Jamiu: stay away from her! This is not a joke! She had been through alot her life already thanks to you she never find peace here....
Assistant manager: so you are now like her protector ahh? Don't tell me you have feelings for this girl.
Jamiu: whatever I feel towards her is none of your business..... Am warning you stay away from her.. (his jaw tightens, anger flashing in his eyes as he walks out without looking back)
Assistant manager: (shocked, then slowly recovering) I... I can't believe this thing just faced me over a girl... a girl that is ugly... (his expression darkens, pride bruised) I must teach him a lesson. A big one.
(Curtain)
Summayah sat in the living room, but she was not really there. Her body was still, yet her mind was restless, wandering through thoughts she could not even arrange. Her gaze was fixed on nothing, her fingers loosely clasped together, as if she had forgotten the world around her existed.
Suliyah walked in and stopped, watching her carefully.
Suliyah: Summayah!!!!
Summayah: (no response)
Suliyah: Summayah!! (she taps her)
Summayah: ehh! Ma! (she jolts slightly, like someone dragged her back to reality)
Suliyah: what are you thinking like that? I have been calling out your name since oh!
Summayah: sorry sis (scratching her neck, avoiding eye contact)
Suliyah: what's wrong? Talk to me?
Summayah: see is just the drama going on in my life... I don't get it at all. (her voice carries confusion and quiet frustration)
Suliyah: (she gets seated beside her, leaning in) what happened? Talk to your sis, you don't know, maybe we can find a solution to it.
Summayah: well... that company am working... there are two guys or should I say men scattering my head right now. (she exhales slowly)
Suliyah: two men? Summayah is in love oh (she starts singing playfully, but Summayah quickly covers her mouth, her eyes widening in panic)
Summayah: what's your problem now! Haba! You want mum to hear us? This is why me I dont telling you stuff ohh because you will later broadcast it. (whispering sharply)
Suliyah: oya no vex, I am just happy for you that finally there is love life in this girl... oya (she adjusts herself, now more serious) am listening.
Summayah: (looks at her for a moment, then sighs) ok o... anyway one of the guys, his name is Jamiu, he is my friend... he is so caring and loving... in fact he protects me so much that he almost lost his job 3 days ago. (a soft, unconscious smile touches her lips)
Suliyah: (surprised) really? (her thoughts drift, a quiet insecurity creeping in)
Summayah: sis!!!!
Suliyah: ehhh! Sorry, I am hearing you...
Summayah: what were you thinking again?
Suliyah: nothing jare, am hearing you.
Summayah: tor... as I was saying sha... the other man is the heir of that company and he bullied me alot... (her expression tightens) he disgraced me at work... he talks to me anyhow... in fact he harrasses me... and anything he does he will smile at me... (her voice shakes slightly with irritation and confusion) me I don't even think that man is normal at all... and his sister is so nice to me... but ever since I was accused of what I didn't do she stopped talking to me... (her tone softens, hurt slipping through) but I hope the truth come out soon.
Suliyah: what's his name?
Summayah: I don't know ohh! We only call him assistant manager but I heard his dad call his name before... what's the name self? (she frowns, thinking hard) kai I can't remember...
Suliyah: so what are you thinking about there?
Summayah: (she moves closer, lowering her voice) sis... do you think Jamiu is love with me? (her eyes search Suliyah’s face, nervous and hopeful at the same time)
Suliyah: honestly I think so but we can't be that sure... and that your assistant manager avoid him as much as you can...
Summayah: ok... so Jamiu loves me... oh my God (she blushes, her face lighting up in a way she cannot hide)
Suliyah: see you... anyway hope my presence help.
Summayah: honestly it does thanks sis.
Suliyah: come and accompany me to buy noodles am hungry.
Summayah: (she stands up quickly, her mood slightly lifted) oya oya let's go, let me wear my hijab... you will buy my own too oh.
Suliyah: just do fast abeg.
(Curtain)
The next morning, the moment Summayah got to the gate, her steps slowed.
Then she saw it.
Shade... hugging Jamiu.
Not just close. Holding him.
Something inside her dropped instantly.
Her chest tightened, her throat went dry, and for a second, she could not even breathe properly. The world around her faded, and all she could see was that one moment repeating itself in her mind.
She did not wait.
She did not greet.
She walked past them, fast, her face hard, her heart heavier than her steps.
Jamiu noticed her immediately, but she did not look back.
Inside, Summayah tried to focus on her work, but her mind refused to cooperate. Every stroke of the mop carried the weight of what she had just seen. Her anger was not loud, but it was burning quietly inside her.
When she saw the three female workers walk down the stairs with their dirty shoes, stepping over the clean floor without care, her frustration rose instantly. Still, she kept quiet, swallowing it.
Jamiu stood behind her, about to tap her, but he paused when he saw how tense she looked, how her eyes followed those ladies with barely controlled anger.
One of the ladies: better clean it if you don't want to get fired.
That was it.
Summayah: (muttering to herself, her voice trembling) take it easy Summayah... don't get me mad... just let it go—
Suddenly, she screams.
The sound echoes, sharp and unexpected.
Everyone turns.
She freezes, realizing all eyes are on her.
Summayah: sorry... (her voice drops immediately, embarrassment mixing with anger as she bends back to her work)
Jamiu: (smiling softly) I never knew you can control your anger like this.
Summayah: (she turns, sees him... and instantly remembers the hug. Her expression hardens. Without a word, she continues mopping)
Jamiu: good morning.
Summayah: (no response)
Jamiu: silent treatment ah? Come on talk to me.
Summayah: there is nothing to say to you... just go away. (her voice is cold, but her hands grip the mop tightly)
Jamiu: am not going anywhere...
Summayah: then keep standing (she continues mopping, refusing to look at him)
Jamiu: are you mad at me for something?
Summayah: please go away!
Assistant manager: yeah go away! Didn't you heard what she said?
Summayah: good morning sir.
Assistant manager: morning my dear how was your night?
Summayah: (slightly confused by his tone) uhh fine sir.
Assistant manager: and as for you see me in my office for your sack letter.
Summayah: (shocked, her heart skipping) sack letter? Sir why? He didn't do anything wrong now. (she steps forward quickly, panic in her voice)
Assistant manager: this is between me and him not you... so stay out of it.
Summayah: no sir! You can't just sack him without doing anything... (her voice begins to shake, desperation creeping in)
Jamiu: (quietly watching her, something soft in his eyes)
Summayah: sir please give him last chance... please...
Jamiu: I don't need to come to your stupid office am leaving.. (he walks out without hesitation)
Summayah: (stunned) what? What did you just say? Jamiu! (she rushes after him, fear now replacing her anger)
Assistant manager: how dare he try to act cool in front of Summayah... you will come back begging with your two knees... I promise you (he mutters angrily as he storms off to his office, his pride clearly wounded)
Jamiu: (packing his things, movements sharp and controlled, but his eyes heavy) please Summayah stay out of this.
Summayah: please what are you saying? You can't even beg him? Please let's go and apologize. (her voice trembles, panic rising as she watches him pack like everything means nothing)
Jamiu: because he is God? Tell me? He doesn't worth my respect at all so please stay out of this. (his tone firm, but there is something deeper behind it, something he is holding back)
Summayah: please listen to me. (her voice softer now, almost pleading)
Shade: what's going on here? Jamiu why are you clearing your desk?
Jamiu: (no response, he avoids her eyes, continuing what he is doing)
Shade: (touches his hand gently) talk to me now.
Summayah: (she freezes for a second, her eyes fixed on where Shade’s hand rests on Jamiu’s hand. That same tight feeling returns to her chest. Without saying a word, she turns and walks away, her steps faster than normal)
Jamiu: Summayah! Where are you going?
Summayah: leave if you want to leave. (she doesn’t turn back, her voice distant, like she is forcing herself not to feel anything)
(Curtain)
Later that evening, the compound felt unusually quiet.
Summayah stood outside the company building, staring into space. Workers passed by, voices came and went, but none of it reached her. The place that once felt manageable now felt empty... heavier.
Summayah: now Jamiu is gone... this place will be my sad place... no one to talk to or gist with... I already miss him... (her voice breaks slightly at the last words, as if she just realized how much he meant to her)
Shade: Summayah!
Summayah: (quickly straightens herself) ma.
Shade: where is Jamiu?
Summayah: (her eyes drop) he has gone...
Shade: (stamps her feet angrily) shit! What is wrong with Abdul! (she storms inside, clearly frustrated)
Summayah: (frowns slightly, confused) who is Abdul?
(Curtain)
Two days later, the sun was harsh, the road busy, and the air thick with movement.
Alia walked steadily, her niqob covering her completely, her presence quiet and guarded. In her hands were the raw fish she had just bought, the weight pulling slightly on her arms, but she kept moving.
On her way back, everything happened too fast.
A car sped too close.
Before she could react, it brushed past her.
Her body hit the ground hard.
The fish scattered across the road.
Alia: (groaning in pain) ahhh! My hand... yehh I have injured... my fishes... (her voice breaks as tears fill her eyes, her hands trembling as she tries to gather herself)
The car stopped abruptly.
Tunji and his friend rushed out immediately.
Tunji: madam are you ok?
His friend: let's help her up.
Alia: (the moment she sees them, fear flashes through her eyes) leave me!! I can help myself just go please. (she struggles, trying to stand on her own despite the pain)
Tunji: we can't leave you like this? Please let's help you.
Alia: (panic rises suddenly, her voice sharp and loud) no!! I said no! Leave me! (she yells, her whole body tense, like she is not just afraid of the fall... but of them)
Tunji: (stares at her closely, something about her voice pulling at his memory) I think I know this voice... are you? (he steps closer, curiosity mixed with suspicion).
Tunji: I know this voice... please can you take off your veil or what is it called?
Alia: please islamically I can't do that... I don't even know you... and also if I open my face for you, you will run away... that's another reason why I covered my face.
Tunji: (his face twists in irritation, immediately letting go of her like her words disgusted him) gross! Guy let's go!
Friend: ok sorry woman! (they rush back into the car and drive off)
Alia: (her hand flies to her chest as she struggles to breathe, her body still trembling) oh God... I almost get caught today... (she shuts her eyes briefly, whispering) thank You for protecting me again... so he is truly after my face... (a bitter smile forms) just because I described myself like Summayah, he couldn't even stand me for one minute... hmm... such is life... (she winces, holding her hand) ahh... my hand hurts...
She slowly bends, gathering the scattered fish from the dusty road, her movements careful but heavy with pain.
Alia: ummu will be angry with me now...
(Curtain)
For days, Summayah could not find peace.
Jamiu’s absence sat heavily in her chest like something she could not remove. She missed him more than she expected, more than she wanted to admit. There was no way to reach him, no call, no message... just silence.
At work, everything became harder.
The mocking never stopped.
The bullying never reduced.
Each day felt longer than the last.
Four days later, Summayah sat quietly in the restroom, trying to steal a moment of peace, her head slightly bowed, her mind tired.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Ladies: Summayah!!! Come come!! Your attention is needed.
Summayah: (startled, her heart jumping) what happened? I didn't do anything wrong oh.
Ladies: just come... Boss need your presence now.
Summayah: (fear creeping in instantly) ohhhhh! Which wahala be this? Someone can't even have rest of mind... why now? (she mutters under her breath as she stands) I swear if they want to humiliate me again... I will resign from this work... no be do and die oh... haba kilode! (they call her name again) I am coming!
She hurried out... only to stop abruptly.
Everyone was there.
Waiting.
Her heart began to pound.
Summayah: what's going on? Sir, you asked of me?
Boss: yes I did... about the incident that took place few weeks ago... after so many investigations... we found out you were innocent and we caught the culprit... I just want to use this medium to say I am very sorry about every hardship we might have put you through... and I am ready to make it up to you.
Summayah: (her eyes fill instantly, tears rolling down before she can stop them) you found the culprit? After all I have been through in this company?
Boss: we are sorry... that's why we are ready to make it up to you... just name anything and we will do it...
Summayah: (her voice shakes, but she stands her ground) I don't need anything from you sir than to re-employ my friend Jamiu back... he is the only happiness I found in this company... I am only an ordinary cleaner who can be treated harshly by anyone... and if you mind me asking, who is the culprit?
Assistant manager: here they are (pointing at them) which I will now hand over the sack letter to them... here, take it.
First female worker: (falls to her knees immediately) please sir... we are sorry... it was a mistake please!
Second female worker: please give us last chance please!
Assistant manager: last chance? Because of you two I was mean to an innocent soul... I hurt her every single day... I even threatened her for this... and you were behind it all along? (his voice rises with anger) now the truth is out, so get out of here right now!
First female worker: please sir... remember I am the one that loves you... please I will make it up to you...
(Murmurs spread across the room)
Assistant manager: security!!
Security: ok sir... madams oya move! Move before I carry you.
Assistant manager: (steps closer to Summayah, his voice softer now) Summayah... please I am deeply sorry in any way I might have hurt you... please find it in your heart to forgive me.
Shade: I am also sorry for how mean I was to you... I let this issue come between us... please I am sorry too.
Summayah: (wipes her tears slowly, her voice calmer now) if you don't mind me asking... why did you hide your identity from your workers?
Assistant manager: you won't understand... ok?
Boss: look child... I promise to make it up to you... so what do you want? Name anything.
Summayah: I want my friend back... give my friend his job back.
Boss: we never fired him.
Assistant manager: well you did... but I didn't... he will always be part of this company whether you like it or not.
Jamiu: hello everyone (smiling)
Summayah: (gasps, her eyes widening in disbelief) oh my God! (she runs straight into his arms) Jamiu... is this really you? I have missed you so much.
Assistant manager: (whispering angrily) dad! Why did you bring him back after I fired him! I already hired someone else.
Boss: none of them understand this company better than him... just let it go.
Assistant manager: (clenches his fist, jaw tight with anger)
Jamiu: (his eyes meet with the assistant manager, tension passing silently between them)
Summayah: finally! I am sorry you had to go through all this for me.
Shade: hey handsome! Welcome back (she moves to hug him, but he steps back slightly)
(Summayah notices... and something inside her settles, just a little)
Boss: everyone back to work!
Summayah: (grabs his hand and pulls him outside) I have missed you so much... too bad I don't have a phone, I would have called you... I have alot to gist you... you look so chubby? What have you been eating?
Jamiu: I missed you too... (he looks at her deeply) Summayah.
Summayah: naam? (smiling brightly, her face glowing)
Jamiu: have you ever fall in love with anyone in your life?
Summayah: no why?
Jamiu: you haven't? Ok... have you ever had any crush on someone?
Summayah: yes... alot of men I see on road (she smiles shyly)
Jamiu: (chuckles softly) ok... has anyone ever confessed his love to you?
Summayah: (a bit surprised) no... because I am not in any position for a man to die for.
Jamiu: you are underestimating yourself again.
Summayah: no I am not... it's just the natural truth... let's remove any inner beauty stuff.
Jamiu: how would you feel if someone confessed his love to you?
Summayah: (curious now) and who could that be? (smiling)
Jamiu: I don't know... just someone... anyone...
Summayah: if I love him back, I will be very happy that he did.
Jamiu: really?
Summayah: (laughs softly) yeah.
Jamiu: I love it when you smile... laugh... it's so amazing... anyway there is something I need to tell you.
Summayah: really? Ok I am listening... (her eyes brighten with anticipation)
Assistant manager: (suddenly appears) Summayah see me in my office now!
Summayah: (her smile disappears instantly) ahhh! He will just appear like spirit just to ruin someone's moment.
Jamiu: it's ok, go... I will be in my office, waiting for you.
Summayah: thanks... I will surely come later.
(She walks away)
Jamiu: (his smile fades slowly, his expression turning serious) Abdulhakeem... whatever your name is... this is a battle between us... (he clenches his fist)
(Curtain)
Summayah: (knocks softly) this is Summayah sir.
Abdulhakeem: come in!
Summayah: (steps in quietly) I am here sir.
Abdulhakeem: have a seat...
Summayah: no I am fine like this...
Abdulhakeem: please sit down... please.
Summayah: (she sits slowly, her face calm but guarded)
Abdulhakeem: I am sorry... for... everything.
Summayah: (raises her brows slightly, surprised) sir?
Abdulhakeem: I know I was so mean to you... and I feel really bad about it... please find it in your heart to forgive me... I am ready to make it up to you in any way.
Summayah: it's ok sir... you are forgiven since you apologized... because that was the last thing I expected from you... and you surprised me... so we are cool.
Abdulhakeem: oh... I never knew you could forgive me this easily... you really have a beautiful heart...
Summayah: can I go now?
Abdulhakeem: not yet please... I was hoping if you would join me for lunch?
Summayah: sir?
Abdulhakeem: I know you heard me well.
Summayah: uhmmm no sir... I am sorry... I already have someone I want to have lunch with... I am sorry sir (she stands up) have a nice day sir.
(She walks out)
Abdulhakeem: (stunned, staring at the door) no... wait... ahh! Did I just get rejected by her?