My daughter and I have been living off the child support from her biological father for some time now. Its my former husbands doing that I cant even manage to find any proper work, for he has made it his mission to ensure that no one will employ me. Even on the rare occasion when I have secured a position, I am dismissed without so much as an explanation, though I know full well the reason why.
All my troubles began the moment I filed for divorce. I simply couldnt abide having that man in my life any longer. I desperately wished to leave quietly, with no arguments or scenes, but that was not to be. He was fiercely opposed to our separation.
After the divorce, I took my daughter and returned for a time to my parents modest home in Birmingham. While my mother minded her granddaughter, I wandered the streets in search of work. Sadly, I had no real experience to speak ofmy only employment had been a stint as a cashier, and I knew precious little else. My former husband had held a position as a manager in a prominent chain of shops, and through his connections, he made certain I was never taken on anywhere.
Not a single shop in our town would employ me, and should I manage to find work elsewhere, Id soon be dismissed.
My ex-husband would merely smile and insist he had nothing at all to do with my misfortune. He blamed my failures on a lack of education and ability. Yet the child support he gives us is paltry, a trifling amount considering his more than comfortable income. Between that and my mothers pension, we barely managed to cover our bills, a bit of food, and modest essentials for my daughter, Emily.
Each time he visits her, he finds some new way to belittle and humiliate me. He tells our daughter how her foolish mother left a good home, forcing her child to live in poverty, without proper toys or even decent food, while he, the kind and generous father, can only feel sorry for her.
Upon leaving, he hands Emily a wad of notes and departs. At first, I paid little heed to this, but Emily, being young, does not understand why her father has money and her mother does not. Lately, shes begun to ask if she might live with him. Daddy is ever so nice and buys me everything, but youre mean and sly, so Id rather live with Daddy! she says.
I do not know how much longer I can bear thisI am on the edge of my nerves. My mother supports me as best she can, assuring me that things will surely improve between Emily and me, but I harbour grave doubts. My ex-husband knows precisely how to torment me emotionally, for he is well acquainted with all my weaknesses. I simply cannot see how I am to carry on.
