Fateema remained in slumber until 12:23, gradually blinking her eyes as the world around her came into focus. She turned her head in the direction of a woman’s voice, discovering a graceful lady with a petite frame at her side, assisting her to sit up. The woman kindly suggested, “Take some rest and I’ll prepare some food. Let me brew you some tea.” Fateema noticed the woman’s delicate features and the hint of grey in her hair. Gratefully, she accepted the offer.
As the tea began to infuse warmth into her, the woman inquired, “What is your name, and where are your parents?” Fateema replied, “My name is Fateema, and my family resides in a village called Modibbo Town, under Akko local government. My parents are seeking hides.”
The woman introduced herself as Hajiya Kulsum and expressed concern, asking, “Are you feeling unwell?” Fateema glanced up and replied, “Why did you come here? I don’t want to trouble you.” Hajiya Kulsum rose, prepared some food for herself, ate sparingly, and claimed to be full before taking a sip of water. She noticed Fateema’s condition and became worried. Fateema finally spoke up, saying, “Hajia, I need to use the bathroom.” Hajiya Kulsum assisted her, fetching some water, and waited as Fateema performed ablution before returning to the bed. They sat in silence for a while, interrupted only by the call to prayer.
After their prayers, a doctor entered to examine Fateema’s condition and asked about her well-being. Turning to Hajiya Kulsum, the doctor announced, “You can take her home; she’s doing fine.” Hajiya left the room to settle the bill and then returned, saying, “Let’s go.” They exited the hospital, and Fateema inquired, “Hajia, did you find my bag?” Hajiya didn’t respond, leading Fateema through a neighborhood of more than 20 houses, their eyes locking onto each other as they strolled along the neatly arranged streets.
Fateema remarked, “This place feels like paradise on Earth.” As they walked, a car emerged from a driveway onto the street, and Fateema’s gaze fixed on a man inside, who seemed to be engrossed in a phone call and was smiling. Fateema unconsciously pointed at him as he drove by, lost in her thoughts.
Hajiya Kulsum stood near her house’s gate, staring at the man’s residence. She observed Fateema’s tearful eyes and her pointing gesture. Hajiya called her name, but there was no response. She gently tapped Fateema’s shoulder, and in a moment of panic, Fateema turned and burst into tears, causing Hajiya to cry along with her. Was this girl not a wonder? A young girl venturing out alone from her town, with nothing to her name, crying and pointing at a stranger’s car. What could be troubling her? What fate had brought her here, and what secrets did she carry?
