We weren’t well-off, but they’d always made sacrifices to keep me in school, even if it meant living on little more than plain bread and pickles.
And what had I done? I’d thrown away a promising future for a woman, letting them down.
When I told them about my plan to retake my exams, their joy was evident, and they immediately began talking about selling our pig to cover tuition.
I stopped them in time, assuring them I still had the money from returning the phone – a sum that would be enough for another year of school.
Despite having missed the exams, my grades were good enough that several schools were willing to offer me a spot.
For the first time, I was ready to focus solely on my studies, preparing for another year. But just a month later, I was stunned to see my ex, Olivia, standing at my door.
Gone was the excitement I used to feel upon seeing her; all that remained was a calm indifference.
Beside her stood her mother, Margaret, who wasted no time jabbing a finger in my face and cursing at me.
“You little punk! Taking my daughter off to work with you was bad enough, but getting her pregnant and running off? Do you have a death wish?”