His early existence proved to be a challenging journey, a realization that dawned on him during his formative years between the ages of four and five. In those tender moments, he would often find himself amidst his peers, engaging in play amidst the dusty surroundings. As his runny nose persisted, his once-pristine shirt gradually transformed into a coarse covering, its fabric entwined with the tenacious evidence of his relentless nasal flow. While his companions donned garments of opulence and elegance, his attire resembled more of a makeshift robe than a shirt. The meager cloth struggled to enshroud his entire body, particularly faltering in concealing his lower abdomen, imposing a daily struggle upon him.
This singular shirt became his constant companion, faithfully accompanying him through both the illuminated hours of day and the shrouded moments of night, until the prospect of a replacement emerged. The very fabric that clothed him also provided refuge to tiny inhabitants, as lice sought refuge in its every nook and cranny, their presence an unavoidable consequence he had to accept, particularly with the impending frigid embrace of winter.
In the early hours of dawn, he embarked on the arduous journey to the maize field located kilometers away from his humble abode, tasked with gathering precious consignments of maize corn. Sometimes, he would toil in the maize field, digging and cultivating until the arrival of his school-bound responsibilities beckoned. Amidst this demanding schedule, he managed to steal a brief moment for breakfast before setting off for his educational pursuits.
Another duty called to him: the grazing of his horse. Leading the equine companion to verdant meadows, he would tether it securely, allowing it to indulge in nature's bounty. His school day was a whirlwind of activities, leaving him fatigued even before the commencement of the first period. Yet, driven by an unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge, he persevered, absorbing the lessons despite the fatigue that threatened to encumber him.
The horse's grazing sessions were a structured part of his day, the creature's patient gaze silently awaiting its owner's direction to shift locations. Moments of leisure and camaraderie with friends were a luxury he could scarcely afford, as he used each break to hasten to his horse's side for its repositioning. This routine persisted through lunchtime as well.
Post-school hours saw him guiding his horse homeward, where his stepmother awaited their return. She would inspect the horse's belly, a visual indicator of whether the animal had been suitably nourished by its grazing activities. The threat of her displeasure loomed – a withholding of meals if the horse's well-being had been neglected.
Tragedy had visited his life at an early age, with the loss of his birth mother when he was just three. While memories of her remained elusive, he later comprehended that he was residing under the care of his stepmother, a figure who entered his life following the void left by his biological mother's departure.
