One evening I came home and was caught off guard. My daughter was in the middle of packing her things: clothes, makeup, and gadgets. I asked her where she was heading.
It turned out my eighteen-year-old Emily had suddenly decided she was all grown up. I actually let out a gasp of shock, and she just told me,
Dad, Im moving out to live with Oliver.
What do you mean, moving out? Who is this chap? Arent you going to introduce us? And whose money are you planning to live on? Does he have parents? I just think youre rushing into this, I asked.
She fired back, Dad, please. Its the 21st century. Im an adult. I have my own life now!
I didnt reply to that. I realised there wasnt much I could do. I watched as Emily packed up her things, quietly saying goodbye to everything. Not that I ever used the blender anyway. Off she went, and through the window, I spotted a young man helping her load everything into a car. Well, if she wants an adult life, let her get on with it. Wed see what would come of it. The next day, I changed the lockswho knew what to expect from Emily and her new boyfriend?
A few days went by with no word from my daughter. I hadn’t expected her to launch herself into adulthood so quickly. Suddenly, I received a call from Emily:
Dad, will you pay for my university fees?
It stung that my daughter only rang to ask about money for her education. She didnt even ask how I was coping.
No. Youre an independent young woman now. I dont want to interfere with your affairs.
Brilliant. Thanks, Dad! she huffed and hung up.
Shes got exactly what she wanted. She needs to see what adult life really looks like.
I decided to turn Emilys old room into a study. She wasnt living with me anyway. I even found a nice desk and some chairs. I left the bed, just in case. Shed have time to think. Maybe shed decide to come back.
Two weeks later, I was coming home from work, and there was Emily at the door with her bags, looking quite upset.
Why didnt you tell me you were coming home? I asked her.
I was embarrassed, Dad. Arent you happy to see me? she replied, wiping tears from her eyes.
Of course Im happy! What are you talking about? Come inside.
We went in, and Emily started putting her things back in her room. But one thing was missingthe coffee machine. Apparently, that was left at Olivers mothers house, who kept it as payment for room and board. Oliver was thirty, it turned out. When Emily realised I wasnt going to pay for her university, shed asked her boyfriend. But hed had no intention of taking responsibility and didn’t want to cover her costs.
What Id really like to know is what on earth Oliver was thinking, bringing my unemployed daughter to live with his parents?
