Caught in the "act"

A new year was supposed to usher in great prosperity, wealth, good fortune, success, peace, joy, and any positive event that could be thought of. 

Nobody wanted a year filled with pain, misery, terror, anger, or negative energy.

Prosperity has thrived in my family in recent times.

Though there was a time when we struggled, I could not remember any of it clearly. 

All I've ever known was comfort and that's all I wanted to know.

Nothing else. 

Despite prosperity and a substantial income stream, my family was devoid of peace and joy. 

I could not seem to find any peace and joy in the family unit.

I could only seem to find it in independent members of the family like my mom, dad, and my cousin, Oluebube.

I did my best to keep her out of the loop of all the regrettable and melancholic events of the festive period.