HUSNA (EDITING)

Chapter4

Husna and Faiza sat in the cafeteria, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of students. Faiza was excitedly chattering about her plans for the upcoming semester break. "I'm going to travel, relax, and enjoy every moment! I'm so tired of coming to this school every day. I can't wait for graduation day; it's going to be epic!"

Faiza's enthusiasm is  infectious, but Husna seemed distant. Faiza noticed and asked, "Husna, are you even listening to me?"

Husna looked up, her expression a bit dazed. Faiza placed a concerned hand on her shoulder. "Husna, are you alright? You seem lost in thought."Faiza's beauty is  undeniable. Her fresh, smooth skin and elegant features radiated a natural grace, a testament to her privileged upbringing.

She  raised her head, wincing slightly. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a little stomachache. It started last night, and I took my medicine before leaving home."

"Are you having menstrual pain? Maybe it's just normal period pain, but you should see a doctor if it gets worse."

She shake  her head reassuringly. "It's not that. I'm used to this. I've been dealing with it for years now. It's just a little uncomfortable sometimes, that's all."

Faiza looked curious. "What do you mean?"

Since  I was around 14, I've been experiencing stomach pain. Don't worry, I'm used to it. I'll take my medicine again when I get home after the lectures."

Faiza nodded understandingly as they left the cafeteria for their department. throughout the lectures, Husna's stomach continued to ache, making it difficult for her to focus on what the lecturer is  saying.

"You!" The lecturer's voice snapped Husna back to attention. "You were sleeping. Do you find this lecture boring?" She  shook her head, trying to appear alert despite her discomfort. She is  sitting in the front row, and her stomach ache made it hard to focus.

"No, ma'am," she  replied, wincing in pain.

The lecturer gave a forced smile. "Good. Now, can you tell me what I just said?" Her  stomach felt like it was twisted into a knot, making it hard to think straight.

"Um...well...I..." she  stuttered, unable to recall the lecturer's words.

The lecturer seemed taken aback, as Husna is  usually one of her best students. Faiza quickly stood up, concerned. "Sorry, ma'am, she's not feeling well."

The lecturer nodded. "Take her home, then. We'll continue the lecture."

Faiza quickly gathered their books and helped Husna out of the classroom, Let's get you home and take care of that stomach ache." She led Husna to the car and drove out of the school parking lot, accelerating with urgency.

As they sped along, Husna's stomach pains intensified, and she bent forward, crying out in distress. Faiza's concern deepened, and she hastened to get Husna home.

When they arrived, Husna's mother took one look at her daughter's condition and knows  exactly what was wrong. "I told you not to go to school today, Husna," she shakes  her head.

"Mama, should we take her to the hospital? She's in so much pain." "Or maybe she has some medicine here? Husna said she took her medicine earlier, but it doesn't seem to be helping."

"Medicine?" her mother exclaimed, more like a question, as she realized they had none left. Husna's mother remembered that their last supply had run out, and they couldn't afford to buy new ones or take Husna to the hospital.

For seven long years, Husna had been suffering from stomach pain, and her parents had taken her to see countless doctors. They had tried different hospitals and specialists, but no diagnosis seemed to fit. Each doctor prescribed a different medication, but none brought relief. The frustration is  mounting for Husna and her family. All Husna wanted was to feel better and live a normal life.

Faiza, sensing Husna's mother's hesitation, suggested, "Let's just take her to the hospital, Mama." But Husna's mother is  worried about the expenses; they have no money for bills or transportation.

Just as she is  about to speak, Husna's mother nodded her head, possibly thinking of using the money from the hibiscus drink sales. She walked to her room and brought out 2,000 naira, hoping it would be enough.

Faiza helped Husna up, and they went to Faiza's car. Initially, Husna's mother refused, but Faiza pleaded with her, concerned about Husna's condition. Faiza had never seen her friend in such distress before.

At the hospital, Faiza is  frustrated by the doctor's unnecessary questions. "Are you on your period?" "Are you married?" "How old are you?"

Faiza interrupted, "Doctor, please, can't you see she's in pain? Just treat her!"

The doctor finally prescribed some medication, which cost over 10,000 naira, unbeknownst to Husna's mother. Faiza had already paid the bill, trying to help her friend.

Before they arrived home, Husna had already fallen asleep due to the injection she received at the hospital. Faiza dropped them off and left, as it is almost time for Magrib prayers.

"Noi bandu ma mai ("How are you feeling now).."her mother asked
She squeezed her face Waddama hore am tan on do nawa (feeling better but I'm just having a slightly headache now..")

A nyamai on kanjum wadi (You haven't eat anything that's the reason..")
Mi nanai velo (I'm not hungry.." )
you will never be hungry.."you don't like eating at all husnatu have you seen your self you're becoming thin everyday"

She pulled out a silver plate full of rice and beans take this and returned back an empty plate to me.."

Adda Noi mi nyamda ta nyamdu do pat fere am Yeccam a do fija on(are you serious how do you expect me to eat all this alone tell me you're joking..")

Her mother gave her a stern look which made close her mouth and immediately started eating.."

"Adda husna Noi bandu ma mai (how are you feeling now)her siblings asked her as they sit down next to her.."

I'm not ok now that Adda wanted me to eat all this food all alone.."

Let me help you says Fatima Abdulkarim chuckle lemme tell her what you guys are doing"

She gave him a glare after knocking his head they eat and prayed.."