One day, Dad called me into his room: he said we needed to talk about something important, or at least that’s what he told me. Honestly, I was a bit worried. Waiting for me in the living room was a woman.

My familys world revolves around my dad, who raised me, cared for me, and offered unwavering support. After my birth, my mum left, and my dad chose not to marry again, probably fearing more heartache. Life hasnt always treated my dad kindly, and Ive always wanted to grow up quickly so I could support him and help with everything he has to handle as a responsible man.

Given our financial circumstances, I started working when I was just 15. I wrote columns for local newspapers, and after three years, I landed a better job. A few years later, I found work in an office, which allowed me to be independent and take care of both myself and my dad. One day, my dad called me in for what he said was a serious conversation. I felt a bit uneasy as I walked into the sitting room, where a woman waitedaccording to my dad, she was my mother.

As soon as she saw me, she burst into tears, apologising and trying to hug me, but I couldnt bring myself to embrace her. Gently, I pulled away and left without saying a word, leaving them together. I decided to let my dad deal with the situation however he thought best. I cant forgive someone who abandoned both me and my dad so carelessly, not even bothering to wish me a happy birthday all these years.