Mum has always been very strict with me. Dad was often away on business trips, leaving Mum to look after me on her own. Dad loved me, but whenever he returned home, it meant lots of presents for me. Mum, on the other hand, rarely showed much affection. One day, Dad left for another trip and never came back.
I never had friends at school. I walked around looking like a beggar, dressed in an old uniform Mum had found somewhere. She always told me, Wear what youve got. I need to sort my life out first, and I dont have the money for you. So I patiently wore that shabby outfit all through year five.
Later on, a neighbour gave me her daughters old school uniform after she graduated. I wore it all the way till I finished school. As for shoes, I made do with whatever I happened to have, and they managed to last several years before they became too small. Eventually, I graduated from secondary school with good marks and decided to carry on to university, choosing economics as my subject. On campus, I kept wearing clothes passed down to me from friends when they grew tired of them.
One day, I met Dominic, whod graduated a few years before me. We started seeing each other, and eventually, he introduced me to his parents. When I visited, I felt embarrassed about my old, worn-out shoes. My feet were wet, but his mother pretended not to notice. The next day, she invited me over and gifted me a brand new pair of shoes.
I was terrified that Dominics parents wouldnt like me, but soon enough, they began treating me as part of the family. I honestly dont know what I did to deserve it. They gave us a house as a wedding present, and after I finished my studies, my mother-in-law offered me a job in her company, where my salary was excellent. At last, I could afford to buy what I needed. I will never stop thanking God for helping me through my life.
When Mum found out I was married, had a good job, and my own flat, she quickly showed up, asking for financial help. Yet, our conversation was overheard by my stepmother. She called my husband and son home straight away. In the end, my husband explained to Mum that she shouldnt expect anything more from me. He finally said he was grateful to have a daughter but that she shouldnt ever turn up at our home again. Since then, Mum hasnt contacted me, and now Im looking forward to the birth of my child.
