Echoes of Agony

Chapter One

The bustling city of Maiduguri was enveloped in warm weather, and the streets were packed with thousands of people trying to navigate their way through the crowded thoroughfares of the city at this early hour of the morning. Mothers were accompanying their children to ensure they could safely cross the streets and navigate the traffic. Some children chatted excitedly, while others obediently held onto their parents' hands. Meanwhile, college students, mainly young men and boys, joked and laughed among themselves, causing some irritation to the elders who found them too loud for the early morning. Others hurried to catch the last bus of the morning, fearing the wrath of an angry boss who might fire them for being late.

One of these people was Zaytun Babakura, a university student in her final year completing her degree in Art and Interior Design. The only difference between Zaytun and the people crossing the traffic-filled streets was that she didn't need to take public transport. She didn't have to get on the bus or Keke Napep to her university because she was Zaytun Babakura, the daughter of one of the richest families in Borno state. Her family frequently donated to the best elite universities in the country.

Zaytun's mornings were always the same. She woke up, performed her ablutions and prayers, took a shower, ate breakfast personally prepared by her mother because she would not let her eat maid's food, then went to the university and spent time with her friends. Spending time with her friends was the best part of her morning routine. Her friends were like family – they had known each other since they were in diapers because their mothers were friends too. Their bond kept getting stronger, and Zaytun was nothing but grateful for having such friends.

Earlier that day, when she parked her car, there were only two other cars in the university cafeteria's parking lot, one of which belonged to Asma, Zaytun's best friend. A smile appeared on her face as she quickly locked her car and walked to the cafeteria, where she was sure to find her friend. It was their usual hangout spot. The cafeteria had everything they needed – from games to food, and nothing was lacking there. As she walked closer to the cafeteria, she could already see the girl sitting at their usual table, but she couldn't see what she was doing since her friend had her back to her. So Zaytun decided to surprise her.

"I can feel you coming, you rascal," Asma said to Zaytun.

Zaytun's enthusiastic behavior vanished as quickly as it came. "You're no fun, Asma," she said, sitting down next to her and taking a doughnut to her mouth, to which Asma complained.

"Let me pretend to be scared then," Asma said, sipping her zobo  drink. "Anything new?"

"There's nothing new," Zaytun informed her, her voice tinged with disinterest. "I will be participating in some charity works next year."

"Your dad's decision?" Asma asked.

"Nope, big bro's decision. He said I have to be included in the process if my parents are going to use me as a weapon to gain some recognition before the electoral period." Zaytun replied.

"What I don't get is why your dad is suddenly interested in politics." Asma said.

Zaytun's father had decided to enter the political world after succeeding in the business field. It was a very strange decision, but Zaytun didn't care and didn't want to care. She was going to be used to help her father again, but that was how women survived. That was how they were going to prove their worth to the family. That was what they were for.

"I don't know." She said.

"Isn't that Nana?" Asma asked, pointing to their friend, Nana, standing at the entrance of the cafeteria, chatting with the university heartthrob and their friend, Sadeeq. They both laughed at how she was trying too hard to be cute. Their eyes met with Sadeeq who gave them a friendly wave before leaving with Nana, heading off to who knows where.