A beautiful thirty-five-year-old woman with sad eyes gazes back at Anna from the mirror. She doesnt understand what men want these daysits a pity no one teaches you about that at university. What was the point of graduating with honours?
Anna has always dreamed of having a family, a loving husband, and childrenthree, ideally. Ever since she was young, her parents had set the perfect example of a happy home. Anna rushed into marriage, almost as if she was frightened of letting happiness slip through her fingers.
She met her husband, Victor, at university. Handsome, athletic, and clever, he caught the attention of many girls and easily became the centre of any gathering. They locked eyes at a party and hit it off immediately. Victor had come to London for his studies from another town, while Anna lived at home with her parents.
Half a year later, Victor proposed, and she said yes. They married as soon as they finished their degrees. Victor seemed flawless: attentive, caring, full of humour. He got a job as an engineer at a major energy firm, while Anna started as a specialist at a local bank.
Six months after the wedding, Anna discovered she was pregnant. Victor didnt take the news well.
Anna, how did this happen? You said everything was under control, he said, frustration evident in his voice.
I honestly have no idea, Victor she stammered, startled by his reaction. But does it really matter? We always planned to have a child. Maybe its fate, she said, trying to smile.
Dont be silly! This isnt fateits carelessness. Weve just started our jobs. Now isnt the time for changing nappieswe should be focusing on our careers.
Anna blinked away tears, caught off guard by her husbands attitude.
Annie, Victor said softly, putting his arm around her shoulders, Maybe we could, you know sort it out. We dont need to rush. Theres plenty of time for children.
She stared at him in disbelief.
Dont even think about it! If youre not happy, I wont stop you. Its your decision.
Anna dashed out of the flat, wandering the streets for ages, desperately trying to make sense of it all. Her dream of a big, happy family seemed to shatter.
Anna and Victor barely spoke for days. At last, Victor apologised. He explained that hed thought things over, and he was glad to become a father. Anna was ecstatic. Eight months later, their son Anthony was born.
Anna loved motherhood. She took pleasure in looking after her baby, keeping the flat spotless, and preparing tasty meals for Victor. When Anthony turned three, Anna returned to work, enrolling her son in nursery.
She floated from day to day, convinced she was the happiest woman in the world, a feeling echoed by the many family friends who often gathered at their home. Victor and Anna frequently hosted groups of former university friends and their families. Then, one evening, Anna overheard Victor chatting with his mates.
Vic, you really landed on your feet with Anna! Shes beautiful, smart, has a job, keeps the home immaculate, and cooks like a professional.
Tell me about it, another friend chimed in. Mine just nags and spends my money.
Well, you know, Im quite something myselfthats why my wife is such a catch, Victor replied, with a grin.
They all burst into laughter. But their wives had the opposite view, and were never shy about sharing it with Anna.
