MARWA

Waking up early to do the house chores has become a part of me. I stretched my body and sat up.
Glad that I'm not praying. I scramble out of bed and walk out of the room.
I head towards Baba's room.
Asalalamualikum, I said and walk in.
I genuflect in front of Baba and Mama.
Good morning, Baba. I greeted but as usual he glare at me.

Mama, good morning. I turn to mama and greet her.
I need water. Mama mumble.
I shook my head and rose to my feet.
I walk out of the room take the pot.
I walk out of the house and head towards the road that lead to the well.

I reach the well and meet no one.
I took the fetcher and began to fetch water from the well.
I filled the pot and raise it up.
I position it on my head and walk back home.
I reach home and drop the pot down.
I took another pot and dash out of the house.
I repeat the process until I filled the eight pots in the house.

I enter the kitchen with a tiring sigh I began to set the fire.
My waist aches badly but I can't complain.
I swallow the acrid gob behind my throat and set the fire.
I took the pot and position it on the fire.
I dash out of the hut due to the heat.

I prepare breakfast for the family.
I took Baba and Mama's food to their rooms.
I took Ya Abir's food to his room.
Good morning, Ya Abir.
Ya Abir Humm.
Ya Abir, how is Ya Safwan feeling now?
Horrible. Ya Abir spat.
Are you happy? Safwan is not responding to treatment.
Get out of my room. Ya Abir spat.

I drag my feet out of the room took Layla and Najma's breakfast to the room.
I return to the hut and eat the rest from the pot.
I drink water and wipe off my mouth.
With a sigh, I rose to my feet and sneak out of the house.
Where should I go first?
Should I go to Ya Safwan's place or Adeel. I contemplate.

I head towards Kaka's house.
I reach Kaka's house and enter the hut.
I scan the room and Ya Safwan wasn't there.
Good day, kaka. I greeted.
Good day, kaka responded.
Kaka, where is he?
He has left?
Your brother is perfectly okay now. Kaka smiled.
Thank you, kaka.
I turn to leave when she stopped me.

You haven't paid for the treatment.
My heart skip a beat.
I facepalm frustratedly.
I twirl around and face the old woman.
Kaka! I call scratching my nape.
I don't have money. I muttered nervously.
Please, kaka I will do anything you ask me to do but I don't have money.
I kneel in front of her.

The old woman shook her head.
I don't need your help.
Young lady, you can go. The old woman commanded.
I rose to my feet.
Thank you, kaka.
Thank you. I muttered and dash out of the hut.

I walk to Ya Safwan's house which is just a few miles away from Kaka's house.
The witch is here, Umma. Ya Safwan's sister hollered immediately I step feet in the compound.
I shook my head and walk to Ya Safwan's room.
I enter the room.
Ya Safwan smile and sit upright.
Ya Safwan I'm sorry I abandon you in Kaka's house.
How are you feeling now?
I'm feeling better.
Thank you, Marwa.

Ya Safwan's mother barge inside Ya Safwan's room.
What are you doing in my house?
Do you want to kill my Son like you kill your mother and your Grandma?
Umma, don't say that to her.
She saved me. Ya Safwan interjected.
Safwan, his Mom call sternly.
She dragged me out of the room and push me.
I fall to the ground and hit my head on the stone.

Umma stop tormenting her.
Safwan go inside. His mother yell.
He push Ya Safwan inside and lock the door.
Rabia! The geriatric woman hollered.
Her daughter run out of the room with a bowl of water.
Please, don't splash water on me.
I swear by Allah I didn't do anything to your Son. I pleaded.
She let go of my shirt that is already torn by her tight grip on me.
Go. She thundered.
I rose to meet feet and turn to leave when I felt a water splash on my body.
Dirty water precisely.