Why can't mummy stay home and just be mummy

Hana,

This is one of the most significant question you ask.

The other is why don't we stay in a bigger house.

Daddy has to tell you that he is responsible for our present circumstances.

Daddy had not planned ahead for his family. And Daddy had allowed his parents too much say in the past and trusted them too much.

Daddy had not realised living with them would not be good for our family.

And now, Daddy's name is stuck as a co-owner of the HUDC apartment they live in, where Daddy lived in before we had you.

Daddy's parents had brought Daddy up, but they had been selfish in their decisions later in Daddy's life. Daddy's money was roped in to purchase the HUDC. When Daddy was getting married, he told them he wants to have his own place. They promised him 2 years.

2 years passed. Business was bad, but what was worse is that they had not made any plans for these 2 years.

Furnitures from failed business in Shanghai was sent to a warehouse in Tuas for years, nothing done about them except to accumulate the warehouse fees. And when you were born, they moved the furniture to the HUDC, saying it was only temporary.

That was more than 3 years ago.

Daddy and mummy were given the opportunity to buy our present place, a small one bedroom apartment. We had to move. We could not move back to the HUDC.

We used up our savings to make the downpayment. We stayed as long as possible until we could send you to Tambalog. But finally, mummy had to go back to work.

Everyday when I had to wake you and brother up before sunrise, I regretted my foolishness in the past.

I had not been an overachiever at work, and that is why my salary is not enough for mummy to stay at home or for us to have a bigger house.

I promise you, I will do well, just for all your sakes.