<p>The loud noise and commotion were what filled her ears, ultimately causing her to wake up from her peaceful sleep.</p><p>She turned over again, reached for her pillow, and quickly covered her ears, but even that did not stop the deafening noise from piercing through.</p><p>Annoyed, she turned over again, sat up, and looked toward the window after throwing off the blanket covering her body. Without a doubt, she was sure that new soldiers had been posted to their barracks today. It was always like this whenever new soldiers were sent to Victoria Island barracks in Lagos. In fact, she had grown used to it, as the barracks were always noisy.</p><p>Slowly, she got off her large Italian-style bed, slipped on her slippers placed beside the bed, and made her way out of the room. She was dressed in a short, light purple nightdress that barely reached her knees. Her hair was unwrapped, tied in a loose bun in the middle of her head, with some strands falling lazily onto her forehead.</p><p>She carefully descended the stairs, heading downstairs.</p><p>She spotted her father seated on a chair, wearing white medical glasses and signing some documents. Beside him sat a young soldier dressed in his military uniform. She almost ignored him, but her eyes briefly landed on him. He was tall, fair-skinned, and lean, with a well-defined face adorned with a thin mustache that accentuated his handsome features. His sharp nose and large eyes were framed by thick lashes and eyebrows.</p><p>She quickly averted her gaze from him and walked toward her father, her face contorted in irritation.</p><p>"Good morning, Dada," she greeted, sitting close to her father as if she wanted to crawl into his lap.</p><p>Her father paused his writing and turned to her with a smile.</p><p>"My dear, have you woken up?"</p><p>"I have, Dada, but I didn’t intend to wake up this early. Honestly, that noise woke me up!"</p><p>"Oh dear, I’m sorry, my love," he said, his tone full of concern.</p><p>She leaned back against the couch, giving the young soldier a side-eye, scrutinizing him as if she were evaluating a specimen. The soldier, on the other hand, didn’t even notice her gaze. From his first glance at her, he had already decided that she didn’t impress him. He didn’t like spoiled brats, and she, with her excessive pouting and childish whining, seemed to fit that category perfectly.</p><p>"My dear, aren’t you going to the hospital today?" her father’s voice broke the silence.</p><p>"Dada, I am. I know they must be waiting for me already."</p><p>"You should go, my dear. May Allah bless your efforts and reward you."</p><p>"Ameen, Dada."</p><p>She stood up, prompting her father to resume his writing.</p><p>She then called out for the cook in a soft yet dramatic voice:</p><p>"Kuku… Kuku… Kuku…"</p><p>When she got no response—because the kitchen was far from the living room—she turned to the soldier standing there.</p><p>"Ssssssssss," she hissed, trying to get his attention.</p><p>He didn’t even flinch.</p><p>"Hey! Please, call Kuku for me in the kitchen," she said to him.</p><p>The soldier finally looked at her for the second time since she had entered the living room. However, instead of obeying, he was taken aback by her audacity. Who did she think she was, sending him on errands as if he were a houseboy? He briefly glanced at her outfit and quickly averted his eyes, unable to look at her any longer.</p><p>"Yes, madam," the cook’s voice cut through the silence.</p><p>"Kuku, make me a cup of black tea, empty, and fry five eggs. Make it quick because I just need to take a shower before heading to the office."</p><p>"Yes, ma’am," Kuku responded, hurrying to the kitchen.</p><p>Without another word, she turned and went back upstairs.</p><hr><p> </p>
