HUSNA (EDITING)

Chapter6

Two weeks later...
"Hey, Hussy! Over here!" Faiza waved her over. Husna took a seat next to Faiza

"Sorry I'm late. I was in a rush this morning."

"You're always late, Hussy!"

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks for saving me a spot, though."She rubbed her palm against the back of her neck and bit her lips, feeling uncomfortable with the noise and chaos around her.

Faiza gave her a weird look and said, "I just said you're always late, but you're telling me I'm right... How's your health?"

"Fine, Alhamdulillah. And thanks...

Faiza interrupted her with a grin, "Oh no, please don't start, Hussy! Aren't we friends? We're sisters from different mothers, right?"

Husna chuckled, and just then, the lecturer walked in, and the class fell silent.

"Alright, I want all of you to form groups of five or six to work on the Antimicrobial Resistance research project for the presentation next week," the lecturer instructed. "I don't care who you work with, as long as you feel confident that you can collaborate effectively and complete the assignment. If I deem that your self selected groups are not being productive, I will reconsider allowing you to choose your own groups."

The students nodded in agreement, and the lecturer clapped his hands together, saying, "Find your groups and get to work then! And remember, by next week, you should all have purchased the required textbook. If you don't have it, you won't be attending my class again!"

As the lecturer finished speaking, Husna's mind raced with worry. "How can she  buy that book for almost 5k when Abba hasn't come back from work yet, and he hasn't gotten paid?""The hibiscus drink money won't be enough for her..."

The  students began to stir, shuffling out of their chairs to form groups. Husna turned to Faiza, who had been distracted by her phone, and tapped her on the shoulder. "Faiza, c'mon! Were you even listening to the instructions? We need to find a group. Let's go ask some people to join us!"

Husna dragged Faiza out of her chair, and they walked across the class, chatting with other students and asking if they had already formed a group. After a few stops, they finally found two other individuals willing to partner with them.

Still dragging faiza along with her, husna beckoned for the other two students to follow them, and they found an empty table and placed down .

They began sharing all their ideas of what they could base their presentations , and how they could get started.

Husna remained quiet, simply nodding when necessary. Occasionally, she would throw in a suggestion here or there, but talking with complete strangers made her uncomfortable, so she left that responsibility to faiza , who very much enjoyed talking to complete strangers. And just like that, the time passed by."they went to the mosque and prayed.

"When are you going to start teaching me your language?" Faiza exclaimed as she pulled onto the highway.

Husna smiled, "Whenever you're ready."

But despite her smile, she  is  deeply concerned about how she would pay for her siblings' school fees and the required book. She is lost in thought, wondering how she would settle these expenses.

"Where are you taking me?" She  questioned softly, noticing Faiza taking a different route.

Well, I'm going to sell you out! You're worth millions!"