Because you are the only child, your parents have high expectations of you. Since kindergarten, your mom brought you to participate in extra classes.

When you were three years old, your mom took you to the community centre to learn piano.

You sat in a big chair, and the teacher took a stool and placed it under your feet. “Keep your gesture like this, like holding an egg.” The teacher said patiently.

But it was hard for you to do it well. What does it look like to hold an egg? You think. While tapping the piano keys with the gesture of “holding the egg” again and again, sleepiness kept coming to you.

You tried so hard to keep your eyes open. But you failed. Your head dropped to one side from time to time.

“She is too young. She fell asleep when she was playing. Let’s bring her back when she is older.”

Your grandma came to the city and lived with you until you were five years old. Mom and Dad went to work every morning, and popo would take you out in the neighbourhood to play with other kids. She would grab you when you were crying, trying to stop your mom from going to work. She would also take you to the kindergarten.

Barbie is your favourite toy. You helped her bathe and washed her hair. You didn’t understand why her hair would always ended up being knotted and frizzy. You got upset and wanted a new one.
“Okay! But we have to wait until you finish your after–school classes this semester.”
“Yes!”

Since kindergarten, your parents will occasionally ask if you want a younger brother or younger sister?

Mom was pregnant when you were at 9. She considered a lot and had a lot of discussions with your Dad. You remembered the seriousness passed through the light when you were peeking. You wanted to be part of them, but you understand nothing about what they are talking. Your mom decided to give birth in a nearby city Hong Kong, not under the one–child policy. She left home for a week with Dad. And you were sent to your uncle’s for the week. You felt lonely and being left over. But you have a little brother now. People told you that you should be happy for the new coming baby. And You did.

“No.” You answered firmly. You remembered your auntie once told you that your parents won’t like you as much after your sibling was born.

You did love him when he came home in a little blanket. He was so small and beautiful. Mom quit her job and was staying home for longer. That was the other reason that made you like your brother more.

While you were growing up, you were glad that you have a brother instead of a sister. Because of different genders and the large age difference, people were less likely to compare between you and him. Are you planning to have kid(s) in the future?

The topic of one–child policy’s liberation becomes popular in different media.

“It might happen next year.” said the mother. Now that the topic has been brought up, your parents ask you if you want a sibling.

Two years later, when you were 20, your sister was born. Every time you take her out people think you are her mother.

Actually, it’s kind of like that. When you are at home, you have to take care of her, help her dress, wash her, brush her teeth, and feed her. Mom and Dad also often say that you will be responsible for her education in the future since you know more than them. “In the future, when you have work, you will also need to support your sister.” Occasionally, when you go out with friends, you are also asked to come home early.

In fact, you don’t really likes kids.

After experiencing a child’s growth like this, you no longer want to have a kid in the future, it would be too exhausting.

Are you planning to have kid(s) in the future?

Your parents had asked you this question more than once. No. You said firmly. They said you are selfish.

“Having a child or not is your business. But I don’t believe you will be raising children as just your own business.” . . .

Later, as your parents got older, they never mentioned it again.

Life continues.

After graduating from university, you found a secure, well–paid job.

Fell in love.
Broke up.
Fell in love again.
Got married.

From the age of 26, people around you started to urge you to have children, intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly. In a call with your mom, she urged you to have a baby. she said, “I went to the market to get groceries today and I passed by a children’s clothing store on my way home. The clothes inside are so cute.” “Mom. You don’t need to urge me to have a baby like this.”
“They are really cute! It’s a pity that I haven’t had a chance to buy them yet.”

After you gave birth to the first child everyone around you was urging you to have a second one. Your husband discussed with you several times that if others were all having a second child then “So should we.” You tried to talk calmly and patiently, but it ended in a quarrel.

You struggle with the idea of having a second child and are unable to come up with a good reason.

Later, you send your husband a text message.
“You haven’t provided enough security for us to have a second child. I am the person who is mostly taking care of our first child. If there is a second child, how much are you willing to sacrifice for them?”

After you gave birth to the first child everyone around you was urging you to have a second one. Your husband discussed with you several times that if others were all having a second child then “So should we.” You tried to talk calmly and patiently, but it ended in a quarrel.

You struggle with the idea of having a second child and are unable to come up with a good reason.

Later, you send your husband a text message.
“You haven’t provided enough security for us to have a second child. I am the person who is mostly taking care of our first child. If there is a second child, how much are you willing to sacrifice for them?”

After graduating from university, you found a secure, well–paid job.

Fell in love.
Broke up.
Fell in love again.
Got married.

From the age of 26, people around you started to urge you to have children, intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly. In a call with your mom, she urged you to have a baby. she said, “I went to the market to get groceries today and I passed by a children’s clothing store on my way home. The clothes inside are so cute.”
“Mom. You don’t need to urge me to have a baby like this.”
“They are really cute! It’s a pity that I haven’t had a chance to buy them yet.”

At the age of 28, you were trying to settle down. Your husband and you have been saving money for the down payment on the house.

“Let’s talk about the baby after I get the house.” You replied evasively.

Four years later, you got your wish, paid the down payment, and borrowed the loan, and the pressure to have a child intensified.

“You said before, after you bought the condo, you will have a baby. No backing out.” Your mother said.

The story ends here but still continues
somewhere in the world.

At the age of 28, you were trying to settle down. Your husband and you have been saving money for the down payment on the house.

“Let’s talk about the baby after I get the house.” You replied evasively.

Four years later, you got your wish, paid the down payment, and borrowed the loan, and the pressure to have a child intensified.

“You said before, after you bought the condo, you will have a baby. No backing out.” Your mother said.

The story ends here but still continues
somewhere in the world.

The story ends here but still continues
somewhere in the world.