Derrick is the eldest of two children. He lives with his sister and both parents in a grass-roofed house on a small piece of inherited land. The family grows vegetables on the remaining land, which provides food for household consumption and a modest surplus for sale.

Despite these efforts, the family environment remains unsafe. The father is severely dependent on alcohol, drinking daily to the point of neglecting his responsibilities. His addiction has led to recurrent domestic violence, creating a hostile and traumatic home environment for the children. He frequently takes the little income earned from vegetable sales to fund his drinking, leaving the family without resources for basic needs.

Despite facing violence and economic deprivation, the mother struggles to ensure that Abigael and her brother attend school. She manages the household garden and tries to sell surplus produce to cover school expenses. However, her efforts are often undermined by the father’s behavior, leading to inconsistent school attendance and emotional distress for the children.