You were born into a young family. Both of your parents dropped out of school when they got pregnant with their firstborn, your older brother. Your mom dropped out because she was pregnant, and your dad had to take care of her. They had many siblings, so their parents didn’t have much to give them. Your dad was given a piece of land by his parents to do some farming to sustain the growing family. In school, he had big dreams of becoming a doctor, but for now, farming was all he knew. Several years later, you came into the world as the last born, beautiful and eager for the world. Newborn babies are beautiful, right? Maybe alien-like beautiful.

There isn’t much recollection you have about your life as a toddler. No pictures to remind you of how it was, and no one talks about it anyway. You don’t know your dad because your parents broke up when you were at that age when you still wore diapers, or so you think. Were diapers even in existence then? Maybe I should just call them nappies. You don’t ask many questions about your early days because you are just happy being with your mom; everything seems perfect in your little mind.

You nostalgically remember those Saturdays or Sundays when you would follow your mom to the river while she took the week’s laundry to wash. You were around six years old then, accompanied by a few lady neighbors and their kids. The women chatted and laughed merrily, while you and the kids ran along the dusty path to the river. The sun was shining, the sky was blue with a few scattered clouds, and the water was inviting. You eagerly jumped into the river, shuddering a little from the cold water before your body temperature adjusted. You didn’t know how to swim well, so you thrashed your arms and legs wildly. It was exciting as the other kids joined, playfully splashing and chasing each other. Your mom would warn you not to go too deep, threatening to beat you if you drowned. You knew her beatings hurt, so you stayed close to the shore, chasing small fish and enjoying the water.

The women washed the clothes while you sometimes offered to help your mom, but you were too young for such tasks. Afterward, she scrubbed you vigorously with a sisal cloth to remove the accumulated dirt, leaving you shining. You walked back home carefully, not wanting to get dirty after the thorough cleaning.
Your early childhood was humble and normal, going to the nearby public primary school, playing with friends, and visiting grandma during school holidays.

One day, your mom had to work in another town, leaving a relative to look after you. You learned to do things quickly, and when you had a fees balance at school, your brother took you to your mom’s workplace. She couldn’t afford the fees immediately, so you stayed with her for a few days before returning to school. However, her health deteriorated, and your brother had to work to support her medical expenses. You dropped out of school to care for your mom, cooking and helping her with daily tasks.

Your mom’s condition worsened, and she had to be hospitalized. You moved to the village with your grandma, unaware of your mom’s situation. Eventually, you were told she had passed away, and on the day of her burial, your dad insisted you and your brother return to school. You missed saying goodbye and struggled with the loss, feeling crushed and crying yourself to sleep.

Back in school, you faced sympathy and stigma from classmates, losing friends and feeling isolated. You immersed yourself in books, excelling academically and earning admission to a top high school. Financial constraints forced you to repeat a class, but you eventually received a scholarship. Despite your academic success, you struggled with a medical condition that affected your self-esteem and social interactions.

In high school and university, you excelled academically, securing a job afterward. However, the emotional burden of your past experiences weighed heavily on you, affecting your happiness and relationships. You eventually quit your job and moved to a foreign country, seeking a fresh start. While facing challenges with residence permits and personal struggles, you found solace in new friendships and experiences.

Navigating dating and personal growth, you faced setbacks but remained determined to heal and find happiness. Despite setbacks and losses, you persevered, recognizing the importance of self-care and resilience. As you contemplate returning home for potential medical treatment and family support, you reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and the hope for a brighter future.