My name is Thandeka, I’m 14 years old. I live with my mother. My father died when I was 7 years old. Ever since my dad died, I have been protective of my mother. Every guy she dated I hated.

Let me tell you about my mother. My mother is very strict but very nice. My mom raised me with respect, love, and protection. She plays a big role in my life. She is my mother-father. I love my mother but sometimes is too strict.

As I grew older I hated the world, the pollution, the dying youth, serial killers, and rapists. I wanted my father to protect me and my mom, but unfortunately, he wasn’t.

I wanted him to guide me, to protect and love me. He wasn’t there when I needed a father figure. He wasn’t there when I was hurt by people who I trusted, people who acted like they care when they didn’t. When I was in grade 4, I was bullied and from then I learnt how to look after myself.