TEN

JULIE

Bryan was my world, the only reason I kept pushing. He was still a kid, but I could comfortably shed a tear or two whenever I was in my feelings and he would console me without knowing what the issue was. I kept doing my best to ensure he never missed the presence of a father.

Birmingham was home to him. He was born and brought up there. All his friends were there and it was never difficult for him to make friends in school there. But it was different in London. He would always come home to complain about other kids not wanting to play with him.

To him, the kids in London were different and they didn’t like him.

‘Mummy, I don’t like it here. All the kids are being mean to me” He’d usually say.

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy it soon enough, sweetie. Just give it time” I’d assure him.

I just kept hoping I told him the truth and not something to keep him calm for the moment.

I watched him as he bounced in glee towards the car. A happy kid, he was.

“Baby, how was school today? Did you make