Chapter 2

I was pregnant, just over two months along. This baby seemed particularly considerate—I had no adverse reactions.

I just needed routine checkups, and the doctor said I could continue working as long as I watched my activity level.

My due date was in July, and I had already prepared my review materials in advance. I just needed to implement them step by step.

I had even reported this to my supervisor.

After comprehensive consideration, to avoid student resistance, they insisted I remain as their teacher.

I never expected that after one parent complaint, the principal would change his tune and blame me first.

Though angry, I still patiently replied:

"Hugo's mom, you're a woman too. You should understand the pregnancy process. The first few months allow for normal work. Besides, my due date is late July. Right now my energy isn't significantly affected. I guarantee it won't impact my class responsibilities."

Hugo's mom replied in a shrill voice:

"You guarantee? With what? Precisely because I'm a woman, I know how terrible a pregnant woman's condition can be. Plus, pregnancy makes you lose IQ for three years. In your state, how can you guarantee teaching quality? The kids only have one final sprint left—this is the most critical time!"

After she finished, other parents kept liking Hugo's mom's message.

Wendy's dad:

"Hugo's mom's anxiety is completely normal. Women teachers are just trouble. How could you get pregnant at such a crucial time? This is completely irresponsible!"

Lily's mom:

"Last semester, grades barely improved and she took leave to get married. I was already worried about what would happen if she got pregnant now. Turns out she really did!"

Zack's dad:

"We initially saw her credentials were decent. The school kept assuring us you were a good teacher, so we agreed to let you teach. Sure enough, here comes the trouble."

This was blatant gender and professional discrimination.

I couldn't help but argue:

"Parents, I've explained very clearly—I went for my checkup on the weekend. It won't take up work time. I currently have no other symptoms, I'm in good condition, and I haven't used my pregnancy as an excuse for special privileges. I've always put work first. If I really wanted to slack off, I could easily use pregnancy as an excuse to resign from my teaching position."

Hugo's mom sneered:

"Words are cheap. You just got pregnant and haven't shifted into that role yet. How can you guarantee you'll stay in good condition throughout your pregnancy? At the end of the day, it's about the bonus money. Who doesn't know teachers get better pay, and you're teaching the honors class, which adds to your teaching resume."

Hearing these words, my heart went ice cold.

High school teachers could be said to be the hardest-working teachers.

As a teacher, there are endless meetings and endless class affairs to handle.

I also had to constantly adjust review plans and maintain communication with parents.

Every day was like being a spinning top that never stopped.

Yet the parents couldn't understand and continued attacking me:

"That's why women teachers are risky. First marriage, then pregnancy, then childbirth. The trouble is pregnant women are emotionally sensitive. Who knows if she'll be taking care of the students or if the students will be taking care of her?"

"No wonder. She's using her pregnancy to hog the position just to earn a bit more baby formula money!"

"Ah! That's so unethical. Our children are in their most critical final year. We can't let this ruin everything!"

"Get lost! Stop being a teacher. You're harming others and yourself. You can be short on money, but you can't lack humanity!"

"Ms. Griffin, put yourself in our shoes. If your own child were in this class, would you want a pregnant woman as their teacher?"

The questioning kept flooding the screen.

I'm someone with stable emotions, but at that moment even my hand holding the phone trembled slightly.

For money?

If it were for money, why would I become a teacher?