AFTER 168 HOURS [BOOK 2,168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 13: Depression

“You don’t know your name?” He asked Hadee, who didn’t answer.

“What’s wrong with the boy?” He asked the gang. They looked at him in the same confused manner.

“Who would we know? Are we his family?”

“I know you’re not related, but didn’t he speak? Did he say anything since?” He asked.

“Yes, it seems he said to Aunty Zainab. Maybe he just doesn’t want to speak.” Mario uttered.

Alhaji Musa looked at him with a frown. ‘What have I gotten myself into... but anyway, I’ll take him.’ he thought.

“Okay, that would be all today guys, but scorpion!”

He answered with a look.

“You seemed so stressed out already. I’d like to take Mario along with me.”

“But why?”

“I’d need him to help me settle personal issues. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for the trip. It’s just as if he’s interested.”

“Of course! Yes, I’m interested.” Maria answered. “Why won’t I ?”

“Okay, let’s go already. He said.

But where are we going?”

“Somewhere in Ekiti State.”

“What?!”

“Yes. I’d like to keep him there and we’d have to leave right away else. They might start searching for the child. I would have to take him there to stay with someone. At least, for the crucial time.”

“Okay.” Mario agreed and agreed to follow him.
While Scorpion went black, he got into the car and sped away into the free road. He couldn’t stop himself from thinking about Zainab. He must have caused her so much pain. A part of him was bleeding. He couldn’t understand why he was feeling so restless. Even after these years, he’d never expected to meet her again. Life is just so tricky.

Meanwhile, Humaira’s car passed Alhaji Musa’s car.
“Mama! Mama!!” Hadee called out to her Immediately his eyes caught her, but she was off-minded. She didn’t know and the dark, tinted glasses were winded up so she didn’t hear his call.

“Shut up now, would you?” Mario barked at him while Alhaji Musa looked at him in a way. As if he wanted to say... Just leave him alone.

Humaira was happy. She had an excellent discussion with the barrister who called her earlier so; they agreed she would start working with the firm the following week.
It’s heart news! Humaira couldn’t wait to tell Zainab about it. She played music as she drove home. It was a cause for celebration indeed.
Destiny made it they parted ways. Zainab entered Gwagwalada while Mario drove straight to Lokoja Road.

Of course, they were heading to Ekiti.

***

Zainab was still wallowing in tears when Humaira got in.

“Assalam’Alaikum...” she greeted as she entered. Shocked, he couldn’t fathom why Zainab was weeping and the big plaster on her head was pathetic.

“What’s wrong, Zee?” Humaira threw her handbag and rushed to where Zainab was sitting.

“Why are you crying all alone? Who did this to you and...” She looked around. Where’s Hadee!"
Zainab burst into another series of tears. Her whole body was vibrating due to what had happened.

“How would I explain this to you, sis? It’s unexplainable.” her lips were shivering incoherently.

“What happened?” Humaira asked, with confusion all over her face. She couldn’t even think clearly. What would move her strong little sister to become so pathetic? She thought.