Abdullah: Dad is dead? (shocked)
Suliyah: Why would the police shoot him? Couldn’t they have caught him first? (still in disbelief)
Adewunmi: (weeping uncontrollably) I don’t know… I don’t know! Your father is gone… my husband is gone ohhh!
Abdullah: Mum, please… we understand this is painful, but… he’s gone. His time has come. Please don’t make your health worse because of this.
Adewunmi: (looks at him, hurt) I can’t believe you can speak like this. I said your father… your father… the man who brought you into this world. Don’t you have a heart?
Abdullah: Have you forgotten what he did? He killed someone. That could have been you. So you expect me to cry?
Adewunmi: No matter what he did… whether you like it or not, he is still your father.
Suliyah: But now he’s gone, Mum. And he killed someone too… whoever takes a life must answer for it.
Adewunmi: Even you, Suliyah? You that loved him so much? His favourite daughter? Ya Allah… what kind of children did I give birth to?
Abdullah: We are not heartless, Mum. He reaped what he sowed. Please… enough of the crying. I have an important meeting tomorrow. I also want to buy my JAMB form. I need to rest. (he walks away)
Adewunmi: So you won’t even attend his third-day prayer? Abdullah! (she breaks down again)
Summayah: Mum! Look at me… please look at me.
(She gently lifts her mother’s face)
Summayah: Bolaji Muhammed is gone. Halimah is gone too… and it happened because of what he did. No matter how much you cry… it won’t bring him back. It will only hurt you more.
(She wipes her tears softly)
Summayah: And we are not ready to lose you too. Please… calm down.
(Her voice softens)
Summayah: May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. As for me… I have forgiven Dad for everything he did to me. Life goes on, Mama. Please… stop crying.
Adewunmi: (nods slowly, still emotional) Thank you, my child… you speak with wisdom.
Suliyah: (stretching) Abeg, let me go and prepare dinner. What should I cook? I bought some foodstuff.
Adewunmi: Where did you get them from?
Suliyah: I bought them with my money.
Adewunmi: Don’t tell me it’s from that your old lifestyle?
Suliyah: No now…
Adewunmi: Then where did the money come from?
Suliyah: (irritated) Mum, please… I don’t have strength for this.
Adewunmi: Then take those things out of my house if you can’t explain.
Suliyah: Okay! I borrowed the money from a friend. I’ll pay back when I get a proper job.
Summayah: Me, I’m outside oh… (she quietly steps away)
(Curtain)
The next day – 8:30am
Summayah’s POV
The moment I stepped into the company, my heart was already racing.
Two things were on my mind.
My bag… and Shade.
I didn’t even know which one I wanted to find first.
Then I saw her.
She had just stepped out of her car, looking as composed as ever.
Relief washed over me.
I hurried toward her.
Summayah: Good morning, ma.
Shade: Ah, you again. Good morning. Hope you slept well?
Summayah: Not really… but I’m okay now. I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. I really appreciate it. May Allah continue to bless you and your family.
Shade: Ameen… and yours too.
Summayah: Ameen. Let me go and start work now.
Shade: Just like that? You’re already running away? (smiles) Alright. Come to my office during lunch break, okay?
Summayah: Okay, ma. Thank you.
(She walks away)
Now… my bag.
I paused.
Then remembered.
The lost and found.
I made my way there.
The place was quiet… too quiet.
Hidden at the far end of the building like somewhere people had forgotten.
I hesitated before pushing the door open.
Inside—
It was bigger than I expected.
Different items scattered everywhere.
Shoes.
Files.
Bags.
Forgotten pieces of people’s lives.
Summayah: Ya Allah… where do I even start?
Time was ticking.
I started searching… moving things around… checking corners.
Nothing.
Then I noticed another door.
Inside the room.
A door… inside a store?
Curiosity pulled me closer.
I pushed it open—
And froze.
Jamiu.
Sitting comfortably.
Eating amala and ewedu… like this was his dining room.
The shock hit me hard.
A scream escaped my mouth—
He jumped up and quickly covered it.
Jamiu: Shhh! Calm down! Please!
(I nodded quickly)
He slowly removed his hand.
Summayah: Please… don’t touch me again.
Jamiu: Sorry… I’m really sorry. Please… don’t tell anyone you saw me here.
(I wiped my lips with my sleeve, still uncomfortable)
Summayah: That one is not my business. I came for my bag, not you. But… why are you eating here?
Jamiu: It’s personal. Just… promise me you won’t tell anyone.
Summayah: Okay, okay. I won’t.
(I turned back to my search)
Summayah: Where is this bag now?
Jamiu: Describe it.
Summayah: Black handbag. Old… it belongs to my mum.
Jamiu: Alright, let me help you.
(I looked at his hands, covered in soup)
Summayah: With those hands? No, thank you.
Jamiu: I’ll use my eyes. Watch and learn.
Summayah: (muttering) Boss.
Five minutes later—
He was still searching.
Confident.
Focused.
Meanwhile—
I had already found the bag.
Two minutes ago.
I stood behind him, holding it.
Watching him stress himself.
Summayah: You are wasting your time.
Jamiu: Wait… I’m about to—
(He turns… sees the bag)
Jamiu: Oh… you found it.
Summayah: Since. Anyway, thank you. Have a nice day.
(I walked out)
Jamiu: Wait— (sighs) I wanted to ask her something…
(Curtain)
Alia’s POV
The sun was hot.
Ummu and I sat under a tree, trying to catch our breath after a long walk.
But I couldn’t hold it anymore.
Alia: Ummu… please… is there anywhere I can pee?
Ummu: Just go inside that bush. Be careful. Watch for snakes. Take this water.
Alia: Okay, Mama.
(I rushed in)
Found a spot.
Bent down—
Then suddenly—
Three men.
Out of nowhere.
I jumped up immediately.
1st Gang: Come here! How dare you pee on our land?
Alia: Please… I’m sorry…
2nd Gang: Move again and I’ll shoot you.
(He pulled out a gun)
My legs froze.
My heart pounded.
3rd Gang: Good. Now come.
They grabbed me.
Dragged me deeper into the bush.
I screamed.
Alia: Help! Somebody help me!
No one came.
Then—
A voice.
Tunji: Let her go.
The men froze.
Then ran.
Just like that.
I dropped to the ground, shaking.
Tunji: Are you okay?
I looked at him.
Anger rose immediately.
Alia: What are you doing here?
Tunji: I came to save you—
Alia: Save me? You think I’m stupid? You arranged all this so you can act like a hero?
(She stands)
Alia: You don’t have sense at all.
Ummu’s voice echoed in the distance.
Ummu: Alia!
Alia: If I see you again, you will regret it.
(She pushes him aside)
Tunji: I love you! Please give me a chance!
Alia: Love will finish you there.
(She runs toward Ummu)
Summayah’s POV
I sat quietly outside, enjoying the silence.
Peace.
That’s all I ever wanted.
Then I saw her.
One of those girls.
Following the Assistant Manager.
I watched.
Curious.
She blocked his path.
Assistant Manager: What is your problem?
1st Female Worker: I like you. I’m ready to do anything for you. Look at me… am I not enough?
(He looks at her… then away)
Assistant Manager: I’m not looking for a prostitute. I want a wife.
(Silence)
He walks away.
She stands there.
Embarrassed.
Then—
Her eyes land on me.
Everything changes.
Anger.
Sharp.
Directed.
She storms toward me.
1st Female Worker: You! How dare you sit here? Don’t you have respect?
Summayah: What did I do?
1st Female Worker: Shut up! Get inside!
Summayah: I’m not going anywhere.
(She raises her hand to slap me)
I catch it.
Mid-air.
Her eyes widen.
Summayah: Who do you think you are?
(Silence stretches)
Summayah: Is it because I’m quiet? Don’t mistake silence for weakness.
(She tries again)
I stop her again.
Firm.
Unshaken.
Summayah: Try it again… and you won’t like what happens next.
I push her hand away.
She stumbles back slightly.
Adjusts herself.
Her pride bruised.
1st Female Worker: Nonsense!
(She storms off)
I watch her go.
Then—
A small laugh escapes me.
Not loud.
But real.
Summayah: Fool…
For the first time—
I didn’t feel small.
I didn’t feel afraid.
I just felt…
Strong.
.........
At work
Summayah’s POV
I stood there with my mop in hand… but my mind was far away.
(thinking)
I don’t know why I have to go through all of this… just to live… just to breathe.
My chest tightened.
(thinking)
My face… my face is my daily battle. Every single day.
I swallowed hard.
(thinking)
I’m trying… I’m really trying to be strong. To be happy. To fight for myself. But deep down… it still hurts.
My grip on the mop loosened.
(thinking)
For how long will I keep fighting like this? How long?
My eyes burned.
(thinking)
What if I was still in school? With this same bullying everywhere… would I even survive it?
A tear slipped down before I could stop it.
(thinking)
Everyone hates me… they call me witch… Why me? Why is it always me?
My chest rose and fell heavily.
(thinking)
I want to be loved too… I want someone to look at me and smile… I want a man to go crazy for me too…
More tears.
(thinking)
But no… they all want beauty.
I shook my head slowly.
(thinking)
Ya Allah… when will I find peace? When?
My vision blurred.
The tears came fully now.
I didn’t even know someone had been watching me.
Jamiu: (softly) Hey… why are you crying?
I quickly wiped my face.
Summayah: Nothing, sir.
He didn’t move.
Jamiu: And you expect me to believe that? You can talk to me… I may not fix everything, but I won’t add to your pain.
That was all it took.
Everything I had been holding back broke loose.
Summayah: (crying) I hate myself… everyone hates me… I’m too ugly… nobody loves me… nobody wants to see my face… I face so many problems because of it… I’m tired…
Jamiu slowly squatted in front of me.
Not too close.
Just enough.
Jamiu: Look at me.
I shook my head.
Jamiu: Raise your head. Don’t hide. Please… look at me.
My body resisted.
But something in his voice… made me obey.
I lifted my head halfway… then lowered it again.
Summayah: I can’t…
Jamiu: You can. I won’t hurt you. Just look at me.
Slowly… I did.
For the first time… I looked someone in the eyes without fear.
Jamiu: Good.
(He smiled gently)
Jamiu: You are beautiful just the way you are.
I blinked.
Unsure if I heard him right.
Jamiu: Yes… this world chases beauty and money. That’s all people see. And it’s destroying us. Nobody looks deeper anymore.
His voice was calm.
Steady.
Jamiu: Not everything that shines is gold… and you can’t judge a book by its cover.
He paused.
Studying my face.
Jamiu: I’ve seen you before. About six years ago… at your mum’s shop.
A faint memory stirred.
Jamiu: You were with that your funny friend… always arguing. (I couldn’t help but smile a little)
He noticed.
Jamiu: The first day I saw you… I knew there was something beautiful inside you. Something real. But only a few people can see it.
My chest softened.
Just a little.
Jamiu: Your parents must have told you this before. They were right. You are beautiful. And you will find a real man who sees you for who you are.
His voice deepened.
Jamiu: Those other faces you see outside… pour water on them, you’ll see what is underneath. Not everything is real.
I let out a shaky breath.
Jamiu: I’ve been watching you since you started here… and I don’t like seeing you sad.
He smiled again.
Jamiu: Your smile… it’s beautiful. Don’t hide it.
Silence.
But this time… it wasn’t heavy.
It felt… lighter.
Summayah: (softly) Thank you… I think I will need this kind of reminder again.
(I wiped my tears)
Jamiu: Then let me be that person. Can we be friends? I promise I’ll be there for you.
I blinked.
Summayah: I’ve never had a male friend before… I don’t even know how it works.
Jamiu: It’s the same thing. Just… someone who wants to see you happy.
I studied him carefully.
Summayah: Why are you nice to me?
He smiled.
Jamiu: That’s just who I am.
I shook my head slightly.
Summayah: No… men are not just nice like that. There must be a reason.
He chuckled softly.
Jamiu: Because you are special… you just don’t know it yet.
I laughed.
For real this time.
Summayah: Abeg… I’m not special anything.
Jamiu: (grinning) I’m just glad you’re smiling.
Summayah: Thank you… really.
He tilted his head slightly.
Jamiu: I’m still waiting for your answer.
I paused.
Then smiled.
Summayah: Okay… I’ll be your friend. But on one condition.
Jamiu: Anything.
Summayah: Stop eating inside that store.
I burst into laughter.
He didn’t.
Not fully.
Jamiu: It’s not funny… please don’t tell anyone. That’s… my weakness.
My laughter faded immediately.
Summayah: I’m sorry… I didn’t know.
Jamiu: It’s okay. I’ll explain someday… when I’m ready.
Summayah: No… you don’t have to. Keep it to yourself.
(He stood up slowly)
Jamiu: Ahh… my legs…
Summayah: See? I told you.
Jamiu: But it was worth it.
I smiled.
Summayah: Thank you… my friend.
Jamiu: And thank you too. So… lunch?
Summayah: No no… maybe next time.
Jamiu: Have you eaten?
Summayah: Yes!
Jamiu: Alright… see you later.
(He waved and walked away)
For the first time in a long while…
My heart felt… calm.
(Curtain)
Few weeks later
Alia’s POV
Ummu had been sick for a week.
A whole week.
And nothing seemed to change.
We tried different local treatments… they said malaria, typhoid… gave drugs… but she wasn’t getting better.
Now I hawked alone.
And every step felt heavier without her.
That day, after trekking for hours, I stopped to rest.
My legs were shaking.
My throat dry.
But it wasn’t just my body that was tired.
It was my life.
I closed my eyes.
Alia: Ya Allah… please have mercy on me.
My voice cracked.
Alia: I can’t lose this woman… please send help… please give me a righteous husband… I’m tired.
Tears gathered in my eyes.
Alia: How long will I keep selling fish just to survive? Sometimes we don’t even eat well…
I swallowed hard.
Alia: And every man that comes… it’s always the same thing. They don’t want me… they want my body.
Silence.
Then—
An idea.
Sharp.
Clear.
I opened my eyes.
Alia: Wait… Ummu has a niqab.
My heart started beating faster.
Alia: What if I wear it… so no one sees my face?
I sat up.
Alia: Maybe… just maybe… someone will love me for me.
Hope flickered.
Small.
But real.
The next day
I wore the niqab.
At first… it felt strange.
Heavy.
Different.
But Ummu said I would get used to it.
So I stepped out.
Covered.
Hoping.
Four hours later
The sun was hot. The market was loud. But I kept going.
Alia: Buy your fresh fish! Come and buy!
People passed. Some stopped. Some bought.
Then—
A car pulled over.
A man stepped out.
I thought he was going somewhere else.
Until—
Man: As-salamu alaykum.
Alia: Wa alaykum salam, sir.
Man: How much is your fish?
Alia: 300 naira, sir.
Man: Give me everything.
I froze.
Alia: Everything?
Man: Yes.
I calculated quickly.
Alia: That will be 2,500, sir.
He brought out money.
Man: Take 3,000. Keep the change.
My eyes widened.
Alia: Thank you, sir!
I packed everything quickly.
My heart was racing.
Man: I like your dressing… it’s rare to see someone like you. I hope to see you again.
He left.
Just like that.
I stood there…
smiling like a child.
Alia: Ya Allah… just one day with niqab…
Excitement filled me.
I carried my tray and rushed home.
On my way—
I saw them.
Tunji.
And his men.
My heart dropped.
But they didn’t recognize me.
I adjusted my niqab and walked past.
Quietly.
Safely.
When I got home—
I ran straight to Ummu and hugged her tightly.
Ummu: My child! You’re back early.
Alia: Ummu… you won’t believe what happened today. Allah protected me… with this niqab!
Ummu: Allahu Akbar! What happened?
Her voice was filled with concern.
Mine… with amazement.
Something was changing.
Slowly.
But surely.
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