Episode 1: The Day Innocence Burned Away
Rejoice was only eight when tragedy struck twice. First, she lost her mother in childbirth. Then, her father—unable to care for two children—left her with Aunt Monica, promising it was only temporary. But instead of love, Rejoice entered a life of cruelty.
Her cousins lived in comfort while she slept on a mat by the kitchen, wearing torn clothes and eating last. Monica’s bitterness fueled daily abuse—slaps, insults, endless chores. Yet Rejoice endured in silence, whispering at night to her late mother.
One Saturday, her world shattered. Distracted while cooking, she burned a pot of rice. Furious, Monica grabbed a kettle of boiling water and poured it over the child’s face. Rejoice’s screams pierced the neighborhood.
Neighbors rushed her to a clinic, but Monica claimed it was an accident. With no proof, police let her walk free. Rejoice’s body healed slowly, her face scarred beyond recognition. But the deepest wounds lived inside her.
That night, staring at the stars, she made a vow:
“One day, I won’t be poor. I’ll never live in anyone’s house again.”
