**Diary Entry**
The day Dad left was the day everything fell apart. He found out about Mums affair with a coworker, and the house erupted in chaos.
What did you expect? Mum cried, her voice shaking. Youre always at work, day and night! Im a womanI need attention!
Dad, a police officer, stood rigid with cold fury. Shall I have your precious *Daniel* arrested? A word from me, and hell be behind bars. Hows that for attention?
Mum collapsed onto the sofa, sobbing. Dad shoved a few things into a bag and headed for the door. I stood frozen in the hallway, barely twelve, foolishly thinking I could block his path. *This cant be happening.* Wed always been happylaughing, joking, a proper family. Sure, Dad worked long hours, coming home exhausted, but those rare moments together felt solid. How could Mum ruin it?
Nathan, dont go. Her plea was desperate, hands clawing at her face. Forgive me! And you*James*, why are you just standing there?
I didnt move. Dads voice turned clipped, the tone he only used on duty. James, let me pass.
Dont leave. My whisper was barely there.
Move.
Dad what about me?
He shoved me aside like an afterthought. I think he left fast to stop himself doing something madnot just hitting her, but worse. His service pistol was in his coat. His eyes burned, and now I understand: he *had* to go. That day, he became the man who pushed me away. And Mumthe one who tore us apart.
Turned out Daniel was a coward. He dumped Mum straight after Dad left. She was alone, wreckedhusband gone, lover fled, son blaming her.
As for me? I spiralled. Late nights, bad crowds. At first, petty theft, then bolder crimes. It ended when my mate Charlie and I tried mugging some posh kid. He had a bodyguard. Got nicked straight off.
Dadnow Chief Inspectorshowed up at the station. Our surname, *Whitmore*, stood out. Someone rang him.
Out. His voice was steel.
Piss off. I hissed it through gritted teeth.
He yanked me from the cell.
What about Charlie? I thrashed, but he shoved me into an interrogation room and slapped me hard. Blood and tears streaked my face.
How old are you?
What?
Fifteen? Sixteen?
Seventeen, you idiot!
His laugh was hollow. Congratulations. Cant even remember his own sons age.
Because youre *not* mine. His voice cracked. I married your mum when she was pregnant. Thought shed be a good wife. Turned out she was just A foul word followed.
The world tilted. Then who *is* my dad?
He tossed me a tissue, his anger spent. Sorry I hit you. But youve been a damn disappointment. Ive got my own problems.
Then sod off and fix them.
James on paper, youre mine. I pay child support, dont I? But keep this up, and Ill wash my hands of you. Jail? Couldnt care less.
And now?
Now you walk.
What about Charlie?
Charlies got his own family. Rich lottheyll manage. *You* sort your life out. Fancy prison? Its hell, especially for juveniles.
I didnt want jail. But hurting Mum with my eyes every day? Easier to act out.
Dad sighed. Choose. Live rightschool, future. Or keep digging your grave. Your call.
I turned to leave. His voice stopped me.
And dont blame your mum. Divorce takes two. What I said I was angry. Forget it.
Dad you loved her. Maybe
Forget that too, son.
The gang didnt let me go easy. A few bruises later, I got free. Charlie got probation. Me? I chose differently.
Forgave Mum. Tried, at least. Never asked who my real father wastoo busy catching up at school.
Today, standing in Dads office, in uniform, his pride plain as day, I finally understood: life circled us back together.
**Lesson:** Blood isnt always family. But sometimes, the ones who staydespite everythingare.
