I’m 25 now, but my life changed dramatically when I had two twin babies at the age of 18. Mom, who had always been fickle and short-tempered, suddenly disappeared a couple of weeks after giving birth. I woke up at night to screams, held crying babies in my arms, and realized that I had no choice: if I didn’t take care of them, they simply wouldn’t survive.
School plans, dreams of medical school, and the usual youthful carelessness faded into the background. I worked nights in warehouses and during the day as a deliveryman, saved on everything, and learned how to combine household chores with studying and taking care of the kids. The kids used to call me “Bubba,” and these simple moments—night feedings, evenings together—became our new reality.
A few years later, I managed to build a stable life: I provided for the girls, went to school meetings, and even managed to find time for my dream of returning to school. Then, seven years later, their mother reappeared: neat, with expensive things, carrying bags with gifts. On the surface, it seemed that she wanted to restore the relationship, but it quickly became clear that she had other motives.
Through a lawyer, she applied for custody — not as a mother pining for children, but as a person who wants to “use” the situation for her own success picture. When I saw how the girls reacted — crying, saying “you are our real parent” — it became clear that the decision had to be thought out. I filed a counterclaim for full custody and repayment of alimony.
The trial turned out to be difficult, but I had documents, certificates and people ready to confirm that I had raised girls from birth. The court sided with the children: custody remained with me, and the mother was obliged to pay regular support. After the process, I was able to exhale a little, cut down on work and start studying again — the girls support me, and we are moving towards the best together.
