When she fixed her eyes on the phone screen, a chill ran through her heart at the sight of her face. It was a photo of her from when she was just eleven years old in the world. She was so overwhelmed with joy that she could barely close her mouth, tears mixing with laughter at the happiness of seeing her old photo—and seeing how Yaya Shureim looked at it. She didn’t think much beyond trusting him.
She lifted her eyes to his and said, “Yaya Shureim, you’re looking at my photo?” He nodded, signaling yes. She continued, “Yaya Shureim, this is an old photo of me. Where did you find it?”
With a smile on his face, he replied, “It was an old memory of mine. I didn’t want to lose it. Not just this one, there are other photos of you in my gallery. You can check and see them yourself.”
Her creamy fingers began scrolling through the other photos, looking at pictures taken even when she was a toddler. Her entire gallery was filled with images of the two of them, including her sister Benazir.
“Yaya Shureim, since when have you been looking at my pictures?” she asked, astonished.
In a low voice, almost whispering, he said, “Ever since I realized you are my destiny.” She rolled her eyes at him, confused.
“Your destiny? What do you mean?” she asked, not fully understanding his words.
“Time will explain, Zeenatu. Let me explain properly when we get home,” he replied. She responded with a simple “okay,” handing him his phone. He placed his hand on it, pocketing it. Inwardly, he felt immense joy knowing she hadn’t realized the full truth yet, even though he had hidden the real photo from her.
“Allah bless Aunt Benazir. I’ve missed her, Yaya Shureim. It’s been a long time without her. May God protect her body, soul, and health,” Zeenatu said softly. He replied with “Ameen.”
As he started the car, unexpectedly, Zeenatu rested her head on his shoulder. A kind of drowsiness began to overcome him because of her fragrance, which was intoxicating.
Their car slowly moved toward the main gate. The security officers at the gate saw his car and immediately rushed toward it, guns in hand. Dr. Shureim paused driving, and Zeenatu lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him.
“Yaya Shureim, why did you stop driving?” she asked.
“The security here approached the car,” he answered briefly.
She touched her head gently with one hand. “I didn’t tell Daddy. I knew they might not let us go. He’s not home, and Mommy hasn’t returned from the office either,” she explained anxiously, squinting her eyes.
“Yaya Shureim, call Daddy on the phone and let him know,” she said nervously, fearing the sternness of the security. Their presence alone was intimidating, and they were serious in their work, with no hint of amusement on their faces.
Before Dr. Shureim could take out his phone, the security officers had already reached the car. One of them knocked on the window firmly. “Who is in the car? We’re ordering you to roll down the window.”
Zeenatu lowered the glass, and he squinted as he looked at them. Trembling, she said, “Now he’ll call Daddy, Yaya Shureim. We’re going for a drive.”
The guard asked, “Oh? Why didn’t you tell him you’re leaving without his permission?”
In a low voice, she admitted, “I forgot to tell him.” He nodded, “Okay, we’ll wait for his orders.”
Dr. Shureim tried calling Alhaji Musa three times, but he didn’t pick up. Zeenatu whispered, “Try calling Mommy. If she talks to them, they’ll let us go.” Hajiya Sarah picked up on the second ring. After greetings, he explained their situation. She instructed the security to speak with him.
Handing them the phone, he looked at Zeenatu and noticed sweat on her face despite the AC. He realized she was afraid.
“Relax, Zeenatu. You’re with me,” he said softly.
Her voice trembled as if ready to break into tears. “Yaya Shureim, I don’t like conflict. It’s Daddy’s fault that these little things are in our house. God protects His servants, not people,” she said softly. He took her hand into his, and she quickly rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes, feeling safe.
The security guard handed over the phone. “You may go, but sit in the back seat. I’ll drive you wherever you want.” Zeenatu trembled, stunned by the guard’s words.
Dr. Shureim said, “No problem. Thank you for the care,” and opened the car door. They moved from the front seat to the back, and the security guard got in the driver’s seat. He drove them out of the gate. On the road, the guard asked where they wanted to go. Zeenatu named the places they planned to visit, wanting to enjoy their time before returning home.
---
Ex-Prisoners ❤
Two days later…
Returning to the prisoners’ section, they were thankful that the trip went smoothly. After the soldiers reached an agreement with Umm America, around 6 pm, they came to visit the children in Dr. Laura’s resting room, checking on their health. They gathered everyone, and everyone was thrilled to see the children recovering, especially Danish, who had been asleep, as they were anxious for him to wake.
Before the soldiers left, Dr. Laura asked for permission to take the children to her house for three days to groom them and buy them clothes. The soldiers refused, as Chief of Isod had forbidden leaving the hospital except for the airport. She was disappointed but resigned, planning to buy them small gifts anyway. The Chief promised to provide for all their needs.
After the soldiers left, Angel was overjoyed but restless, unable to sit still, frequently glancing at the wall clock to see the time. She kept reminding herself that when they returned to Nigeria, she would see her family.
She slipped her hands from her pockets and held them on her chest, feeling relieved.
“Dear Angel,” Dr. Laura said softly, startling her. She hadn’t even realized when Dr. Laura spoke. She had a smile, carrying a large shopping bag.
Placing it beside Angel on the bed, she handed Angel a hug. “I’ll miss you, dear Angel. But I see you won’t miss me as much?”
Angel blushed. “If I say I won’t miss you, I’m lying. Not only you, but also all the nurses and doctors who cared for us. We’ll miss you all.”
Dr. Laura touched her face gently.
“There are just a few minutes left for you at this hospital. Your siblings are dressed in the new clothes I bought for them. And here’s yours,” she said, showing Angel the bag on the mattress.
“I also bought you a phone, with all my numbers saved, including Dr. Brown, Dr. Mark, and the nurses who cared for you. Please call us anytime,” Dr. Laura added. Angel’s eyes filled with tears. Her heart softened.
In a quiet voice, Dr. Laura continued, “There’s one thing I haven’t told you. I decided to tell you only now because I appreciate your intelligence and wisdom. The woman who the soldiers entrusted your safety to… she is a mistress.”
Angel’s mind froze. She repeated, “Mistress?”
Dr. Laura nodded. “She’s an independent woman, infamous in her field. Men avoid looking at her because of her beauty. I tried explaining to the soldiers the risks of entrusting you to her, but they insisted. She is capable. They even agreed on conditions to prevent her from harming you or your brothers.”
Angel’s heart raced. Despite the AC, sweat trickled on her forehead. She stared at Dr. Laura in shock.
Dr. Laura explained further: “I care about your depression and your brother’s heart condition. If you continued being restricted, you could risk your lives. This woman is proud, has never married, and does not know childbirth. She’s notorious for seducing married men. That’s why they trusted her with you—to monitor and protect you. If she steps out of line, I’ll provide the conditions the soldiers set for her via WhatsApp, so you can manage her behavior.”
Angel nodded in understanding. “I don’t know how to thank you properly. Only God can repay you for treating us like your own children.”
Dr. Laura stroked her hair. “Don’t worry, it’s part of our job. Now go take a bath—only a few minutes left.”
Angel picked out a red A-line gown from the bag, imagining herself wearing decent clothes instead of prison uniforms. She felt excitement at this small freedom.
After her bath, Nurse Jessica brought a gift kit, showing Angel how to care for herself. Angel applied the luxurious oils, making her skin glow, and put on her gown. She also wore matching ankle-strap shoes and a black face mask. Her gray eyes were the only thing visible.
“You look beautiful, Angel,” Nurse Jessica said, smiling. “You remind me of Cinderella.”
Angel enjoyed the care, feeling safe and loved. Dr. Laura had given her a phone with important contacts. Angel smiled, thinking of calling her new friends.
Before leaving the room, Jemimah interrupted her: “Genie, look at us, we look amazing.”
Angel admired her siblings in their royal and vibrant gowns. They wore masks and veils, completing their sophisticated appearance. Each sibling hugged her, laughing with joy and excitement, enjoying the moment of freedom, beauty, and care.
Parveen said, “I thought food was the best thing in the world, but beautiful clothes are just as wonderful. I can’t even describe my happiness!”
Their laughter filled the room. Speaking in Hausa, their conversation was only understood by them, but Angel observed everything with joy.
“This is amazing! We are used to the same prison uniforms, but today we are dressed beautifully. Thanks to God,” Angel thought, feeling immense gratitude.
Confusion of the Heart 💫
When she fixed her eyes on the phone screen, a chill ran through her heart at the sight of her face. It was a photo of her from when she was just eleven years old in the world. She was so overwhelmed with joy that she could barely close her mouth, tears mixing with laughter at the happiness of seeing her old photo—and seeing how Yaya Shureim looked at it. She didn’t think much beyond trusting him.
She lifted her eyes to his and said, “Yaya Shureim, you’re looking at my photo?” He nodded, signaling yes. She continued, “Yaya Shureim, this is an old photo of me. Where did you find it?”
With a smile on his face, he replied, “It was an old memory of mine. I didn’t want to lose it. Not just this one, there are other photos of you in my gallery. You can check and see them yourself.”
Her creamy fingers began scrolling through the other photos, looking at pictures taken even when she was a toddler. Her entire gallery was filled with images of the two of them, including her sister Benazir.
“Yaya Shureim, since when have you been looking at my pictures?” she asked, astonished.
In a low voice, almost whispering, he said, “Ever since I realized you are my destiny.” She rolled her eyes at him, confused.
“Your destiny? What do you mean?” she asked, not fully understanding his words.
“Time will explain, Zeenatu. Let me explain properly when we get home,” he replied. She responded with a simple “okay,” handing him his phone. He placed his hand on it, pocketing it. Inwardly, he felt immense joy knowing she hadn’t realized the full truth yet, even though he had hidden the real photo from her.
“Allah bless Aunt Benazir. I’ve missed her, Yaya Shureim. It’s been a long time without her. May God protect her body, soul, and health,” Zeenatu said softly. He replied with “Ameen.”
As he started the car, unexpectedly, Zeenatu rested her head on his shoulder. A kind of drowsiness began to overcome him because of her fragrance, which was intoxicating.
Their car slowly moved toward the main gate. The security officers at the gate saw his car and immediately rushed toward it, guns in hand. Dr. Shureim paused driving, and Zeenatu lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him.
“Yaya Shureim, why did you stop driving?” she asked.
“The security here approached the car,” he answered briefly.
She touched her head gently with one hand. “I didn’t tell Daddy. I knew they might not let us go. He’s not home, and Mommy hasn’t returned from the office either,” she explained anxiously, squinting her eyes.
“Yaya Shureim, call Daddy on the phone and let him know,” she said nervously, fearing the sternness of the security. Their presence alone was intimidating, and they were serious in their work, with no hint of amusement on their faces.
Before Dr. Shureim could take out his phone, the security officers had already reached the car. One of them knocked on the window firmly. “Who is in the car? We’re ordering you to roll down the window.”
Zeenatu lowered the glass, and he squinted as he looked at them. Trembling, she said, “Now he’ll call Daddy, Yaya Shureim. We’re going for a drive.”
The guard asked, “Oh? Why didn’t you tell him you’re leaving without his permission?”
In a low voice, she admitted, “I forgot to tell him.” He nodded, “Okay, we’ll wait for his orders.”
Dr. Shureim tried calling Alhaji Musa three times, but he didn’t pick up. Zeenatu whispered, “Try calling Mommy. If she talks to them, they’ll let us go.” Hajiya Sarah picked up on the second ring. After greetings, he explained their situation. She instructed the security to speak with him.
Handing them the phone, he looked at Zeenatu and noticed sweat on her face despite the AC. He realized she was afraid.
“Relax, Zeenatu. You’re with me,” he said softly.
Her voice trembled as if ready to break into tears. “Yaya Shureim, I don’t like conflict. It’s Daddy’s fault that these little things are in our house. God protects His servants, not people,” she said softly. He took her hand into his, and she quickly rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes, feeling safe.
The security guard handed over the phone. “You may go, but sit in the back seat. I’ll drive you wherever you want.” Zeenatu trembled, stunned by the guard’s words.
Dr. Shureim said, “No problem. Thank you for the care,” and opened the car door. They moved from the front seat to the back, and the security guard got in the driver’s seat. He drove them out of the gate. On the road, the guard asked where they wanted to go. Zeenatu named the places they planned to visit, wanting to enjoy their time before returning home.
---
Ex-Prisoners ❤
Two days later…
Returning to the prisoners’ section, they were thankful that the trip went smoothly. After the soldiers reached an agreement with Umm America, around 6 pm, they came to visit the children in Dr. Laura’s resting room, checking on their health. They gathered everyone, and everyone was thrilled to see the children recovering, especially Danish, who had been asleep, as they were anxious for him to wake.
Before the soldiers left, Dr. Laura asked for permission to take the children to her house for three days to groom them and buy them clothes. The soldiers refused, as Chief of Isod had forbidden leaving the hospital except for the airport. She was disappointed but resigned, planning to buy them small gifts anyway. The Chief promised to provide for all their needs.
After the soldiers left, Angel was overjoyed but restless, unable to sit still, frequently glancing at the wall clock to see the time. She kept reminding herself that when they returned to Nigeria, she would see her family.
She slipped her hands from her pockets and held them on her chest, feeling relieved.
“Dear Angel,” Dr. Laura said softly, startling her. She hadn’t even realized when Dr. Laura spoke. She had a smile, carrying a large shopping bag.
Placing it beside Angel on the bed, she handed Angel a hug. “I’ll miss you, dear Angel. But I see you won’t miss me as much?”
Angel blushed. “If I say I won’t miss you, I’m lying. Not only you, but also all the nurses and doctors who cared for us. We’ll miss you all.”
Dr. Laura touched her face gently.
“There are just a few minutes left for you at this hospital. Your siblings are dressed in the new clothes I bought for them. And here’s yours,” she said, showing Angel the bag on the mattress.
“I also bought you a phone, with all my numbers saved, including Dr. Brown, Dr. Mark, and the nurses who cared for you. Please call us anytime,” Dr. Laura added. Angel’s eyes filled with tears. Her heart softened.
In a quiet voice, Dr. Laura continued, “There’s one thing I haven’t told you. I decided to tell you only now because I appreciate your intelligence and wisdom. The woman who the soldiers entrusted your safety to… she is a mistress.”
Angel’s mind froze. She repeated, “Mistress?”
Dr. Laura nodded. “She’s an independent woman, infamous in her field. Men avoid looking at her because of her beauty. I tried explaining to the soldiers the risks of entrusting you to her, but they insisted. She is capable. They even agreed on conditions to prevent her from harming you or your brothers.”
Angel’s heart raced. Despite the AC, sweat trickled on her forehead. She stared at Dr. Laura in shock.
Dr. Laura explained further: “I care about your depression and your brother’s heart condition. If you continued being restricted, you could risk your lives. This woman is proud, has never married, and does not know childbirth. She’s notorious for seducing married men. That’s why they trusted her with you—to monitor and protect you. If she steps out of line, I’ll provide the conditions the soldiers set for her via WhatsApp, so you can manage her behavior.”
Angel nodded in understanding. “I don’t know how to thank you properly. Only God can repay you for treating us like your own children.”
Dr. Laura stroked her hair. “Don’t worry, it’s part of our job. Now go take a bath—only a few minutes left.”
Angel picked out a red A-line gown from the bag, imagining herself wearing decent clothes instead of prison uniforms. She felt excitement at this small freedom.
After her bath, Nurse Jessica brought a gift kit, showing Angel how to care for herself. Angel applied the luxurious oils, making her skin glow, and put on her gown. She also wore matching ankle-strap shoes and a black face mask. Her gray eyes were the only thing visible.
“You look beautiful, Angel,” Nurse Jessica said, smiling. “You remind me of Cinderella.”
Angel enjoyed the care, feeling safe and loved. Dr. Laura had given her a phone with important contacts. Angel smiled, thinking of calling her new friends.
Before leaving the room, Jemimah interrupted her: “Genie, look at us, we look amazing.”
Angel admired her siblings in their royal and vibrant gowns. They wore masks and veils, completing their sophisticated appearance. Each sibling hugged her, laughing with joy and excitement, enjoying the moment of freedom, beauty, and care.
Parveen said, “I thought food was the best thing in the world, but beautiful clothes are just as wonderful. I can’t even describe my happiness!”
Their laughter filled the room. Speaking in Hausa, their conversation was only understood by them, but Angel observed everything with joy.
“This is amazing! We are used to the same prison uniforms, but today we are dressed beautifully. Thanks to God,” Angel thought, feeling immense gratitude.