Chapter one: Vincent, a 12 year-old orphan, stands firm in the midst of the dangers of his community. His bright, hopeful eyes sparkle with dreams of a better life, despite the doubts that surrounds him. With a heart full of hope and a mind full of wonder, Vincent navigates through the threatening lifestyle lived in his community for decades. Despite all odds being against him, Vincent's spirit stood still. Vincent's family of five, led by his young mother, Tessy, exists in a state of intricate misfortune. Tessy, at a youthful age has inherited the weight of responsibility, caring for her five children, without the support of a partner or a steady income. Tessy, a widow and mother of five, entangled with her own self created chaos. Her eyes, once bright with purpose, now dimly reflect the haze of alcoholism, a daily companion that has slowly consumed her. As the days grow older, Tessy's presence becomes a fading memory, a quiet echo of the loving mother she once was. Her children, left to learn societal values themselves, grow increasingly restless, their psychological needs neglected, accordingly. As Tessy's grip on reality waver, support system rallied around her, trying to limit the damage. Her sibling, cousin, and a close friend formed a makeshift network, each taking on a portion of the responsibility for her five children. Tessy, meanwhile, was left to care for just two of her children, Vincent and Sarah, a reduced responsibility that still seemed to overwhelm her. As she struggled to maintain a likeness of normalcy, her loved ones held their breath, hoping she would someday find her way back to sobriety and reclaim her role as a mother to all five. Vincent's world, already fractured by his mother's addiction, was further shattered by the cruel dynamics within his own family. His mother, Tessy, and sister, Sarah, seemed to delight in belittling him, their words and actions piercing his fragile self-esteem like a dagger. Tessy, lost in her own haze of guilt and regret, lashed out at Vincent, her anger and frustration misdirected at the one person who needed her love and support the most. She criticized his every move, mocking his efforts and making him feel like a constant disappointment. Sarah, once a source of comfort and chumminess, now joined forces with their mother, her own insecurities and fears manifesting as cruelty towards her brother. Together, they made Vincent feel like the black sheep, an outcast in his own family. The barrage of insults and put-downs eroded Vincent's confidence, leaving him feeling small, insignificant, and unloved. The hope he once had was tattered. Vincent's quest for truth and identity led him to seek out those who knew his family intimately. He approached relatives, family friends, and even neighbors who had witnessed the tumultuous dynamics of his childhood. With a mix of fear and determination, Vincent asked the questions he had longed to ask for years: 'Who am I, really?' 'Who is my biological mother/father?' 'Why did my mother struggle so much? Why am I being punished by the gods?' Vincent's search for answers took him to the doorstep of his mother's old confidante, a wise and aged woman who had known Tessy since childhood. She welcomed Vincent with a warm smile and a knowing glint in her eye, as if she had been expecting him 'Come, child,' she said, 'let me tell you the story of your family, of who you are and where you come from.' as she narrates the same old story of his family history as well as his birthday boring story which he had heard over and over again. Vincent's heart was a battleground, scarred by the constant barrage of emotional pain and uncertainty. At home, he faced the crippling weight of his mother's addiction, the sting of her words, and the absence of her love. His sister's cruelty and disdain pierced his soul like a sharp knife. In the community, whispers and stares followed him like a shadow. Rumors of his family's troubles spread like wildfire, and Vincent felt like a pariah, an outcast. He was forced to confront the harsh realities of poverty, neglect, and abandonment, his childhood innocence lost amidst the chaos. Vincent's emotions swirled like a tempest: anger, hurt, shame, and fear. He felt like a leaf torn from its branch, helpless and adrift in a world that seemed determined to crush him. The ache in his chest was a constant reminder of his longing for love, acceptance, and belonging. Despite the turmoil, Vincent's spirit refused to be extinguished. A spark within him flickered with determination, a resolve to rise above the ashes of his circumstances and forge a new path, one where he could find peace, purpose, and redemption. As Vincent steps into this new chapter, the warmth of hope flickers to life within him, like a candle rekindled in the darkness. Despite the efforts to extinguish his beliefs, his spirit remains unbroken, a beacon of light illuminating the path forward, he shadows of his past still linger, but he lives on