SHCMUCK ✅

Fifty

Author's POV

Aisha stirred in her sleep. A clamorous sound hit her earlobe.
She briskly flutters her eyes open and sets them on Aslam and Basma playing football in her bedroom.
What the hell is wrong with these kids?
Aisha scrambled out of bed and walked to the kids who were engrossed in what they were doing without noticing her presence behind them.

Aisha, tiptoe to them and catch the ball.
No. Ya, Aslam. Basma pout.
I didn't take it but Mummy did. Aslam muttered.
Why are you two playing in my bedroom?
Is this a playing ground? I will tell your father. Aisha yell.

What is going on here? AbdulHamid muttered.
He twists the doorknob and walks in.
They are playing football in my bedroom. Aisha muttered.
AbdulHamid, pivots his gaze to the kids.

I warn you two never to disturb your mother when she is sleeping. Didn't I? AbdulHamid yell.
The children shuddered.
Basma ran to Aisha and hid behind her.
Come here. AbdulHamid command.
Basma let go of Aisha's leg and stood in front of AbdulHamid.
The children duck their heads.

Aslam, I will punish you because you are older than Basma. AbdulHamid said to the four-year-old boy.
Daddy, sorry. Aslam pleads.
I will seize the ball and I won't buy you another one. AbdulHamid muttered without a mincing word.

Daddy, please don't seize it.
Daddy, please. Basma and Aslam pleads.
Qalb, please forgive them. Aisha muttered.
I will give it to you. AbdulHamid muttered.
Thank you, Daddy. Aslam and Basma muttered excitedly.

Go to your playing room and play but not rough play. AbdulHamid muttered handing the ball to Aslam.
Basma, let me take you downstairs.
I won't allow you to go downstairs alone. AbdulHamid said to the two-year-old girl.
He swoops her up and trails behind Aslam.

Aslam, stop running else you will miss your step and fall. AbdulHamid muttered.
Okay, Daddy. Aslam muttered.
They reach downstairs.
AbdulHamid drops Basma down.
She and Aslam run to the room opposite the dining room.

Aisha sauntered out of her bedroom.
She marched downstairs.
Qalb, let's go to Mama's house. Aisha muttered.
She sits beside AbdulHamid on the couch.
The children's voices echo in the room they are playing.

Okay, we should go later. AbdulHamid muttered.
They focus their attention on the TV.
Basma runs out of the room crying.
Basma, what happened? AbdulHamid and Aisha ask simultaneously.
She walks to them.
Aisha picked her up and sat her down on the couch.

Basma, did Aslam beat you? AbdulHamid asks her.
Yes, Daddy. Basma muttered with a sniff.
Aslam, AbdulHamid hollered.
He runs to the living room.
Aslam, why did you beat your sister? Aisha asks him.
Mummy, she scattered my wardrobe and threw my games on the ground. Aslam muttered.

No, Mummy. He pushed me. Basma muttered defensively.
Daddy, I didn't push her. Aslam muttered.
It's a lie. Basma muttered.
The children began to argue with each other.
Aslam, don't ever beat your sister again.
Apologize to her now. AbdulHamid command.

Daddy, Aslam pout.
Did you want to be my favourite? AbdulHamid asks him.
Yes, Daddy. Aslam muttered.
Okay, apologize to your sister.
AbdulHamid muttered.
I'm sorry, Basma. Aslam muttered.
Daddy, Mummy, let's go to Grandma's house. I love the story Salma always tells me anytime we visit. Aslam muttered.

Aisha and AbdulHamid arc a confused brow at Aslam.
I hope she isn't telling him a story about the witches in her village. Aisha muttered inwardly.
Tell me, what story did she tell you? Aisha asks curiously.