DON'T TURN THE TABLE

When I moved here many years ago,there was a family who were doing really well. A few businesses ,the guy was also running a few other side jobs. They went on to have two kids. The money was coming in nicely and then he started doing what people do when they have extra: find something to do with it.

He chose drinking, started out as casual drinking just one for the road. Three years later,he doesn't think he is an addict. In his defence he doesn’t look like one. He knows how to get home ,doesn't fall on his way,so yeah maybe he really isn't addicted. He also started doing what husbands do,get side chics. Life was good.

The only difference is,he has closed all four businesses and looked for at a company. Three months in he got fired for neing drunk on the job.The wife got a job ,not as fancy but she was consistent with it. Early this year he stopped trying to get jobs and would stay home. Sometimes he would drink during the day and yell at the kids when they got home from school.The wife did what wives do,try and make it work. So she found a daycare that would keep the kids until she got home from work and then she would pick them up.

When you are not working and drinking you will not think straight. So the abuse started,first it was verbal then a few slaps here and there. Eventually it was actual be.ating. She did what wives do,persevere. Early March, he said he wanted to move to the village. That his mother said "amekaliwa" because the wife was paying all the bills. I wonder how moving would solve that part but we all know mothers and their sons.

The wife tried to ask that they wait for kids to close school. She woke up the next day with a swollen face. She was told to quit the job and pack . She did what wives do,follow her husband's instructions.

Kids didn't close school and off to his mother's they went. According to the mother women toiled in lands and managed to educate children. She did it and expected the daughter in law to do it.

As it turns out she did not quit the job. She took a leave and asked for a transfer to a smaller branch when she got back. The HR said if an opening came up,she would get it. Towards the end of April she got a call,that a branch had an opening. It was a downgrade in Salary but she didn't mind. One Sunday evening as everyone else was inside the house,she took her children,documents,laptop and left.

Started over in a new place,got kids to school and began life from scratch. This week she celebrates one term of freedom, peace and new beginnings.

Mr. went to her old workplace to ask for her whereabouts. He called the inlaws who reminded him he never paid dowry therefore was not entitled to ask questions.

The mother, was heard saying she found him a submissive wife. I for one cannot wait to hear how the new wife will do.

The kids will grow up and go looking for blessings. Until then,she is peaceful, glowing and starting her Master's Degree in September. I am a fan of happiness and this makes me so happy.