HUSNA

Chapter14

Since waking up for Fajr, she hadn't closed her eyes again. The dawn breeze from the half-open window brushed softly against her face, but her mind was already racing through her day. She washed the dishes, swept the parlour, and dusted the furniture until the clock on the wall ticked past 7:15 a.m.

"lectures at eight fifteen..." she murmured to herself, rushing into the bathroom.

The warm water eased her tired muscles, but there was no time to waste. She wore light jeans and a simple purple top, then neatly wrapped a sky-blue hijab that framed her gentle face. She checked the mirror once, grabbed her bag, and slung it over her shoulder. 7:45 a.m.

Before leaving, she planned her errands in her head. After class, she will stop by the market and buy zobo leaves,.

As she reached the corridor, she found Fatima, her younger sister, still in her nightgown.

"Fatima! Ko a wata hasare junta do? What are you still doing at home by this time?" Husna's voice carried that older-sister tone that meant trouble.
Fatima blinked, startled.

"Adda Husna, Adda Husna, mulumjo amin on vi to min waddai cede deftere ta min wara," she replied quickly in Fulfulde — Teacher said those who didn't bring the money for the English textbook shouldn't come today.

"Sai a subti jodugo sare? Bo a numai a yecca amin ga a wala haje jangirde mai?" Husna scolded, arms akimbo. So you just decided to stay home without telling anyone, abi you're not serious again?

"Anma Adda Husna..."

"Salu dillu yohu murnu junta do mido rene — before I count three, go and get ready, I'm waiting!"

Fatima dashed inside, reappearing moments later in her uniform, trying to wear her socks while hopping on one foot. Husna knocked her gently on the head.

"Toi kuje kusde ma? Where are your socks?"

"Here, Adda," Fatima grinned sheepishly.

"Salu watu...oya put them on."

They both laughed, the earlier tension fading away.

After greeting their mother and explaining, Husna led Fatima out. The school was just a short walk from their house. She checked her phone again ...7:50 a.m. Late again!

"Adda Husna, Malam Habib vi mi hofne... tomi meti mi nani inde mako ha," Fatima said shyly. Malam Habib said I should greet you.

Husna gave her the glare that only elder sisters could master.

"Hunkodo ma sai to mi fi ma. If I hear that name again, I'll hang you on the ceiling, wallahi."

Fatima giggled all the way to her classroom.

Husna met the teacher, explaining that she'd bring the money tomorrow, insha Allah. He nodded, and she left in a hurry.

By the time she reached the bus stop, she was panting. The sun was already high, reflecting on the dusty roads When she finally got to school, the lecturer was already inside. She lingered outside until he let her in.

Faiza, her ever-dramatic friend, nudged her leg under the table.

"Why are you late again, madam punctuality?"