Young and Soulful

At sixteen I was already a mother of two and not just any mother, a homeless one too. I know you might be thinking of judging me but before you pass that heavy verdict on this weak, wasted, and overused soul please take a sneak peek into my horrible past. 

I became an orphan when I was five. My mom died immediately after she gave birth to me and my dad, exactly two years after he finally succumbed to cancer. Life with grandma Modupe was never easy. I can vividly recall nights when she would have to go hungry just to see all twelve of her grandchildren fed. This is my background, I know some of you are still of the opinion that that’s not an excuse to land into this mess.

Yes, I could have drawn strength from all of life’s challenges, and I could have been more careful as a teen but, what would a little girl of my age learn when the very ones we take as role models are the ones leading us astray. Grandma waited for me to turn thirteen, and on my birthday, she cooked my favorite dish and asked me to invite my friends. She emphasized that I dress up well and be on my best behavior as one of my cousins from the city would be present. I was surprised to know that I had any family members other than my grandma, so I was excited to meet him or her. 

It was past eight at night when I saw a vehicle park and a tall figure come out of the car. I couldn't see the person well because it was dark but, as he kept on approaching the light, he didn't strike me as a cousin or a relative. Grandma, noticing my suspicions told me to be on my best behavior and I had no option but to do so. The event had started just another poor person’s party. At least I had a birthday party, compared to my mates. 

We went on having fun. After the party, grandma said that this so-called cousin would be spending the night. I was surprised because, there was barely enough room in the two-bedroom apartment for thirteen people, talk less of adding one more. She said we would share a room and I objected but, she said he was my cousin and there was nothing to worry about. We went to bed. Although I was uncomfortable, I had no option. As the night grew on, he started making strange advances. I tried to object but, he forced me and before I could say or do anything, I got the unexpected gift and I gave up a gift too, on my 13th birthday.

In the morning, he woke up and was smiling as if nothing had happened. I told grandma but, she insisted that nothing was wrong with it and besides he was a rich man. She added that if anything happened, he’d be able to take care of me. I was very disappointed, not to mention shocked. 

The stranger smiled at me as he left for the city. I felt disgusted. After three weeks, I started feeling unusual and found out that I was pregnant. I was just a child, the man left and never came back. A few years later grandma passed on. I am now left in a world, having eleven siblings and two children to look after. I may be young but young isn't the word to describe how I feel.

About the Author

Mary Sathela Kanu is a medical student. She loves writing and reaching out to the vulnerable.

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