The only things I associate with my father are arguments, shouting, and bitter rows. We grew up barely scraping by; my mother worked late into the evening just to put food on the table, while my father seemed only to look for reasons to fight. I recall one day when we went to the market to buy vegetables. The stall owner joked with my mum, and we all laughed. My father turned to her with an icy glare, saying nothing.
When we got back home, the house exploded with his anger. He yelled so loudly that the neighbours could hear every word through the walls. Later that evening, he struck my mother. Not long after, another incident happened. My fathers colleague made light-hearted remarks, saying I bore no resemblance to Dad, that I looked more like Mum and hadnt inherited a single thing from him. I was twelve at the time. Soon after, my father left us, blaming Mum for spoiling me.
After that, we struggled even more. We hardly had any moneysometimes not even enough for a decent meal. Dad refused to pay child support, and Mum wouldnt fight him in court, so she had to manage everything alone. She found a second job, and while I kept up with my schoolwork, I did everything I could to earn a spot at university. Later, I managed to land a job.
Eventually, I married well, and at last I was able to support Mum. Then, just recently, I received a messagemy father reached out, saying he wanted to reconnect. I dont know what to do. Some people tell me to meet him, to talk things through. Honestly, I dont feel compelled to. I still remember the day he walked out on us. Hes nothing more than a stranger to me, and his face doesnt bring back happy memories. For now, I havent told Mum about the message. Im at a loss.
