Becoming a mother can be scary, but for Megan, it was a dream she’d cherished for years. During Halloween, this thought grew stronger seeing parents and their children having fun. Her husband, Ross, had always refused to have kids, leaving Megan to decide what truly mattered most in her life.

Megan and her husband Ross were doing their weekly shopping.

Ross walked a few steps ahead, firmly gripping the cart handle as he directed their shopping, his voice booming with pretend authority.

So, what do you want for dinner, honey?” Megan asked, glancing at the shelves around them.

“Meat,” Ross said, scoffing. “Lately, you’ve been feeding me grass like I’m some herbivore…”

Megan gave a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Sorry, I just thought it’d be good for us to eat healthier. You know, more veggies, more energy.”

Ross rolled his eyes, barely looking at her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Okay,” Megan nodded calmly, used to agreeing with him. In their home, Ross’s word was the final word, a rule she rarely questioned.

Going along with him was easier than dealing with the arguments that followed if she pushed back. But lately, she’d felt the stirrings of something more.

There were things she wanted, things that were important to her—things she didn’t want to ignore forever.

As they moved through the store, Megan slowed, her eyes catching on a Halloween display. The shelves were filled with decorations and costumes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She lingered a moment, running her fingers over the small costumes, picturing the tiny, smiling faces that would wear them.

She picked up a plush teddy bear, holding it close to her chest. The soft fabric reminded her of her deepest dream—the one she never let go of, even if Ross wouldn’t hear of it.She’d wanted to be a mother for as long as she could remember, and despite Ross’s stubborn refusals, that dream only grew stronger.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Megan!” Ross’s voice cut sharply across the aisle. He walked toward her with an irritated expression, seeing her by the kids’ section again.

You’re at it again?” he scolded, loud enough to draw a few curious glances from other shoppers.

“Ross,” she said softly, setting the bear back.

“You know how much this means to me. Don’t you ever want to be a father?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He folded his arms, his tone growing firmer.

“We’ve already discussed this, Megan. End of conversation. No, and that’s final. Don’t waste your time.”

She felt the familiar sting of disappointment, though she tried to hide it. “But why, Ross? I always give in to what you want—can’t you give me this one thing?”

Ross looked down at her, an exasperated smirk on his face.For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

You’re a woman, Megan. You’re supposed to listen to me,” he said coldly. “I said ‘no’!”

She felt the words bubbling up, the ones she’d never dared to say.

“I won’t stop asking.”

With a heavy heart, Megan nodded and walked behind him, trying to push down the ache.

At home that evening, Megan sat by the window, lost in thought as she watched the families in her neighborhood.

Outside, the early evening was lively. Children were dressed in costumes, proudly parading around as pirates, princesses, and superheroes

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mothers gently guided their little ones, adjusting crooked hats or holding small hands as they made their way down the decorated streets.

Fathers laughed as they added last-minute touches to their spooky porch decorations.

The warmth and joy between them felt almost tangible, like something Megan could reach out and hold.

She felt a pang in her chest, a longing she hadn’t fully realized until this moment.

For years, Megan hadn’t been sure if motherhood was right for her.

But now, with the sights and sounds of Halloween around her, she knew it was something she truly wanted.

Megan glanced over at Ross, glued to the TV, utterly oblivious to her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she slipped on her coat and quietly stepped outside.The cool evening air and the laughter of children around her felt comforting, like a small escape from her disappointment.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She decided to take a slow walk, soaking in the Halloween magic and imagining what it might be like to share it with a child of her own.

Megan strolled along the lively street, enjoying the way Halloween filled the air with laughter and excitement.

Every porch seemed more decorated than the last, with spider webs, pumpkins, and strings of orange lights casting a warm glow in the cool evening.

Rick nodded, and without hesitation, he took her hand. They walked together, Megan feeling a mix of warmth and determination.

Tonight, she was going to make sure Rick felt seen and valued, and maybe—just maybe—she could be the family he’d been missing, even if just for a night.

As Megan led Rick through the door, Ross’s glare met them instantly, his voice dripping with irritation.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Who did you drag into my house!? This isn’t a daycare. Send him back where he came from!” he demanded, arms crossed tightly.

Megan knelt down, gently covering Rick’s ears, feeling the small warmth of his head against her palms. “Ross, don’t talk like that! He’s just a child.” She kept her voice steady, meeting his glare with a calm resolve.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Really? I get to be a real superhero?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

“Yes, absolutely.” Megan couldn’t help but smile, her heart full as she watched him.