<p>Kwance, Ansai lay sprawled on her bed, snoring peacefully. Meanwhile, her grandson Jabiru, an eighteen-year-old, lay on his mattress in the middle of the room. His eyes were wide open, waiting for Iya Ansai to slip deeper into her sleep before he began his usual fake dreams. Without wasting time, he opened his mouth and said:</p><p>“Where are you headed, Madam? Your fare is 700 naira.”</p><p>He kept repeating the words, initially faintly, but as Iya drifted deeper into her slumber, his tone became more pronounced.</p><p>"I’ll stop for a little fuel at the gas station before we continue," he added with determination.</p><p>Startled by his voice, Iya Ansai woke up and sat upright on her bed. Her heart sank as she listened to her grandson’s mutterings. She wiped her tears and whispered to herself:</p><p>“God Almighty! I, Ansai, am afraid I’ve condemned myself to doom. How could I fail a child’s wish, a maraya’s (orphan’s) dream? I have nothing to sell to buy him his beloved Adaidaita Sahu (tricycle). The boy’s longing consumes him so much that he even dreams of it in his sleep.”</p><p>Her tears fell freely as she got up and walked toward her iron chest. She unlocked it, knelt before it, and began sorting through her folded wrappers and clothes. From the bottom of the trunk, she pulled out a wrapped package. Looking around to ensure no one was watching, she unwrapped it to reveal another layer of wrapping.</p><p>After several layers, she finally uncovered a collection of intricately designed jewelry: a necklace, earrings, and bracelets studded with sparkling stones. With a wistful smile, she muttered:</p><p>“Where can I even find someone to buy these? Back in the day, murjani (coral jewelry) was worth more than gold. This necklace alone could buy him the tricycle and leave enough for a plot of land and a house. Maybe I could even arrange a wife for him since he’s showing signs of a restless spirit.”</p><p>She carefully rewrapped the jewelry and tucked it beneath her pillow. She climbed back onto her bed, clutching her torchlight, and called herself to order:</p><p>“By morning, Umaru will find a buyer for these. I’d rather sell my treasure and fulfill this boy’s dream than face the wrath of God for neglecting his rights as a maraya. Yes, this necklace is more valuable than gold.”</p><p>The sound of her gentle sobbing woke Jabiru, but he stayed still, listening intently. As Iya Ansai returned to her bed, she said:</p><p>“Jabiru, my dear, don’t let these thoughts consume you. I promise, tomorrow, we’ll buy the tricycle. You’ll have your Adaidaita Sahu brand new, wrapped in plastic. You’ll even have change left over for a plot of land and a wife.”</p><p>Jabiru smirked slyly in the darkness, his plan having worked flawlessly.</p><p>“May God grant you paradise, Iya Ansai. You deserve a feast of pepper soup and chicken.”</p><p>"Amin! Amin, my child. Your prayers alone are enough reward for me. Now, go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day," she said with a warm smile.</p><p>The Next Morning</p><p>At dawn, Iya Ansai awoke with a start. Remembering the precious jewelry under her pillow, her heart raced. She hurriedly checked, fearing it might have been stolen.</p><p>"La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah!" she whispered as she frantically searched, only to find the package hidden under the edge of the pillow. She let out a sigh of relief and prayed silently:</p><p>“God saved me. How would I have fulfilled my promise to Jabiru if it had gone missing?”</p><p>After performing ablution, she called out to Jabiru:</p><p>“Jabiru! Wake up! You always sleep through Fajr prayers and pray with lizards when the sun is up. Get up now!”</p><p>But Jabiru pretended not to hear. Iya Ansai huffed, performed her prayers, and then summoned her two sons, Mamman and Umaru, for a private meeting.</p><p>"Mamman, Umaru, come to my room immediately! This is a matter of urgency," she called, her voice firm.</p><p>The two men exchanged confused glances but quickly obeyed. Upon entering her room, she locked the door and drew the curtain.</p><p>"This is about wealth. A great secret," she began, lowering her voice.</p><p>The brothers leaned forward, intrigued yet puzzled.</p><p>“Umaru, fetch your big torchlight. We’ll need it for this discussion.”</p><p>"Iya, why would we need a torch when it’s already bright outside?" Umaru asked, perplexed.</p><p>"Just get it," she insisted, her tone brooking no argument.</p><p>And so, the family meeting began, leaving Mamman and Umaru wondering what revelation awaited them in the morning light.</p>
