for a moment. She had asked herself this question countless times in recent days. Memories returned of the words doctors had spoken many years earlier, the warnings about a risk that had never gone away. She drew a deep breath and answered, trying to keep her voice firm:
“The risk of blindness is nine to one. What do you thinkcan I take such a step?”
The doctor nodded with an understanding expression. She had already studied the patient’s records and was convinced the risk was real. In such a situation the young woman’s choice was the best.
“I understand you,” she said softly. “This is a very serious decision, and you have the right to make it based on your health. I’ll write referrals for tests now. They will help assess the situation more accurately and select the best plan of action.”
She turned to the computer, quickly entered details into the system, then printed several forms. Folding them neatly, she handed them to Emily.
“I expect you tomorrow for a follow-up appointment. By then we’ll have the results and can discuss the next steps. If questions arise or something worries you, call the clinic and ask for me.”
Emily took the papers and smoothed them mechanically with her fingers. Thoughts still swirled in her head, but now they felt a little more ordered. She thanked the doctor with a short nod and rose slowly from the chair. In the corridor she stopped a second, leaning against the wall, and took a deep breath and exhaled. Tomorrow would be a new dayand a new stage in this difficult decision…
“Emily!” James exclaimed joyfully into the telephone, his voice so animated that the young woman tensed involuntarily. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Emily felt everything inside tighten. She gripped the phone in her hand, trying to steady a sudden tremble.
“About what?” she asked warily, trying to keep her voice even. The thought flashed: “Has he found out? But how?”
“That you’re pregnant!” James said with genuine delight. His voice held such enthusiasm, as if he were already picturing their future together.
Emily closed her eyes for a second, gathering her thoughts.
“What makes you think that?” she answered, trying to speak calmly although her heart pounded wildly.
“I found a test with two lines on the floor,” explained James, and there was no shadow of doubt or anxiety in his toneonly pure delight. “I’ve already booked you with an excellent specialist. Shall we go to the appointment together? I want to be there, to support you.”
Emily took a deep breath, choosing her words. She needed to cool his ardour without hurting his feelings.
“Don’t rush to rejoice,” she said gently but firmly. “Most likely it’s a mistake. You remember I’m taking pills. Everything was according to instructions, without misses. This simply cannot be true.”
For a moment a pause hung on the line. Emily could almost feel James trying to process her words.
“Well, about that…” he finally hesitated, and embarrassed notes entered his voice. “You see, mum came to visit recently. She saw your pills and began convincing me that your diagnosis isn’t such a serious problem. She said many people have children with far worse conditions and everything turns out fine. She gave examples of acquaintances, spoke of modern methods of managing pregnancy… She insisted so strongly that… well, I gave in to her persuasions.”
James fell silent, as if waiting for a reaction. Emily listened without a word, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions rise in her. On one hand she understood he had simply wanted to believe in the best. On the other it irritated her that someone was interfering in their personal life, trying to decide for her.
“Are you saying she convinced you to mix something into my pills?” she clarified in an even voice, although everything boiled inside.
“No, of course not!” James objected hastily. “Nothing of the sort. It’s just… she convinced me not to follow the prescriptions so strictly. That I could try taking a risk. I didn’t think it could lead to such consequences. I’m sorry.”
Emily felt a chill run down her spine. Words stuck in her throat, and she forced out the question with difficulty:
“What exactly did you do?”
James lowered his eyes, nervously gripping the edge of the table with his fingers. He clearly felt awkward, yet gathered his courage and spoke:
“I… accidentally dropped your bottle, and the pills spilled out. Then I thoughtmaybe it’s a sign? And replaced them with vitamins. I wanted us to have a child. Mum convinced me that everything would be fine…”
Emily froze, trying to absorb what she had heard. It did not fit in her head that the person she loved could have done such a thing. She had explained so many times how important it was to take the medication daily, what even a single miss threatened, what consequences could follow…
“Are you serious?!” her voice trembled. She clenched her fists involuntarily, feeling a wave of indignation rise inside. “You deliberately went ahead with this? You listened to your mother and swapped the medicines?”
James shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, as if seeking a way to avoid answering.
“I thought it would be better for our family…” he answered quietly, not raising his eyes.
“For the family?!” Emily could no longer hold back her emotions. Her voice shook with anger, yet she tried to speak clearly so he would grasp the full seriousness. “You didn’t even consult me! You knew about my diagnosis, knew about the risksand still did this behind my back!”
She paused, trying to calm the tremble in her hands. Her temples pounded, thoughts raced, but one thing was clear: she could not continue this conversation now.
“I just wanted children…” James tried to justify himself, his voice sounding almost plaintive. “I thought we could handle everything together.”
Emily took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together. She needed time to think everything over, to order her thoughts.
“I don’t have time to talk right now,” she said more calmly, although emotions still raged inside. “Can you come the day after tomorrow? We’ll meet at the park at noon?”
“Of course, I’ll come!” James responded at once, hope appearing in his voice again. “I’m sure everything will be fine!”
Emily did not argue or explain. She simply needed to end the call.
“See you,” she said shortly and pressed the button to finish the call.
Emily was seething with rage! In her head James’s words about how he had “accidentally” dropped the bottle and then deliberately replaced the vital medication with vitamins kept replaying. He had known all the risks, the years of warnings from doctors, how critical it was for her health not to miss doses. Yet he had preferred to believe his mother, who, without any medical training, had confidently insisted that “everything would be fine.”
The thought burned inside. How could he treat her health, her life so lightly? Emily understood that with such an attitude toward the most basic thingstrust, respect, carenothing would work between them. And the day after tomorrow she firmly intended to say so.
On the appointed day James arrived at the park half an hour early. He had bought a bouquet of white rosesher favouritesand now shifted nervously from foot to foot near the entrance, glancing at the clock often. Hope flickered in his chest: perhaps Emily had simply been upset, and now they would discuss everything and he could explain he had meant well. He pictured her accepting the flowers, her gaze softening, and them deciding together what to do next.
But when Emily appeared exactly at noon, arm in arm with her brother, her face was cold and impenetrable. She did not even glance at the flowers James hastily held out. Instead she silently took a sheet of paper from her bag and handed it to him.
“What is this? I don’t understand,” James said, bewildered by her icy tone. He tried to catch her gaze, but Emily looked somewhere to the side.
“This means there will be no child,” she said coldly. “You knew about my diagnosis. You knew and deliberately put my health at risk, listening to your mother’s advice. I will never forgive this! I’ll come for my things tomorrow. And I won’t be aloneI’ll bring my brother with me to avoid any misunderstandings.”
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away. James instinctively stepped after her, calling out:
“Emily, wait! Let’s talk!”
She did not turn around, only quickened her pace. Then he rushed after her, no longer holding back his agitation, but his path was suddenly blocked by ThomasEmily’s older brother. Thomas stood straight, feet planted firmly, and looked at James without a trace of sympathy. His posture clearly said: “Don’t you dare chase her.”
James tried to go around him, but Thomas kept him at a distance, slightly extending a hand forward.
“You’re lying about everything!” James shouted, his voice trembling with rage and despair. He felt all his hopes collapsing, the future he had imagined slipping away. “I consulted doctors myself! They said that with modern medicine the risks are minimal! You just don’t want a childthat’s why you’re making up excuses!”
Emily turned slowly. Her face was pale, yet her expression remained calm, almost detached. There were no tears in her eyesonly firm determination, which she had built up over these days.
“You went to doctors without me? Discussed my health with strangers?” she spoke quietly, but every word landed heavily, distinct and weighty. “Do you even know my exact diagnosis? Or did you simply go and say that your fiancée speaks of possible blindness?”
James flinched. He had not expected such a questionit had seemed he was sure his action was understandable, that Emily would grasp his motives. Clenching his fists, he tried to gather his thoughts.
“I was thinking of our future! Of family!” his voice sounded strained but sincere. “You yourself said you were ready to consider adoption or surrogacy. Why not give our own child a chance then?”
Emily drew a deep breath. Pain flickered in her gazethe very pain she tried to hide behind cold determination.
“Because this is not a game, James!” genuine emotion broke through in her voice for the first time. “This is my life, my body, my vision. Do you even understand that I could go blind? That I would be helpless, unable to work, to care for myself? Did you think about what it is like to live in constant darkness?”
She paused, giving him time to absorb what was said, but he had already opened his mouth to object.
“But the doctors said…”
“Which doctors?!” she cut in sharply, and bitterness sounded in her voice. “The ones you visited in secret? Did you even ask them about the statistics of complications? About real cases? Do you know how many women lose their vision during pregnancy with my diagnosis? No, you simply heard what you wanted to hear!”
James fell silent. His eyes still burned with resentment, yet something else began to show in thema vague realisation that he might have made a serious mistake.
“You betrayed my trust,” continued Emily, already quieter but no less firmly. “You knew how important these pills are to me. You knew that I had learned over years to live with this diagnosis, to accept it… And you took and crossed out everything with one act.”
At that moment Thomas stepped closer. The man’s hands itched to teach the failed fiancé a lesson! But he held back, solely at his sister’s request.
“I don’t want to have anything to do with you!” Emily straightened, her voice becoming cold and even again. “I don’t want to fear every day that you’ll pull another trick!”
James opened his mouth, trying to say something, but the words stuck in his throat. He looked at her, searching her gaze for even a drop of doubt, even a shadow of a chance to put things right! But there was only coldness and contempt…
Emily turned and walked away. James wanted to call out to her but could not. He stood watching as her figure gradually faded into the evening twilight. Beside her walked Thomassilently, confidently, as if guarding her peace.
When they disappeared from view, James sank onto the nearest bench. In his hands he still clutched the bouquet of white rosesnever given, never accepted…
He gazed at the delicate petals and for the first time realised that he had lost not only the child he had wanted so much. He had lost the woman he loved.
The single thought beat in his head: “What if she was right?” But it was already too late.
