I got married when I was only eighteen. My husband was twenty years older than me, and honestly, that age gap was part of what drew me to him. He was mature, responsible, and gave me the stability I really needed. We had a daughter soon after, and not long later, our son was born. Life seemed calm and steady, and with his support, I even managed to finish my studiessomething Id never imagined possible before. I was proud of what wed built together. But then, one day, everything changed.
When our son was three, my husband told me he was going away for a few days. I didnt think much of itI always trusted his word. But instead of coming back, he just vanished. No note, nothing. I tried calling, but his phone was switched off. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and slowly it sank inhe wasnt coming back.
At first, I was completely lost. Id cry myself to sleep, wondering how Id manage alone with two little ones. I had no one to help with the kids, so I couldnt even look for work. The child maintenance he paid was laughably smallbarely enough to cover the basics. I had to cut corners everywhere, and sometimes we didnt even have enough to eat. When my son finally got a place at nursery, I managed to find a job. It wasnt easy, but bit by bit, I started getting my life back on track.
Then, out of nowhere, he showed up again. There he was, on my doorstep, holding a bouquet of flowers, apologising. Said hed made a mistake, that he loved us and wanted his family back. Looking him in the eye, all I felt was anger and disappointment. I told him straight: «We learned to live without you. Not once did you think about the kids while you were gone. And now you waltz back in with apologies? Leave, and dont come back.» I watched his face fall, but I didnt regret a word.
A month later, I got a court summons. He was fighting for custody. He tried to paint me as unfit, to prove he was the better parent, but the judge saw right through it. The facts were on my side, and the kids stayed with me. Only later did I find out why hed suddenly wanted back inhis dad had left his inheritance to our children in his will. My husband thought reconciling would give him control over it. But it didnt work. He walked away with nothing.
That chapters closed now, but Ill never forget those hard times. I remember splitting a slice of bread between my kids, going hungry so they could eat. Those years taught me Im stronger than I ever knewthat I can get through anything. Looking back, I dont hold onto bitterness, just the lessons Ill carry forward.
