Youre a monster, Mom! Kids arent meant for people like you!
You’re a monster, mother! People like you shouldnt have children! the criticism kept echoing. One night she went out with friends to a club, where she met Ricardo. He was a goodlooking Lisbon native whose parents were abroad on a yearlong work assignment. She fell hopelessly in love and soon moved in with him.
They lived extravagantly, with his parents sending money. Every day was either a party out or a party at home. At first Leonor liked the lifestyle, but it quickly led to debts, absences, and she failed the winter exams, putting her at risk of expulsion.
She swore she would change and retake the tests, and she threw herself into the books. When Ricardos friends dropped by, she shut herself in the bathroom. She managed to pass the courses, but tried to persuade Ricardo to tone down their wild life. She was in her final year, about to finish her degree.
Dont overdo it, Leonor. You only live once. Youth flies by. When are we supposed to have fun, if not now? he replied, carefree.
She was ashamed to tell her mother that she was living with him unmarried. When she called home, she lied, saying they had already formalized the marriage and would celebrate when his parents returned.
One day, Leonor felt sick in classdizzy and nauseous. She realized, horrified, that she might be pregnant. A test confirmed her fear.
Because it was still early, Ricardo demanded she abort. They fought like never before, and he disappeared for two days. She waited, desperate. When he came back, he wasnt alone; he brought a drunken blonde who could barely stay on her feet. Exhausted, Leonor shouted at him and tried to throw the girl out.
Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, you can leave, you hysteric! he shouted, striking her hard.
She grabbed her coat and fled. On foot she reached the university residence, her face swollen, mascara running, tears streaming. The gatekeeper felt pity and let her in.
The next morning Ricardo appeared, begging forgiveness, swearing never to touch her again, pleading for her return. She believed himfor the sake of the baby.
She barely managed to finish her first year. She feared going homewhat would she tell her mother? Yet staying in Lisbon scared her too. Ricardos parents were about to return, and she, pregnant, looked unrecognizable.
When his parents arrived and learned Leonor was from the countryside and had barely passed to the second year, his father gave her a harsh lecture. He offered money for her to leave and leave his son alone.
Think about itwhat kind of father would he be? He only cares about parties. And whos to say the child is his? Take the money and go back to your hometown. Trust me, its best.
Leonor felt humiliated. Ricardo stayed silent, offering no defense. She refused the cash, though she later regretted it, packed her bags, and returned to her mother.
The moment her mother saw the swollen belly at the doorway, she understood everything.
So you came alone? From what I see, you didnt marry. The Lisbon boy had fun and left you on the street? Did he give you any money? she asked, not letting her in.
Mom, how could you? I dont want his money.
Then why did you come here? We could barely fit the two of us in this apartment. I thought youd be lucky, married to a Lisbon guy, living in luxury. Yet you come back pregnant. Where will we all live? And with a child?
All of us? Leonor asked, confused.
While you were in Lisbon, I got a boyfriend. Im still young; I deserve happiness too. I raised you alone, never thought of myself. Now I want to live. Hes younger. I dont want you looking after him.
Where am I supposed to go, Mom? Im about to have the baby, Leonor whispered, tears in her eyes.
Go back to the childs father. Let him support you.
Her mothers words were merciless. Leonor saw no compassion in her eyes. Their relationship had already been cold; now she felt she was speaking to a stranger.
She grabbed her suitcase and left. Sitting on a bench, she wept, wondering where to go. If even her mother rejected her, who would take her in? She even thought of stepping in front of a car, but the baby kicked as if sensing danger, and she couldnt bring herself to do it.
Leonor? a familiar voice called. It was Sofia, an old school friend. Seeing her pregnant and crying, Sofia took her home.
Stay with me. My parents are out in the village until autumn. Then well figure something out.
Leonor had no other option.
Sofia worked at a hospital and was studying nursing. Two days later, an opportunity arose: an elderly woman in the hospital needed a caregiver because her daughter refused to take her home.
I didnt tell you you were pregnant. Come on, this is your chance.
Leonor hesitatedhow could she look after a bedridden elder and a newborn? Yet she accepted, desperate for a roof.
The elderly womans daughter, an arrogant woman, agreed to let Sofias family house the elder without pay. Youll keep the pension for expenses, but the house is mine. Dont think youll inherit it.
Thus Leonor began living with Dona Amélia, caring for her and recounting her story. When little Matilde was born, the old woman even helped soothe the baby.
Time passed. Matilde learned to walk, but Dona Amélias health deteriorated and she died. The daughter appeared only for the funeral and demanded Leonor leave.
I told you the house wasnt yours.
While sorting the deceaseds papers, they discovered a will: Leonor inherited the apartment. The daughter, furious, threatened legal action, but neighbors testified to Leonors dedication.
With a stable home, Leonor worked and raised Matilde. Years later, her mother resurfaced, claiming a serious illness and saying she had sold the house to pay for treatment. Leonor, feeling pity, accepted her back.
One day she overheard a phone conversation: Shes not listening Im saving rent money Ill be there soon It was all lies. The mother hadnt sold the apartment; she was renting it to support a lover.
Mom! Youre a monster! You lied again! Leonor shouted.
Wait, its not what you think
I dont want to hear it. When you come back, I want you out of my house.
Sofia tried to console her: You cant choose your parents. She made mistakes, but shes still your mother.
Leonor gave in, but her mother had already left. Years later, when her mother truly fell ill, Leonor cared for her until the end.
Hatred only breeds more hatred. If a mother cannot love her daughter, what love can a daughter ever expect in return? But the mother, (the story ends here).
