<p>She opened two bottles of Benylin, poured some into her mouth, and pushed the bottles under her bed.</p><p>Lying down, she stretched out on her bed, her eyes closed. Within minutes, sleep took over.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>She didn't wake up until around 10 in the morning. She stretched and yawned, glancing around her room as if seeing it for the first time.</p><p>Getting up, she felt weak, as though she had been beaten. She walked into the bathroom, holding her head. After taking a bath, she came out to find Blessing mopping the floor after cleaning the room.</p><p>"Give me space; I need to get dressed," she said, drying herself with a small towel.</p><p>"Okay, Anty," Blessing replied, quickly setting aside the mop and leaving the room, shutting the door behind her. She had already laid out Maryama's outfit for the day.</p><p>Maryama sat down and did her makeup before dressing up. As usual, she wore a high-waisted skirt and a blouse, along with a small scarf.</p><p>After performing her morning prayers, she went downstairs, her face twisted in slight discomfort.</p><p>Not seeing her father in the living room, she went to his room. They ran into each other at the doorway as he was stepping out.</p><p>"Good morning, Father," she said with a smile.</p><p>He returned her smile. “Daughter, you woke up early today.”</p><p>She nodded, still smiling. “Father, I want to be in the office by 11 today. I might have to enter the theater.”</p><p>He nodded as they walked to the living room together. “May Allah grant you success, my dear.”</p><p>"Thank you, Father," she said, following him.</p><p>She sat down, crossing her legs, and called for Blessing. The girl hurried over and knelt before her.</p><p>“Bring me my laptop from my bedroom.”</p><p>Blessing quickly ran off to fetch it.</p><p>“Dad, who will take me to the office today? I don’t want to rely on Dr. Naz too much; he might start taking me for granted.”</p><p>Her father chuckled. “Before you're done getting ready, I'll find someone to take you.”</p><p>“Okay, Father.”</p><p>At that moment, Blessing returned, handing her the laptop before leaving. As they sat there, Kuku brought breakfast and set it down. Her father started eating while Maryama busied herself on her laptop.</p><p>A knock on the door was followed by a greeting.</p><p>“Assalamu alaikum…”</p><p>She looked up slowly. It was the young soldier again, dressed in his crisp uniform.</p><p>Her father greeted him warmly. “Shaddad, you're back?”</p><p>"Yes, Sir," the soldier replied respectfully.</p><p>“Good. Shaddad, I have a task for you. My daughter, Maryama, needs a driver. You'll be responsible for taking her to work and wherever else she needs to go. Please take good care of her. I chose you because I admire your discipline and composure.”</p><p>Shaddad glanced at Maryama, who was still looking at her laptop, her head slightly bowed.</p><p>"Blessing, fetch my medical glasses from the bedroom," Maryama said, not looking up.</p><p>Shaddad hesitated before answering, sensing the weight of the responsibility. “I understand, Sir. There won't be any problems.”</p><p>"Good. Thank you. May Allah bless you," her father said.</p><p>Blessing returned, handing Maryama her glasses. She put them on.</p><p>“Daughter, this is the person who will be driving you.”</p><p>Her father spoke with a smile.</p><p>"Okay, Father," she replied, her expression indifferent.</p><p>"Blessing, call Kuku for me," she instructed.</p><p>Blessing rushed off and returned with Kuku.</p><p>"Kuku, did you make tea?" she asked, wrinkling her nose.</p><p>"Yes, it's ready, Ma'am," Kuku replied.</p><p>“Good. Fry some chips and eggs for me, just a little.”</p><p>“Yes, Ma'am.”</p><p>She returned her focus to her laptop before glancing at her father.</p><p>“Father, can this one even drive properly? I don't like lazy drivers.”</p><p>Unexpectedly, Shaddad heard her speak firmly.</p><p>“Haba, my dear. Of course, he can drive. Have you ever seen a lazy soldier?”</p><p>"Ah, but Dad, look at him. He seems sluggish," she remarked bluntly.</p><p>Shaddad felt his temper flare but held it in. He understood that she didn't know him yet.</p><p>They remained in the living room until Kuku finished preparing her meal and brought it over.</p><p>“Blessing, bring me my phones, my milk-colored handbag, and my matching cover shoes.”</p><p>“Yes, Anty.”</p><p>Blessing quickly returned with the items.</p><p>Maryama slightly lifted her skirt and extended her foot for Blessing to help her wear the shoes.</p><p>At that moment, Shaddad caught sight of the delicate gold anklet around her foot.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
