The saddest cake on the internet proves just how strong single parents are

The implication is unmissable.

This is the saddest cake on the internet. 

Not because of the ingredients or the slightly lopsided icing.

But because of what it once stood for.

A single mother has touched the hearts of millions, symbolising how quickly things can change. 

A picture truly tells a thousand words. Image: TikTok/ brooke.steadman

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“But there used to be a time…”

Brooke's post is only two images and she tells a story in few words. But the impact is massive. 

The first is of the mum with her daughter, bathed in golden hour light. It’s wholesome.

The caption over the top reads: “I work a 9–5 to provide. I do every bedtime and long night. I protect our peace. And I do it all on my own.”

But in the next image, the mood shifts.

A gender reveal cake happily declares “it’s a girl.” It's sliced through the centre with wine glasses, as per the trend.

Only now, the symbol of celebration feels like heartbreak.

“But there used to be a time…”

The implication is unmissable: the man who once dreamed of this future is no longer there. 

Brooke's raw post has had over 8 million views. Image: TikTok/brooke.steadman

RELATED: 'My daughter wants me to be single forever' 

“It’s crazy how it’s so normalised" 

Commenters speculated why — but Brooke confirmed it herself. He walked away, leaving both her and their daughter behind.

What was supposed to be the beginning… became the beginning of the end.

The comment section was taken aback by the gut-punch symbolism.

“It’s crazy how it’s so normalised for men to just be able to walk away from an entire human being they helped create …while women are left no choice but to raise a child on their own.. it happens to so many people,” one person wrote. 

Another simply said: “oh i’m absolutely sick.” 

“From a daughter of a single mum, she will thank you forever,” a third pointed out. 

“Just been staring at this for 40 mins,” a fourth revealed. 

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"You’re welcome to not like him all you like."

In a follow up video, Brooke addressed the wave of support.

“It is the craziest feeling to post a TikTok and have thousands of people in your comment section blame your baby daddy for leaving you, or just being a terrible person. Even though they don’t know him,” she said.

“You’re welcome to not like him all you like. But in case you were curious I’ve forgiven him. I’ve moved past it.”

Her mature, almost cheeky response even gave him some credit.

“He was pretty, so at least there was that. He gave me a great baby. So no hatred towards him,” she said. 

“But if you find him on the street, probably wouldn’t date him.” 

Originally published as The saddest cake on the internet proves just how strong single parents are