1.ROOTS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER

I sat on my bed, my bedroom door closed, tears streaming down my face. Grief wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, criss-crossing like tangled threads. I wondered where my life had gone wrong. Unbidden, my mind drifted back to my childhood, and like a movie, my life played out in vivid detail, thanks to my photographic memory.

My name is Zeylan, the third born in a family of four. My parents used to live on the outskirts of the city. My parents loved each other deeply. My dad, an engineer, and my mom, a housewife, had left her job at a famous company to raise my elder siblings. She feared her son would be mistreated by the house manager, just like my elder sister had been. My dad supported her decision, even though it meant financial strain at first. Life was tough; they lived in a single room and could barely afford two meals a day.

But then, through my mom's wide network, my dad landed a well-paying job at a government Electric Company. Life turned sweet and easy. They moved into a spacious company house. A few months later, I was born.

My mom often told me about the day I was born, and it always brought a sweet smile to my face. She used to say that when I first entered the world, my cry was so deep and strong that she thought I was a boy. It was a sound that echoed through the room, surprising everyone with its intensity.

But then, as she looked down at me, her heart swelled with joy. There I was, her beautiful and healthy baby girl. My skin was soft and glowing, my cheeks rosy and full. I had a head full of dark, curly hair that framed my tiny face, making me look like a little angel. My eyes, wide and curious, were the color of the coal, sparkling with the wonder of new life.

My mom says that in that moment, all her doubts and fears melted away. She was filled with a happiness beyond words, a joy so profound it brought tears to her eyes. She was proud beyond measure to see her bundle of joy, her precious little daughter. She held me close, whispering promises of love and protection, knowing that her life had changed forever.

My siblings and I shared a bond that was as strong as the roots of an ancient tree. My elder brother, Grey, was the protector of our little clan. Tall and sturdy, with a heart as big as his frame, he always looked out for us. His laughter was infectious, a deep, hearty sound that could brighten the darkest days. Grey loved to play soccer, and he often took me and our sister, Jewel, to the park. We would kick the ball around, and he would patiently teach us tricks, his eyes twinkling with pride whenever we got it right.

Jewel, my elder sister, was the creative soul of the family. She had a gentle grace about her, with long, flowing hair and a smile that could light up a room. Jewel loved to paint and draw, and she often turned the stairs and the frontyard into an art studio. We would sit under the big oak tree, surrounded by her colorful creations, and she would teach me how to mix colors and create beautiful pictures. Her patience and kindness made every moment with her feel special.

We would play hide and seek, climb trees, and build forts out of blankets and pillows. Our imagination knew no bounds, and we could turn the simplest activities into magical experiences.

On weekends, we would gather in the living room for movie nights. Grey would make popcorn, and Jewel would set up a cozy space with blankets and pillows. We would watch our favorite films, laughing and cheering together. Those nights were filled with warmth and joy, a reminder of the love that bound us together.

Even during tough times, my siblings were my pillars of strength. They taught me the true meaning of loyalty and love. Our bond was unbreakable, and the memories we created together were the treasures of my heart.

At shool I had three close friends: Lily, Ivy, and Linah. We were inseparable, bonded by genuine care and concern. Lily was the adventurous one, always coming up with new games for us to play. Ivy was the kind-hearted peacemaker, always ensuring everyone was happy. Linah was the creative soul, often drawing or crafting little gifts for us.

We played hide and seek, rope skipping, tree climbing, and indulged in the school neighborhood junk food. Our favorite spot was the big sycamore tree at the end of the playground. With their distinctive mottled bark and massive crowns, the trees provided a fantastic climbing experience. Their large branches were perfect for sitting and enjoying the view.

One summer, we decided to visit Ivy's house where we build a treehouse in their sycamore tree. It was a rickety structure, made from old planks and nails we found in her father's garages, but to us, it was a castle. We spent countless hours there, sharing secrets, dreams, and laughter. It was our sanctuary, a place where the worries of the world couldn't touch us.

Life was a blend of sweet moments and hidden struggles, but through it all, I held onto hope and the belief that brighter days were ahead. My friendships with Lily, Ivy, and Linah were the silver lining in my stormy skies. They taught me the true meaning of loyalty and love, and for that, I was eternally grateful.

There was a time when I had just graduated from the kindergarten and schools closed for a long holiday. My parents had planned a special trip to celebrate my graduation from kindergarten. The excitement was bubbling inside me as we packed our bags and set off on our adventure.

We left early in the morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. The car was filled with laughter and songs as we drove through the beautiful Kenyan countryside. The scenery changed from bustling towns to vast open landscapes, and I couldn't wait to see what awaited us at Hell's Gate.

As we entered Hell's Gate National Park, I was immediately struck by the dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, deep gorges, and wide-open plains stretched out before us. We started our day with a bike ride through the park. It was my first time riding a bike in such a vast, open space, and I felt a sense of freedom and adventure.

We stopped to explore the famous Fischer's Tower, a tall rock formation that looked like it was reaching for the sky. My parents told me stories about how the tower was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. We even saw some rock climbers scaling its heights, which was both thrilling and inspiring.

The next day, we set out to explore the Hell's Gate Gorge. Walking through the narrow, winding paths of the gorge felt like stepping into another world. The walls of the gorge were high and imposing, and the sound of water trickling down the rocks added to the magical atmosphere. We saw hot springs and steam vents, and my parents explained how the geothermal activity beneath the park created these natural wonders.

At one point, we had to carefully navigate through a narrow section of the gorge, holding onto ropes to keep our balance. It was a bit challenging, but also incredibly fun. I felt like a real explorer, discovering hidden treasures with every step.

On our final day, we went on a guided safari walk. We saw zebras, giraffes, and even a few buffaloes grazing in the distance. The highlight of the day was spotting a family of warthogs trotting across the plains. Our guide shared fascinating facts about the animals and their habitats, making the experience both educational and exciting.

As we drove back home, I couldn't stop talking about all the amazing things we had seen and done. The trip to Hell's Gate was the perfect way to celebrate my graduation, and it left me with memories that I would cherish forever. My parents had made sure that every moment was special, and I felt so loved and appreciated.

This thrilling adventure at Hell's Gate was more than just a trip; it was a celebration of family, nature, and the joy of discovering new places together. It was a journey that marked the beginning of many more adventures to come.