Father Is No Worse Than Mother
Anna met her second husband in a volunteer camp deep in the wilds of Norfolk, where they guarded the nests of rare birds from poachers. She arrived with her ten-year-old son, Stephen.
Anthony was the heart and spark of the projecta biology devotee with eyes ablaze. Strange nature excursions, arranged with an old school friend, were both his escape and a side income.
Three days in, Anna slipped on damp stones and twisted her ankle. Anthony turned out not only to be a wildlife enthusiast but an actual practicing doctor. He wrapped her foot tightly, carried her gently to her tent, and for the week coddled her as if she were his own child.
Stephen, thrilled, roamed about assisting the scientists, and the adults found a peculiar, electrically charged connection between them. But they held themselves backboth bore old wounds and couldn’t let themselves tumble headlong into the euphoric rush of new love.
After the holiday, Anna buried herself in work, determined to forget the fleeting fantasy. Anthony thought it nothing more than a holiday flirtation, but two weeks passed and he was already searching for her address
Six months later, they moved in together, and within the year, married.
Anthony dove eagerly into fatherhood. Hed always wished for children but never found the timework and hobbies stole every spare hour. Stephen, raised by his mum and grandma, adored his stepdad and soon began calling him “Dad.” They bought a roomy flat overlooking Regents Park and began dreaming of a child together. Anna had long hoped for a girl, and Anthonys wish matched hers. They already had a name pickedEvelyn. Life seemed blissful.
Everything changed when twins arrivedwith Evelyn came an unexpected son, Michael. Anna was lost in a whirlwind of nappies, porridge, and endless sleepless nights. Her mother helped as best she could with the babies. Anthony, needing to support their swelling household, started working for a pharmaceutical conglomerate. His job meant lengthy business trips and endless reports. Soon, Anthony found himself reluctant to return to a flat filled with crying babies and a wife too exhausted for clever conversation.
He reasoned that being the provider entitled him to private space and proper rest. Anna believed childcare was everyones responsibility, that her husband should share the daily burdens. Their arguments grew more frequent, their distance greater; every talk seemed to end in a quarrel about family roles.
Relief came in the form of nursery school. Before the twins even turned three, Anna managed a return to her design work. Stephen became a real help. Tensions easedtemporarily.
After two years, Anthony fell in love again. His new colleague: passionate, driven, as beautiful and unencumbered as he once imagined himself. Anthony, scrupulously honest, confessed everything to Anna, declaring they should separate.
Ill always help you and the children, I promise. Well sort out your housing within the year. But now, I ask you to take the kids and move in with your mother. Ill file for divorce myself.
Butdidnt we buy this flat together, planning for a big family? Anna replied, calm as ever.
Dont complicate it! Im offering a civilised solution! Anthony snapped.
I need to think, Anna answered quietly.
She pondered for a week before announcing her decision.
You love someone else. That happens. But the children are yours as well as mine. Theyll always be ours, wont they? I wont squabble over the flat, though I have every rightlive here with your new wife if you wish. Well divide parental responsibilities. Ill take Stephen and Evelyn; Michael will stay with you.
Anthony was stunned.
Have you gone mad? I cant raise a preschooler alone! I work! He needs his mother!
Really? Anna replied with genuine surprise. Didnt you always want your own childrena real family? Here it is, your dream. I work, too, you know. You want a new life, and expect me to raise three kids single-handed? No, darling, I wont agree. Take at least one of thembe fair.
An argument exploded.
Anthony stormed out, recounting the tale to friends, family, colleagueseveryone was shocked. They called Anna, pleaded, scolded, labelled her decision cruel and inhumane. Her own mother said shed never forgive her. Anna stood firm: Why should a father be valued less than a mother? He loves them! Besides, Michael is hardly a baby nowhes a self-sufficient little boy.
Cornered, dazed, and desperate, Anthony agreed. His own mother refused to care for her grandsonher health wouldn’t allow it. His new love, after witnessing the reality of a single father with a child, vanished within three weeks. Caring for anothers child was not in her plans.
*
Three months passed.
One evening, Anna came to collect Stephen, who was staying with his father. Anthony opened the door. The flat was tidy, scented with porridge; Michael sat on the floor immersed in Lego bricks.
Anthony looked tired, but serene.
Come in, he said quietly.
Stephen ran off to gather his things, while Anna and Anthony lingered in the kitchen.
You know, Anthony began, avoiding Annas eyes, “the first weeks, I hated you bitterly. Thought it was the harshest revenge. But then then I simply got to know Michael. Turns out he loves tomatoes and oranges, but is terrified of the hoover. He adores building toys. Snores so sweetly in his sleep. Falls asleep only if you scratch his back.
He looked up.
I became his father. Properly. Not just on weekends, but every day.
Anna listened silently.
I wont ask your forgiveness for the past. ButIm grateful, Anthony nodded toward his son. For him. For us.
I knew, Anna finally said.
Knew what? That Id manage?
That, of course. But most of all, I never doubted youd love him. Properly. Thats the only way. Weve always been all-or-nothing, Anthony. In love, in work. And in parenting, as you see.
Sowas it revenge after all?
Anna smiled, walked out of the kitchen, and replied:
No. It was the only chance to see in you the man I married. And it seems, it worked.
She left, and he remained in the quiet flat with their son. For the first time in ages, both understood that, even though their marriage was lost, the familystrangely and painfullyhad been saved.
