**Diary Entry**
Dad left after discovering Mums affair with a colleague. A terrible row erupted at home.
What did you expect? she cried. Im always alone! Youre always at work, day and night. Im a womanI need attention!
And whatll you say if I have that attentive Romeo of yours locked up? A word from me, and hes done. You believe I wont? Dads voice was icy. He was a police officer.
You wouldnt dare! Youve ruined everything!
Mum collapsed onto the sofa in tears. Dad gathered his few things and headed for the door. I stood in the hallway, blocking his path like a stubborn child. How stupid of me. Wed always seemed so happyno arguments, only shared jokes and laughter. Sure, Dad worked long hours, coming home exhausted, just wanting sleep. But our time together felt right. How could Mum throw it all away? And would Dad ever forgive her?
George, dont go, she pleaded desperately, wiping her face. Forgive me! William, why are you just standing there?
I didnt move. At twelve, I thought I could stop the end of what I believed was a perfect family.
Will, let me pass, Dad said, his voice hardthe tone he used at work, never at home.
Dont go, I whispered.
Move.
Dad what about me?
He shoved me aside like a chair and walked out. Even then, I sensed he left in a hurry to stop himself from doing something recklessnot just hitting her. He had his service pistol. His eyes burned with fury; now I understand why leaving was the right choice. That day, he became the man who pushed me away, and Mumthe one who shattered our lives.
Romeo, of course, turned out to be a cad and left her too. She was alone, devastatedhusband gone, lover fled, son blaming her. And me?
I started wandering late at night, falling in with the wrong crowd. Petty theft at first, then bolder crimes. We were caught mugging a rich kidnot for all his money, but enough. His bodyguard nabbed me and Charlie. Dad, now head of the Criminal Investigations Department, was called to the station. Our surnameFairweatherwasnt common, and someone recognised him.
Out. Now. His voice was sharp.
Sod off! I hissed.
He dragged me from the cell.
What about Charlie? I shouted, struggling.
He shoved me into an interrogation room and slapped me twice. Blood and tears streaked my face as my hatred burned hotter.
How old are you?
What?
Fifteen? Sixteen?
It sounded ridiculous.
Congratulations! You dont even know your own sons age!
Because youre not mine! he roared. I married Grace already pregnant. Thought shed be a good wife. But she stayed a He spat an ugly word.
Then whos my father? I asked, stunned.
He handed me a tissue and water, watching as I wiped my face. George sat across from me, his voice quieter.
Im sorry I hit you. Youve let me down badly. Think I dont have my own struggles?
Then go deal with them, I muttered.
Will on paper, youre mine. Ive paid maintenance, properly. But if you keep this upI wash my hands of you. Prison? Couldnt care less.
And now?
What now?
Am I going to jail?
He shook his head.
What about Charlie?
Listen, Charlies got his own father. Theyve got money; hell be fine. Worry about yourself. Fancy prison? Think its a holiday? Its hellespecially for kids.
I didnt want jail. But my life was full of pain, every glance at Mum a fresh wound. So I found escape where I could. I told George as much.
Then choose. Live properlystudy, build a future. Or take the wrong path, which never ends well. Dont fancy prison? Change your ways. Youre free.
I moved to leave. His voice stopped me.
And dont blame your mother. Divorce is never one-sided. What I said about her was anger. Forget it.
George Dad, did you love her? Could you fix things? I asked hopelessly.
Forget that too, son.
The lads from my gang didnt leave me alone. A few beatings left me bruised, but I got out. Charlie got probation thanks to his dad and went back to his old tricks. I made a choice.
I forgave Mum. Tried my hardest. I wanted to know who my real father wasbut never asked. No time for digging; schoolwork piled up, and catching up took everything.
I graduated police college with honours. Now, standing in Dads office under his proud gaze, I finally understoodlife had brought us back together.
