My name is Esther Mueni. I am the second child in a family of three. I have an elder sister and a younger brother. I am the only unwanted child in my family. I might say this because not many people know me in my neighborhood—they always lock me in the house to "protect me."
My pregnancy came as a surprise to my mother, one that she didn't plan for. I think it was way too early to welcome another baby. Just like any other unplanned pregnancy, the only choice was to eliminate it. She took all kinds of bitter herbs such as neem leaves and aloe vera... but God's will to bring baby Essy into existence couldn't be escaped.
The nine months of her pregnancy were the worst nightmare she ever faced. It was on the 7th of February—she clearly remembers that day of the year 2005—the day that almost claimed her life.
That Monday evening of 7th February was the day God chose for baby Essy to first set her feet in this world. The delivery process nearly killed mother. She went unconscious for seven hours after delivery, and that increased her hatred towards me.
Father always obeyed mother's decisions. He saw his child being rejected since birth, but what could he do?
I have never experienced the love of a mother nor that of a father. My elder sister, Susan, took after mama's footsteps. They worked hand in hand to make my life a living hell. They scolded me for waking up late, for having meals with them at the dining table, even for being position one in class—whereas Suzie always tailed behind.
The only refuge was my little brother, baby Victor. He wasn't like the rest. He always saw my worth in what everyone else saw as fault. He would hide gifts he got from mama just to share them with me amidst my tears.