Now, uncle, you won't stop going to sell milk, look at how Aisha is struggling with a newborn, yet you keep going to the market. Aren't you afraid the cold will affect the baby?

Uncle remained silent, looking at the elderly woman speaking while holding a small baby in her arms, who couldn't be more than three months old.

Yakumbo, please be patient and remove the love for this child from your heart. You know we must go sell milk before we can get something to eat. Aisha, bring the milk container so we can go; it's already late.

Aisha quickly grabbed a cloth and handed it over with both hands. Yakumbo, bring her; we are leaving. Yakumbo smiled and said, if I didn't know how you and Nijlah are, I would have kept the child until you returned. Aisha smiled and shook her head. Yakumbo handed them Nijlah, and they hurried off, each carrying a milk container.

Lift your feet, Aisha; it's already late, and the market is crowded today. I don't want us to be late. Oh, my husband, with all the running around, my back is hurting.

Take it easy; you know we have no choice. Aisha pouted, adjusting Nijlah on her back, and said, I'm hungry. Since morning, I haven't eaten anything, and I'm carrying milk.

Uncle remained silent as they continued walking. The distance from their village to the main road was quite far.

They were lucky to find a vehicle when they reached the road. They quickly got in with their belongings, and Nijlah was crying in the back.

As soon as they got in, the vehicle started moving, and the driver began collecting fares.

Driver, please be patient; I only have twenty naira. I know you are a Muslim and will help me. Who do you think will pay your fare? You old people are always a problem.

The elderly woman struggled to speak, saying, please take me as charity. I can't do that, the driver said angrily.

He continued ranting without paying attention to the road. Uncle was about to speak when suddenly, there was a loud crash.

A large vehicle ran over them. Everyone in the vehicle screamed and shouted, but no one could help because the area was not a busy one. Eventually, another vehicle came to their aid.

This accident was tragic because, out of everyone in the vehicle, only the driver and Nijlah, who was crying from the pain she felt on Aisha's back, survived. Aisha had already passed away.

They were rushed to the hospital, where emergency care was given. Nijlah's crying was stopped by giving her milk, while the driver suffered fractures in his hand and leg.

Photos of the deceased were taken and circulated in the media to find their relatives.

The news was also broadcast on the radio. Malam, who was listening to the radio, heard the tragic news.

He ran out of his room, calling for Yakumbo. Yakumbo, who was coming out of the bathroom, responded, Malam, what happened for you to call me like this? Are you not hungry? Why are you shouting?

Malam couldn't speak; he just placed his hands on his head, saying, death has come quickly. The pillar we relied on has collapsed. Subhanallah, Malam, why are you crying? What happened? Who died? Tell me quickly before my heart stops, Yakumbo said, filled with anxiety.

It's uncle, Yakumbo. Uncle has died. Uncle and his wife Aisha have passed away. Before Yakumbo could respond, Aisha's mother entered, crying.

They rushed to the hospital together. It wasn't difficult to get uncle and Aisha's bodies, along with Nijlah, who, by God's grace, was still alive.

When they returned home, they performed the funeral rites for Aisha and her husband. Yakumbo was deeply affected and fell into indescribable grief.

After the seven-day mourning period, Aisha's mother requested to take care of Nijlah to ease her longing for Aisha.

Yakumbo cried, saying, it's not that I refuse, but I can't give you Nijlah because she reminds me of uncle. You know I was the one taking care of Nijlah even before Aisha passed away. I had to take her when they went to the market because of her crying.

Aisha's mother also cried, saying, now I've lost Aisha, and I can't even stay with Nijlah. Her husband consoled her, seeing that Yakumbo had no intention of giving up Nijlah.

Since the death of Nijlah's parents, Yakumbo had devoted all her love and care to Nijlah. She did everything for her, including washing and feeding her milk. Sometimes, when she couldn't afford milk, she would milk cows and give the fresh milk to Nijlah.

Days turned into months, and Nijlah grew older and wiser. Everyone who saw her felt pity for her. While others bought things at the market, Nijlah never got anything, not even a penny. She would return home crying to Yakumbo, who would sometimes join her in crying.

Malam was too weak to work and earn money to take care of them. Uncle was his only son, and now he was gone.

Things became very difficult for them, but their contentment and gratitude to God kept them going.

In their Fulani culture, girls are married off young. Any girl over the age of 13 is considered too old. That's why Malam was eager for Nijlah to turn 13 so he could marry her off.

**************

Mummy, please reconsider your decision. I can't take Yasmeen to that village.

Mashkur, do you think I'll let you go for service without being married? The wedding date is set, and if we wait for you to return, it will have to be postponed, which I don't want.

But mummy, how can I take Yasmeen when you know she is very particular? She might not be able to eat there, and we'll have a problem. Whatever it is, figure it out. Either you get married and go, or you cancel your service.

Oh, mummy, so all my education is for nothing? Mummy, have mercy on me.

Mummy pushed him and hit him, saying angrily, Mashkur, I don't understand why you always avoid talking about marriage. Look at the wealth God has given us. Look at this house. I'm sure we can afford to marry you off to a hundred women if needed. So tell me, what is your plan?

Mashkur remained silent, listening but unable to speak. He felt he wasn't ready for marriage but didn't know how to tell his parents.

Look at me, Mashkur. You're not the only one who can be stubborn. When I speak, you ignore me. If you don't want Yasmeen, look at other wealthy girls. Marry one and stop wasting our time. Mashkur remained silent, unable to respond.

Mummy hit him on the thigh, saying, if you're not feeling well, let us know.