DAISY JOYCE

"I once thrived as a joyful child, the youngest in a tightly-knit family that revolved around love and camaraderie. My parents had three children: Luna, the eldest, with her irreplaceable wisdom; Kelvin, the inquisitive middle child; and me, the cherished baby of the family. Our home was alive with laughter, storytelling, and the gentle chaos that comes with having siblings, creating an atmosphere brimming with warmth.

While we weren't wealthy in the material sense, we didn't struggle either; we inhabited that sweet spot on the socio-economic spectrum that felt comfortable and fulfilling. Our mealtime rituals were filled with homemade dishes, the dining table laden with affection as we talked and shared our days. We wore nice clothes that showcased our personalities and occasionally embarked on short journeys to nearby towns, always returning home delighted by new experiences, yet never compromising our family’s budget. Being the youngest, I basked in the  extra care and attention from my older siblings, who doted on me in a way that made me feel cherished and secure.

I held dear the moments that became the fabric of my childhood: shared meals steeped in love, nights wrapped in peaceful slumber, and days alive with the laughter of playing in the backyard. Words like tragedy, accidents, and the notion of a collapsing world seemed as distant as the stars—until that life-altering day during the holiday season shattered my innocence.

Dad came home one afternoon, his eyes alight with excitement and an infectious grin spreading across his face, carrying thrilling news: we were going on a trip! An electric buzz filled the air as we all sprang into action, hearts racing with anticipation while we began the delightful task of packing our bags.

As evening descended, around 5 p.m., Dad made the unconventional choice to call for a cab to whisk us away to the airport instead of driving. In that moment, it was more than just a ride; it symbolized a thrilling beginning for us all. This trip represented our very first experience of flying, a milestone that felt monumental, as we held real airplane tickets in our eager hands for the first time.

Our family’s travels had always been limited to trains or road trips, and I felt it was only right to point out this leap into the skies as a significant milestone in our shared experiences. What intensified this moment was the knowledge that we were not merely flying to a nearby destination; we were embarking on an international adventure.

The prospect of exploring new horizons, gazing upon breathtaking landscapes, and immersing ourselves in the vibrancy of foreign cultures danced in my imagination, filling my heart with a unique sense of wonder. This dream of exploration had been planted firmly in my heart since childhood, and now it was on the threshold of becoming a reality, enveloping me in pure, unfiltered joy.

The significance of this surprise trip extended beyond just the excitement of travel; I was acutely aware that my father's tireless efforts had finally begun to bear fruit. He had been immersed in the arduous task of securing a staggering one billion dollars in investments, an achievement that had felt elusive yet tantalizingly close.

I had caught snippets of whispered conversations between my parents, witnessing the toll this ambition took on Dad as he worked diligently for three grueling years. Despite his ceaseless dedication, he had grappled with the challenge of establishing the necessary connections to clinch the deal. Each time he faced rejection and disappointment, it felt like a dagger to my heart.

Watching him wrestle with the mounting pressure was difficult, especially in a world where greed often overshadowed genuine connections. My mother, steadfast in her faith, turned to prayer for solace, often seeking divine intervention in hopes of a breakthrough for Dad.

There were moments when I sensed Dad's hope waning, as he began to realize that many others were also competing for the same opportunity, a realization that weighed heavily on his shoulders. It pained me to see him struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially as the affluent family behind the contract seemed to construct an insurmountable barrier of distrust around him. They preferred to align themselves with their equals, leaving hardworking individuals like my father struggling on the periphery.

I always felt as though I carried a unique perspective that often contrasted with that of my peers. Though smaller in stature, I possessed a depth of understanding and an intricate awareness of the world around me. My academic journey, though filled with some challenges, paled in comparison to the more daunting emotional hurdles my family faced. My siblings, too, had their remarkable forms of intelligence and insight, each carving distinct paths in life.

So, when Dad suddenly announced this extraordinary trip, it felt both thrilling and perplexing. The near approach of the holiday season caught us all off guard."