1. Financial Situation: Ruth and her husband Walter are already facing financial challenges, living in cramped conditions with Walter's parents, Lena and Walter Lee Sr. The addition of another family member would only exacerbate their financial burden and make their dream of owning a house seem even more distant.
2. Aspirations and Dreams: Ruth and Walter have been working towards achieving their dreams and aspirations. The pregnancy raises concerns about whether they can still pursue their goals, such as buying a house and providing a secure future for their family, with the additional responsibility of a child.
3. Emotional and Physical Well-being: Ruth expresses concerns about the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy and childbirth could take on her body and mind. The stress of their current circumstances and financial hardships adds to her anxiety about her well-being.
4. Timing: Ruth considers whether this is the right time to bring another child into their lives, given the uncertainties and challenges they are already facing. She weighs the potential benefits of starting a family against the immediate practicalities of their situation.
5. Pressure from Others: Ruth also contemplates the expectations and desires of those around her. Her mother-in-law, Lena, is eager for her to have a child, while her husband Walter initially expresses excitement about the prospect of fatherhood but later wavers due to the financial implications. Ruth grapples with the pressure from external sources and tries to align her decisions with her values and needs.
6. Future Opportunities: Ruth considers how the pregnancy might affect her and Walter's ability to pursue future opportunities. She wonders whether they will have the flexibility to take risks or make career advancements with a baby in the picture.
Ultimately, Ruth's decision is a complex one that revolves around her personal beliefs, practical concerns, and the well-being of her family.