I am a girl of 17 years with no parents. I have been raised by my mother’s little sister and her husband. They are taking good care of me like they’re my real parents.

Growing without parents is something hurtful. I never wanted to talk about it but now I realize the damage of keeping it. I lived all my life without seeing my mom’s face or even hearing her voice . At first , I was afraid of asking about my parents till umamcane told me about them . The thing of growing up without parents did not sit well with me but because now I’m a grown up , I can ask many questions as I feel .

It was on the 1st of December 2022 , when mamcane took me out for dinner . I was suprised because she left all her kids , even the one of my age[17 yrs] but took me only. When we entered by the mall gate , she asked me where do I prefer to go and eat. I was puzzled because it was my first time going out for dinner .

I chose to go to MacD and we went there as she also agreed with my choice. She ordered my favourite meal and drinks then we ate. The problem started immediately when she said “there is something I want us to talk about” . I was scared because I have never seen her so serious. She told me calm down and listen to her and I did so .

She started by saying “mntwana ka sisi , I know you’ve always wanted to know the truth about who you are and I’m about to tell you everything that you want to know but promise me that you will stay calm and you can ask as many questions as you want” . I started crying . Mamcane was broken to see me crying like that . She have never seen me crying like this . It took me a few minutes to come to my senses and mamcane started sharing the news.

“It was on the 08 April 2006 when your mother gave her last breath . She was suffering from cervix cancer and the doctors ordered her not to fall pregnant. She wanted a baby because at that days , having a baby was gaining status . When she realized she was pregnant , she told your father and they were all happy about this . Time went on until your birthday arrives. Your dad went to labour with your mom because he wanted to give you a warm welcome . After giving birth to you , the doctor checked up usisi and told us that she is not in a good state . She was then transfered to ICU . After some hours in the ICU , the doctor came crying and told us that she is no more . We all started crying and when your dad heard this , he fainted and it all that. [With tears in her eyes] he was gone” .

I did not know what to say but cried . Umamcane was a mess . She was broken . She did not know what to do neither I . I stood up , and comforted her. I’m sure this was too heavy for her to carry because she had to burry two people and raise their child . I did not believe that I lost both my parents on my birthday . I wished it was all a dream I could wake from but unfortunately its not .

This is the story of my life