Keke carried the weight of his dark life everywhere he went.

He was raised by parents who were notorious criminals.

Keke’s family had almost everything they wanted, but he knew it and never liked it.

He was infamous in both the community and at school. Rumors circulated about his toxic and erratic family.”

He was embarrassed and ashamed, so he always hid behind a bucket hat, fearing association with his parents’ troubled lifestyle.

A neighbor, who had been watching from a distance, felt sorry for the young boy and wished to intervene, to rescue him from his sticky situation. Keke’s life was overshadowed by his parents’ illicit activities.” He’d often hide behind his hat, looking down in shame.

He wondered how other families lived and how parents raised their children. He suspected there was a better and healthier way to do things.

One chaotic night, police arrived at his house, banging on the doors and searching for his parents. Keke knew his parents’ time was up, judging by the looks on their faces. The police were furious, while his parents were shocked and frazzled.

In that shocking moment, the police dragged them away and tossed them into the back of the van. Keke was left frightened and bewildered.

Fortunately, the neighbor finally had the chance to provide Keke with the better life he’d always wanted, and he began to regain his confidence and self-esteem.

This was written by our contributing writer, Duet Mlotshwa.