Little Emily Couldn’t Understand Why Her Parents Didn’t Love Her

**Diary Entry 23rd May 2023**

Little Emily could never understand why her parents didnt love her. She irritated her father, and her mother seemed to go through the motions of caring for hermore concerned with keeping her husband happy than with their daughter.

Her paternal grandmother, Margaret Williams, insisted that her father worked hard, her mother worked hardall so Emily would want for nothing. But the truth came out when she was eight, overhearing her parents argue.

“Susan, this soup is inedible!” her father roared. “Cant you do anything right?”

“John, I tasted itit was fine!” her mother protested weakly.

“Fine? Everythings always ‘fine’ with you! Couldnt even give me a son. The lads at work take pleasure in mocking me’John the daughter-breeder!'”

It was doubtful anyone actually mocked himhe was a stern man, a long-haul lorry driver whod seen his share of hardshipbut the bitter resentment in his voice made Emilys stomach twist. Now she understood why they sent her to Grans whenever he returnedhe couldnt bear to look at his “failure,” a daughter instead of a son.

At Grans, Emily was happy. They did homework, baked, sewedyet it still stung, knowing her parents resented her.

Not long after that argument, John and Susan announced they were moving to London.

They claimed it was for a fresh startmaybe theyd finally have a son in a new place. Of course, it was Johns idea, and Susan obediently agreed.

Only one problemthey didnt want Emily coming along.

“Youll stay with Gran. Well send for you later,” her mother muttered, avoiding her eyes.

“Good! I dont want to go anyway,” Emily lied, her chest tight with hurt.

Fine. Shed stay with Gran, with friends, with teachers who actually cared.

Her parents could live as they pleasedshe wouldnt waste another tear on them.

By the time Emily turned ten, John and Susan finally had their precious sonher brother, Oliver.

Her father announced it over a video callthey hadnt visited once in all those years. Her mother only rang occasionally; her father merely “sent his regards.” They occasionally sent Margaret money, but mostly, Gran supported Emily alone.

Then, a year later, her mother suddenly demanded Emily move in with themeven making the trip to fetch her.

“Darling, well finally be together!” she chirped. “Youll get to know your little brother”

“I dont want to go,” Emily scowled. “Grans is my home.”

“Dont be difficult! Youre old enough to help me now.”

“Susan, rein it in!” Gran snapped. “If you think youll turn her into a free nanny, think again!”

“Shes *my* daughter!”

Gran wasnt backing down. “Try it, and Ill report you for child abandonment. Youll lose your rightshumiliation wont even cover it.”

They argued more, but Emily didnt hearGran sent her to the shops. By the time she returned, her mother had dropped the matter and left the next day.

Ten years passed without a word. Emily finished school, then college, and with help from Grans old friend, Arthur Bennett, landed a job as an accountant.

She started dating a lorry driver, Rob, and they planned to marrybut postponed when Gran passed.

Her parents showed up for the funeraljust them. Oliver stayed behind; no need for a boy to see such things.

Emily barely registered their presence, grief-stricken.

Which was why she didnt immediately grasp her fathers words at the wake.

“This place is a dump,” he mused, glancing around. “Wont fetch much.”

“John” her mother warned.

“We need to settle things. Olivers home alone.”

“Arthur, know any estate agents?”

“Selling what, exactly?” Arthur asked.

“This flat. Oliver will need his own placenot that thisll cover much, but its a start. Well pay off the rest by the time hes eighteen.”

Emily stared blankly out the window.

“John, youd throw your own daughter out?” Arthur said sharply.

“Shes grown! Let her husband house her.”

Arthur sighed. “Margaret was right about you. But it wont work. The wills legalthis flat is Emilys now.”

Her father fell silent.

“Turned Gran against me, did you?” he spat at Emily. “Well contest it.”

“Margaret anticipated that,” Arthur said calmly. “Try it, Johnyou wont win.”

A day later, after consulting someone, John realised the law wasnt on his side.

“Emily, have you no shame?” he tried instead. “Youll marryRob can provide. Oliver needs this. Give it up!”

“No.”

“Well pay youfifty grand. Enough for a deposit.”

“I said no.”

“You selfish little”

“Leave, or Ill call the police.”

She wouldnt dishonour Grans memory, nor would she be left homeless.

Her father hated dealing with the law, so he and Susan leftvanishing for four years.

In that time, Emily married Rob, and they had a daughter, Lily. Money was tight, but they were happyuntil her mother called.

“This is your fault!” she sobbed. “If you hadnt clung to that flat, your father wouldnt have overworkedwouldnt have taken that last job!”

Emily pitied Johnbut as a stranger, not a father.

“Are you alright? Need help with arrangements?”

“I dont want anything! Olivers an orphan because of you!” The line went dead.

“You know this isnt your fault?” Rob said quietly.

Emily exhaled. “I know.”

A year later, her mother reappearedolder, bitter.

“We need money. Olivers starting uni,” she demanded. “Its your dutyyou owe us.”

“I owe you nothing.”

“Margarets influence, clearly. She always hated meraised you the same.”

“Speak ill of Gran again, and Ill throw you out. And no, I wont give you a penny.”

“Dont lieI see how you live.”

(Theyd saved for years, took a loanbut Emily wouldnt justify herself.)

“You didnt even ask about Lily.”

“She has parents. Oliver only has me.”

“Enough. No money.”

Her mother left with a threat: “Well do this the hard way, then.”

A week later, a court summons arrived.

“Lost your mind?” Emily asked coldly.

“Ill *make* you help your brother. The laws on my side.”

“So, Im not your child?”

In court, Susan put on a showtearfully spinning tales of hardship, of losing her husband, of poverty.

The judge seemed sympatheticuntil Emily spoke, laying out the truth.

Ultimately, Susans comfortable pension and salary worked against her. The case was dismissed.

She left without a word, shooting Emily one last hateful glare.

Emily doubted this was truly the end. But for nowshe was free.