Aunty Susan, the village primary school teacher, arrived in Tana village on a Monday morning, eight years after Simone had completed her schooling there. Aunty Susan, welcomed by the Head Chief, was immediately informed about the recent events.
"Susan, you are welcome. I'm sure you've heard about what happened," the Head Chief said.
Aunty Susan sighed in agony and asked, "Where is Simone now? She should be at Hamza's compound, right?"
The Head Chief replied, "The fate of Hamza will only be determined once Nashiru is found."
"But that's unjust," protested Aunty Susan, but the Head Chief interrupted her sternly, saying, "Quiet, woman! Do what you came here for."
Leaving the council in frustration, Aunty Susan headed straight for Hamza's hut. To her surprise, she found the family in a harmonious state. However, she was there for Simone and stated so bluntly.
Azeezat began to sob, pleading, "She is going nowhere!" Simone was equally reluctant to leave and clung to her mother, crying. Hamza finally relented, handing Simone's belongings over to Aunty Susan.
As Aunty Susan tried to take Simone away, Azeezat's cries grew louder. She tried to pull Simone back, but Hamza stopped her. Eventually, Aunty Susan, with Simone in tow, walked past the village border and entered a canoe to cross to the other side.
In the bustling market arena, Simone and Aunty Susan strolled past various vendors. Simone's eyes lit up at the sight of akara (bean cake) being fried in a pan. She asked Aunty Susan what it was, and upon learning it was akara, she eagerly requested one. Aunty Susan approached the vendor and purchased some, while playfully teasing Simone about her love for sauce. They shared a chuckle over it.
Simone then asked Aunty Susan about her journey to the village. Aunty Susan explained that she had been a youth corper serving in the area when she taught Simone and her classmates.
Upon reaching the bus park called "The Young Shall Grow," they encountered noisy bus conductors calling out their destinations. A bus bound for the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) was their choice, and they hurried to catch it. The conductor quoted the fare, and Aunty Susan negotiated a slightly lower price.
In the midst of the journey, Simone observed that most passengers had fallen asleep, including Aunty Susan. She couldn't help but reflect on the recent events:
THOUGHT: "Thank God for this new beginning, and I believe all will be well."
With that comforting thought, Simone rested her head on the seat in front of her and drifted off to sleep.
Several days later, Simone fell ill. A concerned Aunty Susan checked on her, only to find Simone vomiting a semi-liquid substance onto the floor. Disgusted but compassionate, Aunty Susan cleaned up the mess and tended to Simone. She then decided they should go to the hospital.
Aunty Susan and Simone made their way to the clinic, where Simone's condition was assessed. The nurses recognized Aunty Susan, who was known as a frequent visitor. In the clinic, they went through various check-ups, and Simone's health was evaluated.
Later, in the Matron's office, Susan grew concerned about the delay. The Matron finally arrived and informed Susan that Simone was pregnant, shocking both Susan and Simone.
YOU ARE READING
Woman Of Color ( on hold)
General FictionA story of falling and finding oneself. Women are put under pressure, dejection, and in an utmost act of servitude. Especially the Women of color, there are most of them that are have been made guilty just for being a woman, The trials, abuse, pain...
