I recently met a girl who, at first sight, was simply beautiful. We often went for walks together, took drives out of town, and spent time at cafés and the cinema. But for me, that wasnt enough. I wanted to see my girlfriend all the time, not just on dates. So, without wasting much time, I asked her to marry me. What was the point in putting it off? We loved each other and enjoyed being together. We started living together, getting to know each other even more, and eventually got married.
However, my mum didnt take to Emily straight away. She made it clear to Emily, right in front of her. Emily refused point blank to live with my mum. But I wanted us all to share a home. Id sorted a two-bedroom flatone room for us, the other for mum. Yet Emily wouldnt even consider it. She insisted we live in the flat provided by her work. After the wedding, we moved into Emilys council flat just as she wanted.
Honestly, I never thought Id find myself living in a council estate, and certainly not in such conditions. First off, I couldnt stand the shared bathrooms and toilets. At first, I was embarrassed by everythingjust washing myself was awkward. And then the cockroaches? They were everywhere. How could anyone live like this? Emily didnt seem bothered by it at all. She told me theyd never eaten anyone and wouldnt hurt me, and that I was overreacting. But I cant help myselfits impossible to get rid of them and theres filth everywhere. Next door lives a couple who argue relentlessly.
On the other side, theres a family with a little girl who cries and screams all the time. She keeps not only her parents awake but us too. And recently, I had a run-in with a neighbour. He drank too much one night, started a fight, and I had to step in to calm things down. Since then, hes tried to make trouble for me and drag me into disputes. I really dont want to be here. Ive already suggested to Emily that we rent a proper flat.
But shes not having any of it. She says shes used to living here and shes happy. If it were our own flat, fine, but rent is outrageously expensive. It looks like Id have to hand over my entire paycheque for the rent. My mums suggested I move back in with her; shes promised not to interfere in our relationship. But Emily wont even consider moving.
Recently, Emilys started talking about children. She thinks a baby will strengthen our family. Of course, Id love to be a dadits something I dream about. But the moment I think about the environment our child would grow up in, I get second thoughts. Constant arguments among the neighbours, shouting, unrest… Sometimes I consider divorce. Not because I dont love my wife, but because these living conditions arent right for a family.
I want my future child to grow up in decent surroundings. Im not sure how much longer I can take this. My nerves are shot. Emily is unwilling to compromise at all.
