When Emilia Fuentes discovered she was pregnant, she saw it as the fulfillment of her long-awaited dreams. Happiness in marriage with her beloved Kelvin and the birth of a child after eight years of effort filled her with joy.
From the very beginning of her pregnancy, she felt incredibly tired and excruciating nausea that seemed to not leave her all day. Instead of gaining weight, she was losing it.
Emilia grinned at her husband, saying, “At least I won’t put on too much weight!” However, her mother, Alicia, a mother of five, felt uneasy.
Concerned, Alicia inquired, “What does the doctor say?”
Emilia assured her, “First ultrasound on Monday. I’ll seek your advice on vitamins and supplements, Mom. Don’t worry!”
To their surprise, the first ultrasound revealed a twist: “Twins!” the doctor declared. “Congratulations!”
“Twin!” Emilia exclaimed, squeezing Calvin’s hand. “This is amazing!”
Lost in the happiness of impending parenthood, Emilia overlooked mentioning her fatigue and constant nausea to the doctor. That evening, she shared the news with her mother, saying, “Twins, Mom, can you believe it? That must be why I’ve been so tired!”
Alicia was relieved to hear his answer: “Yes, honey, that makes sense. Two children require a lot of attention to your body!”
However, as the months passed, Emilia became increasingly exhausted. She told Alicia that her daughter had asked a question about her health: “Mom, have your breasts hurt?”
Emilia admitted that she has had some soreness, but Emilia is concerned that she is not producing milk, while sometimes pink fluid comes out of her bra.
Alice, filled with dread, rushed her daughter to the doctor, and time seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye. The doctor shared news about breast cancer, prompting Emilia to inquire anxiously about what lies ahead: “Is my life at risk? Will I be around to witness my children’s growth?”
The doctor assured them that chemotherapy could begin in the third trimester, but Emilia emphasized her concern: “All I care about are my children and my husband.” Kelvin remained silent in shock.
That evening, Emilia tried to discuss future plans with Kelvin, but he was taken aback and asked, “Me and the kids? What are you talking about?”
“You will raise the twins on your own,” Emilia said. “My mom will help, but you’ll be a single parent.”
Kelvin jumped up. “No, I won’t! The birth was your idea. You’re not putting the burden on me!”
Emilia was stunned. “Calvin, I’m dying. I need you to be there for our daughters.”
“No,” he said coldly. “Having a child with you is one thing, but I’m not going to raise them alone.”
“I’m 35 and I’m not throwing my life away for your daughters!” – Kelvin exclaimed.
“They are your children too!” – said Emilia. “What are you expecting?”
“Give them up for foster care, for adoption! I don’t care!” – Kelvin shouted. “I’m leaving!”
Emilia’s final pregnancy months marked the end of her life, profoundly affected by her husband’s heartbreaking refusal.
Seeking guidance, Emilia turned to her mother, asking, “What should I do? What about my children?”
With resolve, Alice assured, “I will raise them,” keeping her promise after Emilia’s tragic passing just two months after childbirth.
Alicia fulfilled her vow, nurturing the girls as Emilia had wished. The twins, displaying intelligence and beauty, swiftly matured. By the time their grandmother neared ninety, they pursued higher education. Diana embraced midwifery, while Daniela chose oncology. Alicia’s pride endured until her final day, leaving a legacy that the twins cherished, mourning their beloved grandmother.
Over the years, Emilia’s daughters married and became mothers. Thirty-seven years after the death of their grandfather, an unexpected turn awaited the twins. Calvin, a man who introduced himself as Diana’s father, showed up at her office looking haggard and dirty.
Hearing this, Diana called Daniela. After meeting both daughters, Kelvin expressed his desire to meet and see his grandchildren, causing them mixed feelings. After thirty-seven years of his absence, the question “Where have you been?” sounded fair in Diana’s voice.
“His loyalty belonged only to his mother…”
“Of course,” Diana replied. “So why did you leave her when she was dying and didn’t even take care of us before we were born?”
“Don’t talk to me like that,” Kelvin complained. “I’m your father! You wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for me. I just need some money, and you have enough… Emilia…”
“We don’t owe you anything,” Daniela said. “You wanted Mom to give us up for foster care or adoption. You didn’t even call to see how we were doing. Our success is not your fault.”
“Just a long time,” Diana said, “before I call security. And don’t mention our mother again! Her every breath was filled with love for us! The only thing that mattered to you was yourself!”
