The Alpha and the Mistake

On a crisp winters day, the piercing wails of a newborn filled the air from a modest wooden house in Willow Creek. Tom Wilson, pacing outside the room, couldnt help but stare intently at the wooden door.

The door creaked open, and a woman who resembled Toms mother emerged. "How is it?" Tom stepped forward, his voice filled with anticipation.

"A girl," the woman said, her eyes fixed on the baby in her arms.

In these times, despite the changing world, the Wilson family still held onto the old ways, hoping for a son to carry on the family name. With the birth of a daughter, their hopes were dashed, and Tom knew he would be the subject of ridicule from his brother, Mark, who had always been favored by their parents. Mark had two sons, Ethan, aged eleven, and Alex, aged eighteen.

Ignoring his mother, Tom entered the master bedroom, which was furnished with only the essentials: a 26-inch color TV on the right, bought by his mother for their wedding; a wardrobe on the left, part of Sarahs dowry; and a double bed in the center, where Sarah lay with a blank expression, her eyes closed as if asleep.

Tom pulled a stool from the corner and sat by Sarahs bedside, gently tucking the blanket around her. Sarahs eyes fluttered open, her gaze distant.

"Its a girl," Sarah said weakly. "Sarah, rest well. A daughter is just as precious. My brother cant even have a daughter," Tom reassured her.

"But... I wanted a son," Sarah replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Its okay. Well love her just the same," Tom said, trying to comfort his wife. Sarah closed her eyes, pretending to rest, thinking her simple-minded husband didnt understand her desires.

"Sarah, we havent named our child yet. What should we call her?" Tom asked, deep in thought.

"Emily," Sarah answered faintly.

Tom knew Sarah hoped for a son next time, and this would be their last child. He was also aware that Sarah didnt cherish this daughter, but he didnt want to shatter her dreams. "Yes, thats a good name. Emily Wilson, it has a nice ring to it. Heh!"

Toms foolish grin and the way he nodded and rubbed his hands made him look rather pitiable. And so, the once tranquil town of Willow Creek became lively, and it wasnt until Emily started junior high that the town returned to its former peace.