He suddenly pulled me close to him, and I started complaining, asking him to hurry up so that my mother wouldn't leave. He said, "Come on, baby, she's not going anywhere." I said I didn't want her to find out what I was doing because it would be disrespectful. He silenced me with a kiss, making me stop talking.
After he was done, he took a shower and got dressed, but I had to watch him pray because he had missed the congregation at the mosque. I didn't even care about anything else; I just wanted him to leave. Before he finished, I took his bag and slung it over my shoulder. He asked, "Am I leaving without wearing perfume today?" I replied, "Yes, you're leaving like this today because you only wear it for me, right?" He agreed but asked for a little leniency. I took the perfume within my reach and sprayed him, then said we should go.
In the living room, Hajiya was the only one praying. I looked around and asked where my mother had gone. I looked at him and, with a whimper, said, "See, she has left. I told you to hurry, but you didn't listen, and now she's gone without even entering my room." He pointed behind me with his lips. I quickly turned around and saw my mother coming out of Hajiya's room, asking why I was crying like a little girl. I laughed through my tears and said I thought she had already left. She asked, "Is that why you're crying?" Shamaki said, "Yes, she's crying out of stubbornness." My mother said, "You're really stubborn. Why are you crying because I'm leaving when we're not going together?" She sat down, and I put her bag down, asking if I should serve her food. She said, "Just a little because I'm not hungry." I served her a little and added some meat. If I could, I would have taken all the meat to give to Jafar, but I refrained to avoid suspicion or comments from Hajiya. Shamaki was waiting for Hajiya to finish her prayer because once she starts, you have to wait. Sometimes I even wonder if Hajiya waits for the prayer to be accepted before she finishes. He said, "Hajiya, I'm ready to go to the market." She placed her hand on his head as usual and prayed for his success and protection.
He said, "Amen," and told my mother to greet Jamila and Abba. She said she would and prayed for his success and good fortune. He thanked her.
I followed him with the bag, feeling disappointed that he didn't give my mother anything, even though he waited to greet her. I decided I would ask him for something today, even if he refused.
When we got to the living room where I usually stand, I furrowed my brows. He lifted my face and asked, "What's wrong, baby?" I said I wanted to give my mother something, even if it was just money to buy something for my siblings, but I didn't have any money. I spoke in a whiny voice. He mimicked my voice and said, "I gave Hajiya a message to give to your mother, isn't that enough?" I playfully hit him and said thank you. He smiled, took the bag, and I waved goodbye.
When I returned, my mother was drinking water, and I noticed she hadn't eaten the meat. I asked, "Mom, why didn't you eat the meat?" She said she did, and Hajiya added, "I also noticed she didn't eat much. This is like your home; you don't need to be shy." My mother said, "Alhamdulillah, I ate." Hajiya suggested giving the food to the children instead of the dogs. My mother said she wouldn't take the food because she had some at home and needed to leave by 2 PM as Abba had instructed. Hajiya said, "You didn't even go to her room. To my surprise, Hajiya stood up and said, "Let's go; I'll accompany you. I've never been to their room. What would you do in a child's room?" My mother agreed, saying they always hang out in Hajiya's place.
I was too surprised to speak, following them and wondering if Hajiya didn't want us to discuss something or if she was just being respectful to my mother. I had no answer, so I continued following them.
Hajiya showed my mother around, from the bathroom to the other rooms, and my mother kept praying and wishing us well.
They sat on the couch, and I sat in front of them like someone seeking forgiveness. My mother started speaking, "Hajiya, we know you have been patient with the youth. Nowadays, you have to be patient and correct them when they go astray. You don't need to inform us; just guide her and discipline her if needed. May God keep them together." Hajiya responded with "Amen." She said, "Rabi'atu is obedient, but she has one fault." I was anxious to know my fault. She continued, "No matter how much she loves her husband, she can't love him more than the mother who gave birth to him, right?" My mother agreed. Hajiya said, "Exactly. I suggested taking her to a spiritual healer who can help her manage her relationship with her husband. Look at her; she's in this kind of house but doesn't have a single penny. Do you have any money?" I shook my head and said no. She said, "Look at you, you're not even his wife, and he just told you to greet your family. Is that fair?" My mother didn't respond. Hajiya continued, "Even neighbors and relatives will talk, saying your daughter is married to Alhaji Baita but you're still struggling. They might think she has forgotten you or that you're hiding your wealth. Is that true?" My mother agreed. Hajiya pointed at me and said, "Look at her; she refuses to go to the healer, even lifting her leg in defiance. If her husband isn't around, she doesn't come here because she knows I won't discuss it in front of him. She won't go to the healer, thinking it's unnecessary. But it will benefit her, and it might help me too if I need something from her husband. You know how today's youth are."
