<p> </p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Tsohuwa was sitting, but not idly; she was with her five maids, happily chatting.</p><p>Kamal entered joyfully. The maids quickly excused themselves.</p><p>Grandmother looked at him and said, “What’s the matter? I see happiness all over your face…”</p><p>Before she could finish, he said, “I’m very happy, Grandmother, because today I found you a co-wife.”</p><p>She wiped her mouth as if she had swallowed something while watching TV and asked, “Really? Where is she, my son? Today, God has answered my prayers.”</p><p>Kamal nodded. “Yes, indeed. I saw her in Auwal’s neighborhood. She’s beautiful, even more beautiful than you.”</p><p>Grandmother laughed. “Oh my, so I have a rival now?”</p><p>Smiling, Kamal stood up and glanced at the clock. “I need to leave now, my flight is in thirty minutes.”</p><p>She replied, “Alright, may God protect you, bless you, and keep you safe from envious people.”</p><p>He said, “Ameen, my dear grandmother. Do you need anything?”</p><p>She shook her head. “Nothing, you know that already.”</p><p>He handed her some money. “Here, in case you need anything.”</p><p>She refused. “Keep it, I don't need anything.”</p><p>He smiled. “I hope the joy of a co-wife hasn’t made you forget about your usual needs.”</p><p>She laughed. “This happiness is worth forgetting everything else.”</p><p>He chuckled. “Alright then, I’m leaving.”</p><p>She sighed. “Jamilu hasn’t returned yet.”</p><p>Walking away, Kamal waved. “Don't worry about him, I'll see you soon.”</p><p>She called after him, “Don't take too long before coming back to me.”</p><p>He reassured her, “I won’t.”</p><p>Kamal left for the capital city, Abuja.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Aisha-Labibah entered her house and found her mother, whom they called "Mamah," sweeping. She sat on a small wooden chair and, with a soft voice, said, “Mamah, greetings.”</p><p>Mamah replied, “Welcome back. You’re home now?”</p><p>"Yes," Aisha answered.</p><p>Noticing her daughter’s change in tone and demeanor, Mamah scrutinized her carefully. “Are you okay? You look different today.”</p><p>Aisha placed a hand on her forehead. “I have a headache.”</p><p>Mamah sighed. “Go inside, change your clothes, pray, and eat. There’s Panadol in the house; take it and rest a bit.”</p><p>"Okay," Aisha agreed.</p><p>After praying and eating, she took the medicine and lay down on her mattress, lost in thoughts of Kamal.</p><p>She recalled his smile and, without realizing it, hugged herself, remembering the joy she had felt in that moment. She thought about his voice and closed her eyes with a smile.</p><p>Then, suddenly, she gasped, throwing her pillow aside and clutching her chest. “Oh no! What is happening to me?”</p><p>She had never felt this way before, but now her heart was filled with the desire to see him again. Why?</p><p>She had no answer. She clutched her head, desperate to understand.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p> </p><p> </p>
