Breaking free

Episode 50

" These are the papers. You can look through them and sign." The lawyer said and I glanced at Hamma Awwal to which he nodded.

" Ok." I read through and understood the terms before signing.

As I signed the divorce papers, a profound sense of relief washed over me, mingled with a bittersweet sorrow. The ink on the page seemed to symbolize the end of a chapter built by pain and fear, but also the beginning of a new, hopeful journey. My heart ached for the woman I once was, diminished by the shadows of my husband's abuse, yet now I felt a flicker of strength reclaiming its place.

Each stroke of the pen was an affirmation of my decision to reclaim my life, to embrace the possibility of healing and peace that had long seemed out of reach. In that moment, I understood that while the past could not be undone, the future was mine to shape, unburdened by the chains of a painful history.

" All done. I sent the papers to his lawyer so he has to sign it before the end of the day or there will be consequences from court." He said and I sighed.

" Thank you so much Mr. Tony. You have been of so much help to my family." Hamma shook his hand when he stood up.

" My pleasure." He said and walked out.

Rania came in with a huge smile on her face.

" Alhamdullilah Adda!" She hugged me but released me when I winced. My ribs still weren't back to normal.

" Lats go eat." She said and helped me stand up. We sat down at the dining and everyone came down for dinner.

" May your life and your kids lives be filled with happiness and forget all the sorrow you went through." Mummy hugged me from behind and kissed my cheek.

" Ameen." I replied.

I served some pasta on my plate and put some for the twins. Bamanga doesn't have my time and has been preoccupied by Hamma Shehu.

" Maama where is daddy?" This was what I was dreading. I didn't know how to start answering them.

" Eat your food Amma." I noticed everyone was looking at me, waiting to see what I'll say.

Everyone was silent around the table with the sounds of the forks clinking. My phone began ringing, it was an unknown number. I didn't pick but the number called again so I picked.

" Hello?" I said chewing my food.

" Hello baby." It was him. I kept quiet waiting to see what he will say.

" Cat caught your tongue? I just wanted to see how my ex was doing." He chuckled.

" Leave me alone." I managed to speak up.

" Are you scared baby? I've signed the divorce papers, I don't want to go to jail over a s*** like you." He said in a bitter tone.

I dropped the call and here came his call again. Everyone was looking at me now wondering who was calling me.

Hamma Awwal collected my phone and answered the call and left the room. He came back a few minutes later and handed the phone back to me. Everyone knew who it was but it was just better not to say anything.

I finished my food and went back upstairs with the twins. Mummy cleared up the guest room for them and got them new beds. We went to my room so they could do their homework, they had school tomorrow.

Afrah came into the room and jumped on the bed.

" Hi my love!" I kissed her and she hugged me.

" I missed you Ashkum. Hii!" She hugged the twins.