Bauchi, the neighborhood of Dutsen Tenshi.
It is a neighborhood of people with modest means but rich in spirit, a small alley with only four houses. My house, the last one, is the most dilapidated.
An elderly man, who appears to be around forty-eight to fifty years old, is trying to enter the house with a slightly broken door. He seems to be in poor health, walking slowly until he enters the small courtyard, which is so clean it doesn't seem like it's on the ground, emitting the scent of earth.
He greets in a composed voice and quickly heads to a small room, hearing the sound of sobbing. He enters the room, calling out her name, "Fatima Bintu, Subhanallah!" He quickly puts down the bag he is holding and, with great concern, lifts her head.
A beautiful girl with a special talent and wisdom given by God, her face full of radiance, looks up at her father with her bright eyes.
In a soft and melodious voice, she says, "Fafi, Fafi, where did you go and leave me? I am scared, Fafi, don't go out. I am very afraid of losing you. Let me go out and find something for us to eat, please, Fafi, I beg you, don't go out again. I will do whatever is necessary, please, my Fafi!" She finishes her plea, clasping her hands together.
He takes a deep breath and gently says, "Oh Bintu, who between us is more suited to go out? Have you forgotten that you are a weak woman? Bintu, know that there is nothing to fear except Allah. Do not think anyone can harm you except what Allah has destined for you. You are the most beloved child to me, and I am always praying for your safety and that of your mother, wherever she may be."
He quickly wipes the tears from his eyes and hands her the bag, saying, "Quickly, get up and prepare the flour for us. I know you are hungry," he says with a smile to calm her. She also smiles, revealing her beauty, her teeth, a small gap, and dimples. "Masha Allah!" her father says, seeing her stand up smiling.
*********
Abuja
A magnificent house, like those in foreign countries, designed and built with inspiration from the US. Inside, it feels like paradise on earth.
She is rolling on the floor, kicking and crying loudly, surrounded by about ten people trying to console her, but it seems like they are pushing her away, saying, "Oh Jesus, help me, bring back my son. I want to see him in my religion. Fatash, come to your senses, help your mother. I never sent you to school to change you, but to understand me and look after me. But now you have brought something that could make my heart stop. I can't bear this." She bursts into another fit of intense crying.
An elderly man, around fifty years old, descends from upstairs and signals the people in the living room to leave. One by one, they quietly exit.
He sits in one of the elegant chairs surrounding the living room. He gives her a stern look, making her quickly sit up and adjust her position, though she continues to sob.
He stares at her for a few seconds, then exhales and says, "Abigel, you have done well by gathering people and trying to expose me. Do you think what you did will change his mind? Have you forgotten who he is? Have you forgotten his nature?" He shakes his head in disappointment and says, "Abigel, you lack sense if you have forgotten the nature of your wayward son. Then he gives a slight, sarcastic smile and continues, "Anyone who fetches water with a basket knows it will leak." He clasps his hands together and looks at her, still with tears streaming from her eyes.
"Have you forgotten the past? Have you forgotten the suffering he endured at the hands of the Jams? Have you forgotten the confusion that made him reject you? Have you forgotten what he does to you when the weekend comes? Abigel, you should not forget all this, especially since Fatash does not see you as a mother."
She looks at him desperately, her eyes filled with tears, and says, "I beg you, stop saying that Fatash does not see me as a mother." He looks at her and says, "My advice to you is to know that whatever you do, he will not change. It is better to change your approach; maybe this time you will succeed."
With that, he stands up and goes upstairs.
She also stands up, feeling weak and fearful, her heart pounding, stumbling as darkness overwhelms her vision.
At that moment, on this Friday, a day when every devout Muslim prepares to go to the mosque, some miscreants among the Muslims have joined forces with the enemies of Allah's religion, defying Him.
A loud voice...