Im 21 years old. Five years ago, my mum brought her new husband into our home. I disliked him from the very start. He worked as a caretaker at a local secondary school and turned up on our doorstep with just two suitcases, but straight away he started bossing me about and lecturing me. Hes a truly unpleasant bloke. Ill never understand what my mum saw in him. His pay is pitiful, and on top of that, hes still paying maintenance to his ex-wife. We never got on. At first, I kept quiet. But soon enough, I started arguing back at him.
After I finished my A-levels, I got into medical school on a scholarship. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Im putting in a lot of effort at uni, even though the workload is relentless. I was fortunate enough to get a bursary as well.
But six months ago, this man began accusing me of being a burden: Youre an adult but youre still living off your mother. Were supporting you, feeding you, buying your clothes when I was your age, I already had a job. He kept telling me I wasnt bringing in any money, and that I ought to be working and contributing to the household, as they were strapped for cash. Worst of all, my mum backed him up, claiming he had a point and that I needed to straighten myself out.
Mum said to me, You could get a part-time job. Its tough for us to keep supporting you, you know were only human. Two nights ago, while we were having tea, this fellow announced that grown-up children ought to live on their own. I looked at my mum, expecting her to protest, but she just sat there in silence, so I knew she agreed.
I headed up to my room. The next day, Mum brought up what happened: Its really hard for me. I feel like Im stuck in the middle. We argue all the time; youre always giving me grief and refuse to hold your tongue. I just want a bit of peace in my own life. Hes right youre an adult, and its time you had your own place. Youve got a month to find somewhere to live and move out. I was stunned. I never expected my own mum would want to get rid of me. Ill never forgive her for this.
