**Helplessness and Confusion**
Emily stepped out of the church feeling heavy-hearted, yet clinging to a thread of hope. With tears in her eyes, she had begged God to bless her with a child. She and Richard had been married for over ten years, and still, no baby had come. So she began attending services regularly, pleading, praying. A decade of marriage, and not a single pregnancy.
How many tears had she shed? How many doctors had she visited, only to hear the same answer:
Youre perfectly healthythese things happen. You just have to wait its not the right time yet.
But how much longer, Rich? shed ask, staring at her husband. A family isnt complete without a child.
Richard felt the ache too. He longed for an heir, especially since his business was thriving. They lived comfortably, lacking nothingexcept for the one thing they wanted most.
Em, maybe we should adopt? Richard suggested gently.
No, Rich. I want to carry my own child. Why do the doctors keep saying Im fine when Im not?
Perhaps God took pity on Emily, or perhaps it simply was her timebut at last, she conceived. The joy was boundless. Though the pregnancy was difficult, she endured it willingly for the sake of their long-awaited baby.
Oliver was born frail, often ill, but his parents doted on him, fussing over him day and night. As he grew, they shielded him from everything, even keeping him away from other children, terrified he might catch something. Emily took him for walks far from playgrounds.
Nothing was too good for Oliver. By four, he had a tablet; by his first day of school, an expensive phone. Every whim was indulged. But the older he got, the more unbearable his behavior became.
Richard was always at work; Emily stayed home, taking Oliver to and from school, cooking only what he demanded. If she dared prepare something else, he would scowl.
What is this rubbish? Im not eating it. I dont want stew! Hed dump a salt shaker into the bowl and demand his favourite soup instead.
At thirteen, Oliver was uncontrollable. Emily tried to explain to Richard, but he dismissed it.
Em, hes just a teenage lad. Its a phaseweve got to ride it out.
One evening, Richard came home and called out, Ollie, I got you that new phone! Oliver emerged, took the box, then moments later, his furious voice rang out.
What is this? I told you to get the other model! Only peasants use this one. You want my mates to laugh at me? He hurled the phone across the room and slammed the door.
His parents exchanged bewildered glances.
Told you, Emily muttered. Richard had no reply.
The same happened with clothes and shoesthey never bought anything without his approval, or hed throw a fit. Then came the call from his form teacher, summoning Emily to school.
She knew it wasnt for praise.
Whats Oliver done now? She didnt even want to ask him.
Hello, Mrs. Hart, the teacher began. Thank you for coming. Im afraid we need to discuss Olivers behaviour. He insults staff, disrupts lessons, and when reprimanded, he smirks and says he knows his rightsthreatens to report us until were sacked.
He lends his mates his flashy phone, then demands money in return. Makes them do his homework, too.
Emily wanted the ground to swallow her. Her face burned with shame.
Please, Mrs. Hart, you must intervene, the teacher finished.
She apologised and promised to act. Walking home, she feared she might snapmight finally slap Oliver in frustration.
*Where did I go wrong? When did I lose him? We love him so much. How could care and affection breed cruelty and defiance? Why has he turned out like thisaggressive, rude, disrespectful? He was our miracle child.*
They couldnt control their only son. Meanwhile, next door, the Wilsons had four childrennever a raised voice, always polite. The older boys even helped Emily carry shopping if they saw her struggling. Once, she asked Sarah how she managed.
Its fine, really. My husband grew up in a big familyalways said more kids mean more harmony. And you know what? Hes right. They help each other. Its not hard at all.
Emily listened, envying her quietly. Not once had she heard a harsh word from those children.
Oliver stormed in after school, flinging his bag down, kicking off his designer trainers.
Im sick of school, sick of the teachers. Mum, I told you to keep my door shut. Stay out of my room!
Emily stayed silent, still reeling from the teachers words. She had no strength left for his tantrums. His mood was always the sameseething, blaming everyone, radiating negativity.
She laid the table, knowing hed demand lunch, but he didnt come. She entered his roomhe stood in the middle, slowly shredding a leather jacket with scissors, smirking at her. Her eyes widened.
Thats for going to school. Big deal, the teacher called you in. So what? You think this jackets expensive? Buy me a better oneor Ill do it again.
He kept cutting, taunting her. Emily snappedshe struck him across the face. He clutched his cheek, stunned. Instantly, she regretted it, wanted to hug him, soothe him. But the venom in his eyes stopped her cold.
Oh, so thats how it is? Fine. Lets see how you like this.
He grabbed his phone and dialled.
Police? Come quickmy mum just hit me. Yeah, my own mum. Hurry!
When the officer arrived, he frowned at the well-furnished flat, then at Emily and Oliver.
There must be some mistake?
No mistake, Oliver barked. She slapped me. I want her punished.
The officer had seen neglect, drunken parents, neglected kidsbut this? He was baffled.
Lad, you had a row with your mum. Sort it out yourselves. He turned to leave.
No! I know my rights. If you walk away, Ill report you for failing to protect me!
The officer hesitated, glancing at Emily.
Take him, she said wearily. Maybe this will change something.
Oliver returned later, sneering.
Now youll dance to my tune. Richard was home by then, aware of everything.
The next day, social services arrived, equally confused by the chaos in such a comfortable home. But hearing Olivers demands to punish his mother, seeing Emilys pallor, they understood.
Pack your things, Oliver. Youre coming with us.
Where?
To a childrens home. If youre being mistreated, we have to act.
Oliver paled but had no choice. As he left, one woman murmured kindly to Emily, Ill call you.
When the door closed, Emily sank into a chair.
Rich, I never imagined theyd take him but its our only chance. I dont know what else to do.
The next day, Oliver called.
Mum, get me out of here! The foods disgustingtheyve taken my things
We cant. Weve been restricted for two weeks. She hung up.
They hoped the harsh environment would teach him gratitude. Let him see what life was like without privilege.
At the social office, the woman whod visited them said, I knew straight away who the troublemaker was. Spoilt childrenwe see it all the time. They get everything too easily.
Richard went alone to collect Oliverand barely recognised him. Quiet, subdued, no trace of defiance.
Dad are you taking me home for good?
Do you want to stay?
No. I want to come home.
Stepping inside, Oliver exhaled. Its so good to be back Mum, Dad, Im sorry. I was awful. I pushed youI get it now.
Emily smiled softly. Hello, love. Come on, dinners ready.
