𝐴 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝐴𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛

𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛

'what is meant for you will always find it's way back to you'
~anonymous.

Aliyu haidar glared at the soldier who threw his clothes to him. He remembered the clothes from three miserable years back, he had changed from those same clothes and worn his prisoner uniform.

The soldier before him hit him on his face and he stumbled to the floor even though he was on his knees, he was that weak.

"Don't think because you're getting out today you can misbehave. I can keep you a few more days". Ali closed his eyes and breathed heavily knowing the soldier could do that.

His former brother-in-law, sudais had him thrown in the cell and told the two soldiers to have fun and they did just that.

"Get dressed". The soldier ordered and went out of the cell and locked it.

Ali didn't know whether to feel relieved he was finally leaving the cell that had been his home for the past years. He had gotten used to the smell of urine and unwashed body. He was only allowed to take a bath when his supervisors decided he reeked too much for their senses to handle.

He stood up gently and wore the clothes that now hung on his body as he had lost too much weight. He wore his shoes and went towards the heavy metal door and and slid the little space on the door that allowed him to view the outside of his cell and also collect his food.

"I'm done". He said, his voice coming out hoarse.

The soldier didn't react, so Ali moved back to sit on the floor and minutes later, the door was opened and instead of his supervisors, major abdulrahman walked in. Aliyu looked up to meet his gaze, the soldier came by a few times to see if his juniors were having fun with him well and he always seemed satisfied, even now he had a satisfied look on.

"I don't think I need to warn you on the consequences of misbehaving when you're out". Sudais spoke and Ali averted his gaze.

He felt angry that the man before him made him feel less by each passing day but could do nothing about it.

"I'm letting you go now because trying to keep you here will require processes and I really don't have your time anymore". Ali remained quiet. Sudais stepped forward and bent before him so they were on eye level.

"I dare you to try anything wrong in your life again. Live as quietly as possible. One mistake and you're done". Sudais said in a low voice and Ali believed him but didn't say anything.

Sudais smiled and stretched to his full height. He turned and left the cell.

"You don't want to go again?". The soldier in charge of him said irritated and Aliyu stood up and went to him, he cuffed his hands and followed him out of the cell.

They walked down the halls. Instead of a normal prison, he was kept in an army base were big criminals and terrorists are kept. At some point Ali believed he was a big criminal.

The soldier stopped when they were outside, Aliyu saw his sister standing there in front of his car. Even with the punishments he was given, he was not allowed visitation from anyone. Sudais really did him bad. The soldier turned to him and Ali held his hands up, he was uncuffed and free.

He walked to his sister who rushed to hug him, her eyes tearing up at the sight of her brother.

"Let's go home". She told him and led him to the car, he got in the passenger side and she sat in the drivers' seat and started the car.

She drove out of the base and it took a little while before they mingled with other cars and saw buildings.

"What's the plan?". Farha asked after moments of silence.