My daughter chose to start her adult life and moved in with her boyfriend. Two weeks later, I found Alice standing outside our front door with her bags.

One evening I returned home and was taken aback. My daughter was packing her thingsclothes, make-up, gadgets. I asked her where she was going.
Turns out, my eighteen-year-old Emily suddenly decided she was an adult. I must admit, I let out a gasp of surprise. And Emily explained:
Dad, Im moving out to live with Tom.
What do you mean, moving out? Who is this Tom? Dont you want to introduce us? Whose money will you be living on? Does he have family? I think youre rushing things, I replied.
Dad, its the 21st century. Im an adult, I have my own life! my daughter shot back.
I didnt argue further. I realised I had no power to stop her. I watched as Emily packed her gadgets and quietly said goodbye to my thingsfrankly, I never used that food mixer anyway. She finished packing and left. From the window, I spotted a young man helping her carry everything to a car. If shed chosen to take on real life, so be it. Lets see how it goes. The next day, I changed the locks on the doorswho knows what to expect from Emilys new friend.
A few days went by. My daughter didnt call, not a word. I didnt expect her to dive into adulthood so quickly. Suddenly, Emily phoned:
Dad, can you pay my college fees?
I felt awful. My daughter had only called to ask if Id pay her tuitiondidnt even ask how I was.
No. Youre an independent adult. I wont get involved.
Brilliant. Thanks, Dad! Emily replied indignantly, then hung up.
Well, thats exactly how she wanted it. Let her learn what adult life is really like.
I decided to turn her room into an office. She wasnt living with me anymore. I even found a nice desk and chairs. I kept the bed, just in case. My daughter still had time to think things overmaybe shed come back.
Two weeks passed. I was on my way home from work when I found Emily standing at the door with her bags. She looked upset.
Why didnt you let me know you were coming, love? I asked.
I was too embarrassed, Dad. Arent you glad to see me? she said, wiping away tears.
Of course I am, dont be silly. Come inside.
We stepped into the flat, and Emily started putting her things away. But I noticed the coffee machine was missing. She told me shed had to leave it at Toms mums. His mother had taken it as payment for food and lodging. Tom himself is thirty. When Emily realised I wouldnt pay her college fees, she asked her boyfriend. But he had no intention of taking on her responsibilities or paying for her needs.
What puzzles me is, what on earth was Tom thinking, bringing my unemployed daughter to his parents house?