I’m Homeless – Her New Man Is Living in My Place

When I was born, my dad walked out on us. My mum raised me on her own, though looking back, parent isnt what Id really call her. For as long as I can remember, she was either out of her mind, disappearing for days, or bringing strange friends back to our house.

Until I was about ten, I genuinely believed that all kids lived like this, or that it was somehow normal.

When I started secondary school, I began working odd jobs. I wanted something to eat, and there were all sorts of ways to earn a bit in the village. Id get some cash, or sometimes just food in return.

After school I tried to find a proper job, but being a kid from a poor family with no connections or money well, I just had to make do however I could. Much like my mum always did.

Honestly, I still dont know how she always managed to get by. The scraps of money I brought home went straight to food. I suppose she was comfortable with it, as she never seemed to want to change anything.

Then, about three years ago, a man began turning up at our house more and more often.

He looked down and out, but not exactly like your classic drunk. He was decent enough to me, most of the time just completely ignoring my presence. Still, I found myself hoping hed have a good influence on my mum, maybe persuade her to get us out of that miserable life.

To my surprise, it seemed my hopes might finally come true. After a few months of seeing him almost every day, he moved in. He was never hostile towards me, but I always got the sense he was deliberately trying not to notice I even existed. Trouble arrived when I least expected it.

After about half a year of us all living together, I came home one evening with the little money Id earned. I thought maybe it would cheer my mum up, as shed been quite down or snappy recently.

But as soon as I stepped inside, she started shouting that I wasnt welcome anymore, that I had to go. At first I was baffled. Id given her no reason at all to treat me like that. But there was no point arguingI just left and stayed with a mate, hoping shed come back to her senses in a day or two, like usual.

It didnt happen. The following day, I was thrown out again. I eventually found out that the man had never liked me from the start and talked my mum into getting rid of me. And she went along with him.

Thats how I ended up homeless at 21. Im still staying with friends, thankfullytheyve taken me in as though Im part of their family. I get by however I can, much as I always have. So when people talk about children not respecting their parents, I always thinksome people have good reasons for that.