Pickles: Sour but Flavourful

I have a question: is it the duty of a child to give their parents grandchildren?

It’s always been unclear to me whether or not my mom and dad wanted us to have children of our own.  I may have asked them before, but they never gave a straight answer.  It would always end with “but we will be happy no matter what.”  Naturally, I assume they don’t really mean this.

For years I’ve told myself that it’s better for society if I don’t spawn.  The reasons for this are many, but it all comes down to human nature and me fucking up.  Even after five years, I still harbor a significant amount of guilt for all the unhappiness I caused my family.  I don’t even want to imagine how it must have been for them.  My selfishness wants me to avoid ever being in such a situation - I’m too emotionally immature to ever be able to handle despair of such magnitude.

I’ve been content with the decision to not have children since, deciding it for the best.  I don’t really like kids, anyway.  Besides, I figured my brother would fulfill the accumulation of grandchildren.  I now have reason to believe this will not be the case.

I don’t know how important it is to my parents, and I don’t know how to ask.  For years the entire foundation of my future plans (hopes, dreams) have made no room for the possibility of me giving birth.  But whatever makes them happy.  I’m just worried about my brother, now.  I hope he figures out, soon, what can make him happy.

Edit:
I almost forgot: Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.