When Everything Changed...

Chapter 1

I always noticed the rows. They weren't even about the big things. Mum would forget to get milk and dad would go ballistic, Dad would stay out late at the pub and mum would get angry, those sorts of things. But then Dad started going away, leaving us for weeks on end. Mum would be sitting in the kitchen with a glass of wine and a cigarette, sobbing.

I wasn't suprised when they told us. It was expected and to be honest, it lasted longer than I thought it would. It was after Christmas when he left.
I woke up early one morning and I crept into the living room, where I saw dad packing his bags. Because of the stupid floorboards he turned around and noticed me. "Evie, I'll promise I'll come back. I love you, lassie. And I love the boys too." he whispered into my ear. He kissed my head, grabbed his coat and left.

The Christmas break is almost over now. Mum's depression has been getting worse and the boys are becoming even more suspicious. I don't know how I'm going to be able to look after the family and deal with school as well...