Its my right to be paid, just as my father did before me, declared Alexander, puffing his chest. Im entitled to it!
Ethel had decided to buy some socks. She needed them.
Are you going to cover all your expenses with the allowance my dad sends for me? the boy asked.
His mother, Sarah, hesitated to answer. Her exhusband had recently transferred childsupport into his expartners account, urging her to buy the necessary clothing because he had been wearing the same old shoes for years.
What do you mean? Sarah asked her son, thinking shed misheard. Why are you using the support my father sends only for things you need?
Sarahs eyes welled up. She put the socks back on the shelf.
This is a nice hoodie, Alexander said, heading to the changing rooms to try it on.
He decided to take a few hoodies to see which fit best.
Sarah checked the price tag; the hoodie cost £45. Adding up the other items, she realised the childsupport sum fell far short, so she would have to top it up.
This is a bargain for me! the boy shouted, tossing the hoodie into a basket with the other clothes.
The checkout clerk in the town centre wrapped the purchases.
Please hand over £250, the clerk said.
I only have £200 in my wallet. Leave out a few things you dont need right now, Sarah told him.
I wont leave anything, so pay with your money too, because my father isnt the only one who has to support me. By law I have every right, Alexander retorted.
Alright, Ethel took out her purse, placed the cash on the register and said, Thats a months worth of money. Do what you must. Pay for the clothes, but remember to budget for meals. I wont be giving you any more cash. Take care. She left the shop with a solemn glance.
That evening Alexander returned home with several bags of new gear from brandname stores.
I managed to buy shoes; theyre quite sharp. Do we still have anything left in the fridge?
Youve got leather shoes now, dont you? I suggest you cook dinner yourself, Sarah replied.
Mom, Im serious.
Do you think Im joking?
Ill call my dad, because youre talking nonsense.
Good luck, then, Sarah said with a faint smile.
Hey dad, could I stay with you for a month or so? What? Why are you on holiday? Could you send a bit of money? Ive got none
Later, the conversation with his father ended abruptly, and Alexander trudged back to his room, his face downcast. His dad then phoned his exwife.
What happened between you two?
Your son believes everythings his entitlement and that we must cater to him, she explained. Hes got nerve, but we have to keep him fed or hell starve. You can deduct the food costs from the support, and any surplus goes to him.
A few hours later the internet at home cut out, and Alexander snapped at his mother again.
Why do you think Ill pay for the broadband now? Youre getting cocky, just like dad said.
From next month Ill move in with my dad, he declared.
Do you think youll be useful in a family that already has three children?
I promise Ill live with him.
Fine, but you need to know you wont receive any more support next month. Your dad told me I should feed you, and whatever I give you Ill reclaim from the allowance.
Sarah then told him how much she spent each month to keep them both afloatfar more than the support she received. The revelation made Alexander realise how unfairly hed treated his mother. He apologized to both his mother and his father, and during the school holidays he took a parttime job to help ease his mothers financial load.
Through this struggle he learned that entitlement empties the heart, while humility and responsibility fill both the cupboard and the soul.
