Tom, weve got a girl, 7.7lb! Emily shouted into the phone, thrilled.
I was standing under the windows of StThomas Hospital, waving at my wife who was cradling the newborn.
Weve got a daughter. Im a dad! Emily, werent we supposed to have a boy? I blurted.
Silence hung on the line for a beat, then Emily whispered, Mustve been a mixup.
I turned and walked past the happy dads drawing hearts on the pavement, letting balloons drift up, past the polished cars and clusters of relatives gathered around them.
Id always imagined a son an heir, someone to carry on the family name. While Emily was pregnant I kept picturing our future: us kicking a ball around the backyard, us out on a fishing trip, having a ladsonly chat, bringing mum a big catch, then settling down at night around the table, everyone swapping stories, and thered be my boy, my pride.
Emilyd struggled to get pregnant. We saw a renowned specialist, basically a scientific celebrity, and it wasnt until five years later that she finally had the good news.
Tom, are you hearing me? I heard a voice behind me. I turned it was Mike, a mate from university.
How long has it been? Hows life? he asked.
I just got back from the maternity ward, wife just gave birth to a daughter.
Congratulations! Why arent you over the moon? he smiled.
Yeah I shrugged. He glanced around, spotted a café a stones throw away and suggested we pop in for a chat.
So you were waiting for a bloke? We all expect boys, heirs thats normal. I was in the same boat as you, gearing up to be a father of a son, and then my wife delivered a girl.
How are your kids? Did they come with you? Mike asked, his eyes dropping. He fell silent, then looked at me with a gaze that seemed to hold the whole weight of the world.
Im on my own now, no family left. Tom, this isnt the right time for you; youve got good news.
Whats happened? I pressed.
An accident I dont want to go into it. Ive been alone for a year, thinking of moving back with my mum, finding a job, fixing up my flat.
We sat there for ages, trading stories about university, old friends, future plans. I gave Mike my number and told him to ring whenever.
The next morning I rushed to the hospital windows with a massive bouquet of Emilys favourite peonies and a bunch of balloons.
Emily! I called out, hearing her familiar voice on the line.
Forgive me! Im over the moon about our longawaited little girl! What does she look like?
She looks just like you, Tom, a spitting image!
Really? Ive been a mess yesterday
Dont worry, I get it she cut me off.
Tom, shes healthy, calm, eats, sleeps, even smiles in her sleep. Well be discharged soon, youll see for yourself.
P.S. We never ended up with more kids; the birth was tough and left its mark on Emilys health. Twenty years on, our daughter grew up sharp and beautiful, a real pride and joy, and Mike became her godfather. I still thank him for that chat it opened my eyes and, above all, taught me to value and love everyone whos standing by my side now.
