Now she wept bitterly. If he knew he wouldn’t stay, why did he deceive her? She remembered what her friend once told her:

> “If you don’t sleep with him, he might leave you like many men do after getting what they want.”

And that’s exactly what happened. She now had no proof the pregnancy was his. Everyone doubted her. She made a mistake—and gave herself to him. Now she was pregnant, and no one believed her. She cried:

> “Oh Allah, You are my witness. Save me from this hardship. Reveal my mother Aisha. Cleanse me of this shame.”

These thoughts haunted her until they reached Kaduna. She didn’t even notice until the driver tapped her, “Madam, we’re here.”

She got down, unsure where to go. She didn’t have much money. She approached a food vendor, greeted her, and asked for food. After eating, she sat aside. The call to prayer came, but she didn’t move. The woman approached her:

> “Sister, won’t you pray? Are you waiting for someone?”

She said quietly, “Please, show me a place to pray. I made ablution long ago but didn’t know where to pray.”

The woman showed her a small room beside her shop. After praying, Ummi dozed off.

The woman finished packing up her things and checked in on her. Ummi was fast asleep. She gently woke her.

> “Sister, it’s getting late. Do you have anyone to call? If you know the area you’re going to, you can take a tricycle.”

“I don’t know anyone here,” she replied tearfully.

> “Subhanallah. You don’t know anyone? Why did you come here?”

“I’m pregnant, and my parents kicked me out.”

> “Ah! You look like a responsible girl. How did you let a man deceive you?

And your parents—did they think abandoning you is the solution? They should have guided and supported you.

So… you don’t know where to go now?”

Ummi nodded.

> “Okay then. Come with me. You’ll stay at my house for now. We’ll go see your parents in two days and apologize on your behalf.

In our time, girls your age didn’t dare get pregnant outside marriage.”

They boarded a tricycle and headed to a poor neighborhood. Her house had two rooms and a toilet.

> “This house isn’t mine; I’m renting it. But if you can manage, welcome.”

They entered. The spare room was empty except for a mat, but clean. She sat and said:

> “I live alone. I’m originally from Zaria. I came here with my husband, but he died. I stayed and started my business. Let me get you a mattress.”

She brought in a small mattress.

> “By the way, what’s your name?”

“My name is Fatima, but I’m called Ummi. After my grandmother.”

> “Masha Allah. How far along are you?”

“I don’t know exactly, but it can’t be more than a month.”

> “Okay. Please, fear Allah. You’ve already hurt your parents. Don’t make it worse by aborting this child. Insha Allah, they’ll forgive you.

And I’ll go with you to talk to them.”

Ummi nodded, though she knew she would never go back to Innah.

The woman prepared water for her bath and led her to the toilet.

Later, Ummi asked:

> “Mama, where are you going?”

She was touched to be called Mama.

> “I’m just going to wash some plates. My helper didn’t come today.”

“Let me do it for you,” Ummi offered.

> “No, rest.”

“I insist. Even at home, I did chores.”

> “May Allah bless you.”

> “Blessing is all I need,” Ummi whispered.

The woman was impressed by her manners. Clearly, some man had deceived this sweet girl. She watched as Ummi finished the chores.

> “So what now?” she asked.

> “Nothing. Rest for now. I won’t cook tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll visit your parents.”

Ummi went quiet. Deep down, she wanted to find her real parents. She had no intention of seeing Innah again.

> “Are you okay?” Mama asked.

> “Yes, Mama… I’m just worried they won’t forgive me.”

> “Don’t worry. Insha Allah, they will.”

---

The next morning, they left for Kano to speak with her parents. Ummi was terrified that Mama might witness Innah’s cruelty. Mama noticed her unease and grew more determined to support her.

They arrived in Kano around 11 a.m., then boarded a bus to Karaye. Ummi’s anxiety grew as they neared the house.

As they arrived, Innah appeared at the doorway, gave them a hard glare, and barked:

> “Where do you think you’re going?!”

---