My Childhood [Mazien Archie]
In the intricate tapestry of a child's life, society plays a pivotal role, shaping their very essence in ways often overlooked. My own journey, however, took a divergent path. Rather than conforming to societal norms, I found myself ensnared in its oppressive grasp from an early age. Raised in a household of three siblings, I, the middle child, bore witness to the peculiar circumstances of my birth. My father, albeit desiring a son, masked his longing under a guise of indifference, a facade swiftly unveiled by the divine orchestrations of fate. Thus, I arrived on this earth, not as the coveted son, but as a unique gift on my father's birthday. A family dynamic fraught with spiritual undertones soon gave way to the harsh realities of existence. As a child navigating the labyrinth of societal expectations, I found solace in isolation, shielded from the incessant misgendering that plagued my every interaction. Yet, this solitude, once a sanctuary, soon transformed into a prison o...