**“Since you came, I’ve wanted to speak with you. When we visited your home with the bride price, I noticed how young you were. I knew you’d face many challenges in this house. Abdul is my brother, and I know no woman can endure him without patience and understanding. He’s not the type that flirts, but every girl he’s been with eventually left because of Amma. He places her above everyone else in his life.

That’s not wrong, but everyone has their place. My prayer was for him to marry a righteous woman who’d understand him—who wouldn’t let jealousy of his love for Amma ruin things.”**

She paused. I adjusted myself and looked at her properly.

**“Amma is our mother, but even I know I couldn’t tolerate her as a mother-in-law. Her love for Abdul is what made her the way she is. Since childhood, she’s cared more for him than for us. She endured a lot, insults even, for failing to bear a male child until Abdul came. His birth brought her happiness.

So I’m sorry for anything that may happen now. Once Amma accepts you, no one else will matter.”**

I lowered my head and hugged my legs, “Wallahi, Anty, I’ve never seen what Amma does as strange. I would never try to take her place in Abdul-Hameed’s heart. I have brothers too—anything I wouldn't want their wives to do to my mother, I wouldn’t do to another.”

I saw the joy on her face. She thanked me endlessly and offered advice before she went to see Amma.

I sat with both hands on my jaw, pondering her words. Could it be that everything Amma has done to me was just because of her love for her son? Had she forgotten that I, too, am someone’s daughter?

That evening, I performed ablution, recited verses from Suratul Mu’minun, then bathed and dressed in a long gown with a shawl and stepped out to visit Amma.

Just then, Abdul-Hameed drove in. I waited till he parked and approached.

His eyes were heavy with fatigue and a need for rest.

“Welcome back. You look tired. You should bathe and eat first.”

He leaned back, resting his head against the seat, “Right now, I just want to see Amma.”

“That’s fair enough.”

He offered me his hand. I held it as he got out and we entered Amma’s sitting room.

Afrin and Aryan ran to hug him. He let go of my hand and embraced them warmly. They all ate together and talked about people I didn’t even know. Occasionally, Anty Adama included me in the conversation.

When he got up to bathe, Anty urged me to go with him, but Amma’s piercing gaze held me frozen. I didn’t go. He returned, and they resumed their chat.

I sat quietly, bored. Thoughts of home flooded my mind. I wished I was with my family, chatting happily. Around 10 p.m., Anty’s husband came to pick her up. I didn’t know what to give Afrin and Aryan, and I was full of shame.

Later that night, he taught me how to use the phone, saved all necessary numbers. The next day I spent time on the phone with Umma and then with Dada.

I wanted to speak with Dada about Amma, but out of Fulani shyness, I couldn't tell Umma. Dada immediately scolded me and blamed it on the devil planting doubts.

For five days, I searched for the missing medicine but found nothing.

One Friday morning, Amma sent Asabe to call me. I became nervous again as usual.

— TO BE CONTINUED —

If you’d like me to continue the English translation from where this part ends (in Amma’s room with Abdul-Hameed), just let me know.