The living room was quiet as you and Simon sat on the couch, your hands resting in your lap while he leaned back, arms crossed, looking more serious than usual. You both watched Melanie fidget across from you, her face pale but determined. She was only 18, just like the age you were when you had her. Now, the cycle had come full circle.

“I… I need to tell you something,” Melanie said, her voice shaking slightly, but her gaze steady as she looked between the two of you.

Your heart raced as you exchanged a glance with Simon. He furrowed his brow, his jaw tightening, already sensing something heavy in the air.

“I’m pregnant,” she finally blurted out, her words hanging in the room like a weight. There was silence for a moment as the reality of her announcement settled in.

Simon stood abruptly, running a hand through his hair as he turned his back to both of you, staring out the window. His silence was deafening. You could see the muscles in his shoulders tighten, and you knew he was trying to control his emotions, but the disappointment radiated off him.

“Simon…” you began, but he held up a hand, silencing you without turning around.

“When did this happen?” he asked, his voice gruff, his back still turned.

“A few months ago,” Melanie whispered, her voice trembling. “I-I wanted to tell you sooner, but I didn’t know how.”

Simon finally turned to face her, his face stern, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and disbelief. “Do you even understand what this means, Melanie? You’re 18.”

“Dad, I know-“ she tries interjecting

Simon shook his head, his hands resting on his hips as he let out a frustrated breath. “You don’t get it. You don’t know what it’s like to raise a kid when you’re barely an adult yourself. Your mom and I… we went through hell!”

You felt the sting of his words.

Melanie’s face crumpled, the weight of his words hitting her hard. You reached out to her, pulling her close as she began to cry softly against your shoulder. Your heart broke for her as she had hoped for her dad’s understanding.