I often overhear my mum and dad arguing. Mum calls dad a drunk, claiming he doesn’t bring home enough money. In return, dad accuses her of having countless affairs. Listening to their shouting, I hide under my duvet and cry. Come morning, they act as if nothing happened, kiss each other, and I pretend everything is fine.
Their marriage only lasted until I turned twelve; one evening, mum announced she was leaving us for another man. Dad immediately told her she was free to go wherever and to whomever she wanted. He didn’t expect her to take it literally, pack all her belongings in a day, and disappear by the next morning.
Dad was devastated. He often called her, trying to convince her to return. One day she even came to visit, just to collect things she’d left behind.
Please, dont behave like this. Weve got a son growing up, dad pleaded. Do you have any idea how hes going to cope being left with no mother?
Youre the one who told me to leave, so whats your problem now? she shot back. When you blamed me for everything, you didnt care what your son thought. Now its too late! Find your own happiness, she said sharply.
Hearing them hurtnot just me, but dad as well. He even begged her on his knees, but she still left. I comforted him; it was the first and only time I saw him cry.
Well be alright, well get through this, he promised. Were strong, were united. Well rebuild our family.
Without mum, the house was much quieter. The rows stopped, dad learnt to balance work and peace at home. We got along, never argued, and enjoyed each other’s company. Dad sent me off to university and proudly attended my wedding.
I became accustomed to life without mum and found I didnt need her. Yet somehow, she found my number and began pleading to meet. She remembered she had a son and started offering help.
My husband is wealthy, and I own a beauty salon. I can support you financially, or at least give your wife a job. Shes home all day with the baby. I bet youre struggling with money. And your dad… what can you expect from him? Is he still drinking?
I really disliked her dismissive tone and arrogance. Dad worked hard, and my wife and I managed perfectly.
You dont need to, I replied. Dad taught me not to rely on help from outsiders. Were fine. I wouldnt have started a family unless I knew I could provide for them. I am a responsible husband and father.
For months, mum tried to reconnect, but gave up when I refused to let her see her grandchild, insisting that we were strangers. Sometimes, those closest to you become distant strangers, and people you havent known long, like my wife, become your closest companions. The important thing is to carry that through life, as dad and I have, and never lose that closeness.
