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BEYOND BORDERS, WITHIN WALLS. (CHAPTER 2)

 
















After completing her prayers, Salima checked the time on her phone—6:05 a.m. Imran's message appeared, but she resisted the temptation to open WhatsApp, knowing that engaging with him could stir up unresolved emotions. However, deep down, she couldn't deny that Imran's message had sparked something within her. She finally admitted to herself that her feelings for him lingered, despite the heartbreak they had endured. His message seemed to imply a desire to reconcile and build a future together—a path he had always avoided. Yet, Salima remained cautious, afraid of going through another heart-wrenching experience. She knew all too well the pain she had endured when she ended things with Imran. As thoughts continued to whirl in her mind, she carefully selected her outfit for the day. Being a simple and unassuming girl, she opted for a lemon green top, a high-waisted skirt, and a black headscarf. Doubts crept in, and she sought reassurance from Herself, asking, "This will look perfect on me, right?" The answer she received satisfied her, giving her a glimmer of confidence.

She meticulously arranged the necessary documents in the order prescribed on the school's website: her JAMB admission letter, proof of state of origin, birth certificate, original WAEC result, evidence of fee payments for tuition, acceptance, and accommodation. A surge of excitement coursed through her veins—staying in the hostel was a dream come true, a chance to have her own space and forge meaningful connections. But lingering concerns clouded her heart. What if her roommates didn't like her or took advantage of her gentle and naive nature? What if her coursemates treated her rudely or wanted nothing to do with her? Staring at Herself in the mirror, she took deep breaths to clear her mind. "Everything will work out fine, in your favor, in sha Allah," she heard Herself say, and a smile flickered across her face.

Salima hurried to the living room to greet her mother. "Good morning, Mom," she greeted, hoping for a warm response. Instead, her mother, Ms. Sahura, unleashed her displeasure. "So, you find it convenient to greet me only when it suits you, forgetting that I bear the burden of all your responsibilities?" Her mother's words thundered through the room. Salima knelt there, anger simmering beneath her calm exterior. It was a familiar dynamic, one she had grown accustomed to but despised all the same. She sought solace in Herself, trying her best to quell the rising anger within. "I just finished praying," she replied in a composed tone, careful not to let her anger seep into her voice. Rising swiftly, she went to prepare breakfast, as instructed by her mother. Mus'ab, her mischievous younger brother, was also getting ready for school. He attempted to startle Salima from behind, but she simply smirked and playfully pinched him on the shoulder. "Quit fooling around and get ready for school, for your own sake," she warned.

After preparing breakfast—noodles and tea—Salima hastily ate her portion, took a quick shower, and readied herself for school. "Mom, I'm ready to leave," she announced, hoping for a more supportive response. Her mother cast her a whimsical glance and reminded her of the incident during her post-UTME exams, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all necessary documents were in order. Salima, known for her forgetfulness, appreciated the reminder and hurriedly double-checked everything in her room. Finding all her documents intact, she declared once more, "I'm leaving now," and turned to exit. "Stay safe and be watchful," her mother advised, her words carrying an air of mystery.



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