<p>She smiled again, then walked around to the side of the car, where he opened the door for her. She entered, and he circled back to his side, started the car, and they drove out of the law school premises.</p><p>This was Fatima Haruna Bakura, popularly known as Yabintu, a young lady who had nurtured the dream of becoming a lawyer since her childhood. Her ambition stemmed from her father, Alhaji Haruna Bakura, a prominent retired judge. She was the firstborn of two children, followed by her younger brother, Khalid. They hailed from Zamfara State and currently lived in Gusau.</p><p>Yabintu and Khalid were greatly privileged, receiving unwavering support from their parents. Their father, in particular, took an active interest in their ambitions. He fully supported Yabintu's dream of becoming a lawyer, consistently encouraging her and expressing how proud he would be when she succeeded.</p><p>From her early years up to her university days and now law school, Yabintu faced no obstacles from her parents. She was now close to completing her law school program. She had met Umar, her fiancé, eight months ago when she was newly enrolled. Their relationship had progressed to the point that their families were involved, awaiting her graduation to finalize their wedding plans.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Samaru Neighborhood, Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria</p><p>Knock! Knock! Knock!</p><p>For the third time, someone knocked on the door of a room where a young lady lay sleeping on the bed. She was sprawled out face down, her head at the foot of the bed and her feet at the headboard. She was fast asleep, snoring softly, oblivious to the persistent knocking.</p><p>“Falak! Are you going to open this door or not?”</p><p>An older woman’s voice called out angrily, her frustration evident. She sounded ready to break the door down. This time, Falak stirred slightly, opened her reddened eyes briefly, and then shut them again as if a force was pulling her back to sleep.</p><p>“Falak! I swear if you don't open this door, I'll deal with you!”</p><p>The older woman shouted in anger. This final threat seemed to register with Falak, who reluctantly opened her red eyes and sat up, yawning. She scratched her neck, clearly still groggy, her body unwilling to shake off the fatigue from the previous night. She eventually dragged herself toward the door, holding on to furniture for balance as she moved.</p><p>Hajiya, the older woman, gave her a scathing look as Falak opened the door, her eyes barely open, leaning against the doorframe for support.</p><p>“What kind of useless sleep are you having when you know you have school today?”</p><p>Hajiya scolded, giving Falak a once-over. Falak, struggling to stay upright, managed to mutter, “I’m sorry, Hajiya. I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep.”</p><p>“Have you prayed Fajr?”</p><p>Hajiya asked sternly, scrutinizing her further. Falak nodded absentmindedly, unaware of what Hajiya had just asked. Her only wish at the moment was for Hajiya to leave so she could gather her strength and focus.</p><p>“Go take a bath, get dressed, and come downstairs for breakfast before heading to school. Bilkisu left ages ago, unlike you, who chose to sleep your life away.”</p><p>Falak nodded weakly. “Okay, Hajiya.”</p><p>“You better end this laziness soon. When Faisal returns and catches you like this, you won’t like what he’ll do to you.”</p><p>Falak nodded again, barely paying attention to Hajiya’s words. Once Hajiya left, she locked the door and staggered toward the bathroom. It took all her effort to shower, as she fell twice before finally making it inside. The cold water seemed to revive her slightly, though the effects of the previous night’s drinking still lingered.</p><p>After her shower, she performed her "morning prayer" (even though it was well past 10 a.m.), then dressed in a maroon abaya. Without makeup, she slipped into sneakers, sprayed a light fragrance, grabbed her essentials, and headed out.</p><p>Downstairs, Hajiya and Mama were seated in the living room, discussing newly purchased clothes. They both watched her descend the stairs. She knelt slightly to greet them.</p><p>“Good morning, Hajiya.”</p><p>“Morning.”</p><p>Falak turned to Mama, who smiled warmly. “Good morning, Mama.”</p><p>“Good morning, Falak. Hope you slept well?”</p><p>“Yes, I did. Thank you.”</p><p>Falak replied and stood up to leave, but Hajiya’s voice stopped her.</p><p>“Aren’t you going to eat before you leave?”</p><p>Falak turned slightly. “I’m running late, Hajiya. I’ll eat outside.”</p><p>Mama chimed in, “You should have stayed and eaten.”</p><p>“Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll be fine. I’m leaving now.”</p><p>“Alright, safe journey. May Allah guide and protect you.”</p><p>“Amin, thank you.”</p><p>As she stepped outside, she answered her ringing phone.</p><p>“Baby, baby! Did you sleep well?”</p><p>It was Khamis, her boyfriend.</p><p>“I did, Baby, but I almost got caught today! I was sleeping like a corpse, and even now, I feel like I’ll collapse any moment. Allah saved me from Hajiya’s wrath.”</p><p>Khamis laughed on the other end. “Come on, Babe. You’re smart enough not to let anyone find out. Where are you now?”</p><p>“I’m by the roadside. Where are you?”</p><p>“I’m here too. I can see you.”</p><p>She looked around and spotted his Honda Accord. She hung up and walked toward the car, opening the door and sliding in.</p><p>“How long have you been here?”</p><p>“For a while. I knew you’d be out soon.”</p><p>“So, where are we going?”</p><p>“To relax and enjoy ourselves.”</p><p>“Perfect! I don’t feel like going to school today anyway. Let’s go!”</p><p>She said excitedly. Khamis smiled, started the car, and they drove off toward their usual spot near the airfield for their escapades.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
