BEER FOR BREAKFAST
‘I don’t like coffee,’ Andy said. ‘Anyway, it’s only
one.’
Penny put the milk away, noting the emptiness of the
fridge. “On top of the six you guzzled last night.’
‘What are you – my mother?’
‘Your mother let you do whatever you liked – that’s
half the trouble.’
‘You leave my mother out of this!’
‘You brought her in.’
Andy slammed his glass down so hard that it cracked. ‘I’m
going to work. I’ll be late home.’
Penny looked at baby Henry in his high chair and said
calmly, ‘Be as late as you like – we won’t be here.’
..............................................................................................
The amount of harm it does to children to grow up in the presence of addiction is incalculable, and I think Penny made the right decision - do you?
This week's image was painted by Rochelle, who also hosts Friday Fictioneers on her blog - is there no end to her talents? https://rochellewisoff.com/
Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteEnough is enough, isn't it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
My daughter had to make the same decision.
DeleteI hope there were no consequences for her telling him her plan
ReplyDeleteI hope so too.
DeleteI might have kept that last gem of information under my hat.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's possible the threat made him change his mind and get help. Just possible, not probable.
DeleteShe's making the right decision. Maybe he learns from it. Let's hope he isn't a violent drunk.
ReplyDeleteAddiction is hard to deal with, as some of my family know too well.
DeleteIt is a sad situation and she best leave it. For all concerned... Well done, Liz.
ReplyDeleteWith her child to consider, her options were limited.
DeleteI think the wrong decision would be to not try anything at all. Let's hope it works out for them.
ReplyDeleteSomething needs to change, that's for sure!
DeleteA difficult and all too common story. Well told.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill x
DeleteEven worse than his beer addiction is the fighting that little Henry is subjected to. Yes, she made the right choice.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, no child should grow up thinking that is normal.
DeleteA difficult decision, but wise in the circumstances. Sad though that little boy Henry will have to grow up without a father-figure in his life.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine!
Perhaps no father figure is better than one who sets a bad example?
Delete100% the right decision. I have to wonder how long she's allowed herself to witness her alcoholic partner up until now. If the baby is his, at least 9 months. I feel great sorrow for what comes next if she doesn't leave. Maybe Andy will get his act together at some point and prove to her he's in long-term recovery?
ReplyDeleteThere is always that hope. Thanks. jade.
DeleteIt takes a lot of courage sometimes to leave even a bad situation. Hurray for Penny, making the right choice for her child. Well written piece!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda.
DeleteNicely written, Liz. I'm glad Penny is leaving - she can't risk her child.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny, I'm on her side too!
Delete