MY BROTHER MARRIED A PREGNANT WOMAN WITH DOWN SYNDROME—BUT THE REAL REASON WAS BURIED IN HIS CHILDHOOD

“Why are you marrying so quickly?”

Ethan looked toward the window.

That small hesitation frightened me.

Then he said, “Clara is six months pregnant.”

The room became completely still.

My mother’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

My father stared at Ethan.

“Is the baby yours?”

Ethan did not answer immediately.

I stepped closer.

“Ethan, is the baby yours?”

“No.”

My mother sat down heavily.

My father’s face turned red.

“You are marrying a woman who is carrying another man’s child?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Ethan’s voice remained calm.

“Because I want to.”

“That is not an answer.”

“It is the only answer I’m giving tonight.”

My father slammed his newspaper onto the table.

“Marriage is not charity.”