ZEE-BABY-1-AND-2 COMPLETE .txt

<p>Despite all the hard work Bilal did, he never thought of saving or hoarding anything. His only goal was to earn money, buy something delicious to eat, and secretly share it with his mother. He never allowed his father to see any of it because he was certain that if his father found out, neither the money nor the food would remain theirs. No matter how much it was, his father would take it and pocket it. Yet, Bilal never felt ashamed to accept help from them if they had something.</p><p>This situation deeply troubled Kaltum. She loved Bilal very much. He was easygoing, obedient, and never caused trouble like other kids his age. However, the amount of hardship he endured was overwhelming. It had become a way of life for him, as if he were a servant. He couldn't go a single day without doing some kind of work unless he was sick.</p><p>Kaltum had always wished Bilal could go to school, even though she and the rest of the family didn’t. Being the only male child their mother had, she felt education would benefit him. But Bilal refused, saying he preferred working to earn money. When Kaltum thought deeply about it, she realized that even if she forced him to study, what would he gain from it in a family that struggled daily to find food? However, she vowed to work hard and save enough money for Bilal to return to school, whether he liked it or not. She saw him as the mirror of their family’s future and the stepping stone that could lead them out of their dire circumstances.</p><p>By the time it was noon, they were still waiting, like vultures waiting for a carcass. Their father had not returned, and there was no sign of him. Looking at their faces, it was clear they were all hungry. From their section of the house, they could smell the aroma of fried palm oil coming from Baba Iliya’s kitchen across the courtyard. Yet, there was no hope that they would be offered even a little, despite the obligation of neighborly kindness and family ties. They could only hope for God’s intervention.</p><p>After completing her midday prayers, Kaltum stood up, dusting her black hijab that had gathered dirt. She looked at her mother and said,<br>“Umma, I just remembered I’m owed money by Ladingo for the hair braiding I did for her and her daughter. Let me go and see if I can get it. I’ll use it to buy us some flour, at least.”</p><p>Her mother looked at her with pity. This life they were living was one she despised, but what could she do? She had no trade, no capital to start one, and even if she managed to start something, her husband would cunningly take everything from her and bring her back to square one. She was forced to watch helplessly as things unfolded.</p><p>However, she never gave up, especially when it came to her children’s upbringing. She was strict and diligent about instilling good values in them, and everyone knew it.<br>“Don’t stay long. If you don’t get the money, come back home quickly.”</p><p>“Insha’Allah. Habiba, let’s go,” Kaltum said to her younger sister, who had just finished her prayers. Habiba stood up, and they left together.</p><p>They walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts. They hadn’t gone far when they saw Asiya approaching with her school bag, as if she had just returned from school.</p><p>When their eyes met, Kaltum frowned and looked away, casting a glare at Asiya. It wasn’t clear why Asiya reacted that way, but as the saying goes, “The mat of shame is rolled up with madness,” and perhaps that was what she intended to do.</p><p>After they passed her, Habiba said,<br>“Did you see the way Asiya looked at you?”</p><p>Kaltum nodded.<br>“I saw it, Habiba. She wants to roll up the mat of shame with madness.”</p><p>Curious, Habiba asked,<br>“What happened?”</p><p>At first, it seemed Kaltum wouldn’t answer, but then she decided to confide in her sister. After all, Habiba was the only one she trusted completely. She wasn’t talkative, didn’t have many friends, and was level-headed.</p><p>Kaltum explained everything, and to her surprise, Habiba simply shrugged.<br>“I’ve seen Asiya act like this before. I just pray Allah guides her.”</p><p>Shocked and upset, Kaltum widened her eyes and looked at Habiba.<br>“Habiba, have you ever done anything to stop your sister from falling into destruction? Do you realize that by staying silent, you’re partly responsible for her situation? You have a duty to help her avoid this harm she’s heading toward!”</p><p>Softly, Habiba replied,<br>“What can I do, sister? I told Umma about it, and she said we should pray for her and avoid confrontation. She doesn’t want any trouble because there’s no guarantee Baba Lami will understand what I say. And you know how harsh she can be toward us without any reason.”</p><p>Kaltum fell silent, unable to respond. Her mind was racing. Her own blood was heading down the wrong path, and what could be more distressing than that? She resolved silently, even if Baba Lami would chastise her, she couldn’t remain quiet. She was sure that no good mother would want to see her child’s downfall. Surely, Baba Lami would want her daughter to change for the better.</p><p>They didn’t speak again until they arrived at Ladingo’s house, a typical village compound with several sections. Kaltum greeted the people she met in the courtyard before heading to Ladingo’s section.</p>