Chapter One: The Call of Fajr
The soft, distant sound of the adhan for Fajr drifted through the quiet of the compound. Fatu grunted, rolling out of her bed, and walked barefoot to the bathroom. She performed ablution, each movement automatic, her mind still half-lost in dreams.
Back in her room, she knelt on her prayer mat, the fabric of her hijab settling neatly around her face. She began praying, her voice low, her heart quiet. After a while, the door creaked open. Her mother peeked in, eyes scanning to make sure she was indeed praying. Satisfied, she left silently, the soft click of the door signaling her approval.
When she finished, Fatu rose, folded her mat, and went downstairs. “Good morning, Mama,” she said softly.
“Good morning, Fatu. Help me with your father’s breakfast,” her mother replied, already bustling in the kitchen.
Together, they prepared a simple meal, and Fatu carried it to her father. He was seated cross-legged, reciting the Quran alongside her younger brother. Fatu greeted them both, bowing slightly. “Assalamu Alaikum,” she said, and received warm responses in return.
After breakfast, Fatu moved on to her morning chores, sweeping and tidying the rooms, arranging furniture just as her mother liked. When everything was in order, she prepared herself and her siblings for school — uniforms pressed, shoes polished, bags packed.
Finally, the family driver arrived. Fatu led her siblings out, the cool morning air brushing against her face. As the car drove off toward school, she looked out the window, thinking of the day ahead — a day full of lessons, routines, and the quiet yearning she always carried beneath her veil.
At school, Fatu walked briskly toward her classroom, but along the way she spotted her best friend, Faiza, already heading toward the assembly area.
“Faiza!” Fatu called, breaking into a smile. They ran toward each other and embraced in a quick hug.
https://www.wattpad.com/story/403566995
