WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

24: chimney catastrophe

Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Siyama walked into their compound with a beam on her face because even though their payday has been delayed by two days which has never happened, she got something to be happy about. Delay is never ever a denial and she knows that.

When Allah keeps you away from things, it is not to punish you or because you don't deserve it, it is either for something better or you are getting shielded from an ominous event you couldn't have foreseen.

She just saw the alert in her Opay wallet on her way back from Dr. RF who was surprisingly not being a witch today. They finished chapter four without any hassle and now she only needs to finish the final chapter and they are done.

Entering their living room, she found her mother and father talking about something serious. She knew what it was. They have been thinking about sending Yasmin to Abuja all on her own and they keep discussing it. Topic of the week.

In her personal opinion, she knows Yasmin could be trusted in Abuja far better than herself. She is an introvert and would rather die than ask for help sometimes while Yasmin is a ball of sunshine that anywhere she goes she gets accepted.

She has also searched relentlessly about this certain Danbazau family. Maybe more than she did her project topic for the last two days. There is nothing about them that has a red flag written on it.

And she also feels like this is the opportunity they actually need to spread their wings. Yasmin is very brilliant and awfully talented though she squash it down so as to not outshine her mentor, Madam Gloria.

She had seen the decoration Yasmin designed in her scrapbook and it is safe to say her sister will make it to places if she is given the opportunity. There is nothing she cannot do. She never underestimates her sister. Ever.

Accommodation isn't an issue since the family clearly stated that she would be living with them in their home which is the safest thing. Besides, two soldiers are getting married which makes it safer, right?

She went and sat down between her parents, her eyes narrowed. They gave her a sheepish smile but didn't bother explaining themselves. They have every right to be worried about their daughter.

"Maa, Baba, you both shouldn't worry this much. It'll only make Baby nervous if she sees how worried you two are," Seema said, her voice gentle but with a touch of playful reprimand.

"We can't help being worried, Seema. We don't know anyone in Abuja." Her mother, Fatima, sighed deeply, her concern weighing heavily in her words.

Seema sat up straighter, her voice taking on a firmer tone. "How about Auntie? Doesn't she live there? You could ask her about the Danbazau family. She doesn't have to know why, just to ease your mind."

Fatima frowned, shaking her head slightly. "It has nothing to do with the Danbazaus. They seem fine. It's just... she's never gone farther than Zaria."

Seema leaned forward, her tone turning more serious. "And you're shielding her from experiences like this. If you keep doing that, she'll never reach her full potential. You both know Baby has the potential."

Her father, Suraj, rubbed his temples before speaking, his voice resigned but understanding. He is always very understanding. This man is soft when need be but also very hard. Just perfect parenting.

"You're right." He sighed again, his eyes closing briefly as if to collect his thoughts.

"We've prayed istikhara like she asked us," he added, cracking a small smile that made everyone chuckle. "I don't have a bad feeling about it."