ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
Anano’s Childhood and Education
He is an elderly man, around fifty years old or more, fair-skinned, and unmistakably a full-blooded Fulani at first glance. He sits on a mat in his living room, watching his housemaid with joy as she prepares rice he bought, simply to serve food to his granddaughter returning from school after several months away.
A polite young man enters holding a black plastic bag, handing it to him, saying,
"Sir, today fish was scarce; I barely got this one. The rest will be available tomorrow morning before they arrive, so you can check if more is found."
His face lighting up, he responds,
"No problem, Jafar. This one will suffice, especially since I told Aliyu to get two chickens tomorrow so she can eat as much as she wants."
His wife nods, surprised at his tenderness—he usually hides his deep affection for Anano, which the whole town knows is different from that for his other children.
Baffa Salisu, his full name, is a native of Danja village under a small district in Yola State. He has one wife and six children: five boys and one girl. Anano, his daughter, was born before two of his sons and is the youngest. Her formal name is Hassana, but everyone calls her Anano, a nickname combining “Hassana” with “na-fancy,” meaning graceful.
As the youngest, Anano holds a special place in the family. She is highly cherished by her father, particularly because she is the only young girl at home while her brothers have grown into young men. Baffa has moderate wealth, including livestock and farmland, enough to support his six children.
In their village, most people do not pursue Western education; they only farm, rear animals, and study religion. Yusuf is the eldest, calm but stubborn when angered. Aliyu follows him, also quick-tempered. Usman is rebellious, especially regarding Anano, as he feels annoyed by her growing boldness. Jafar, the most composed, is also protective of Anano, quietly admiring her from afar.
Anano has always loved learning. Encouraged by her father, she became the first girl in the village to attend school. She started in primary school within the village and later progressed to a boarding secondary school in a major town in Adamawa. Her skills and confidence in speaking the local language impressed everyone. After completing her education, the village celebrated her return, proud that she was destined to become a doctor.
Anano, naturally fair and beautiful, had grown into a young woman of seventeen by the time she finished secondary school. Her father carefully prepared her meals, respecting her preferences since childhood, including grilled fish and vegetables. He ensured she had everything she needed to maintain her health and education.
Marriage and Nafeesat
He lies by the swimming pool, wearing only shorts, eyes closed as if sleeping, though it is a relaxed, peaceful gaze rather than sleep. His fair skin gleams in the sunlight. Slowly, he opens his eyes and reaches for his phone, calling Nafeesat multiple times, but her phone is off. He continues calling, almost twenty times, yet gets no answer.
Since marrying Nafeesat two years ago, he has never had to call her first—she always calls him morning, noon, and night. Frustrated by her silence, he worries something is wrong. Despite being a soldier, calm and composed by nature, he feels uneasy because he senses her absence is unusual.
Nafeesat has always been patient and devoted, placing his happiness above all else. She has endured neglect and lack of attention, yet continues to pray and do good for him. Over time, his heart gradually softens, responding to her love and care, even though he rarely expresses emotion openly.
When they married, he did not know joy or affection in life. She discovered his loneliness and isolation, understanding that his coldness was not hatred but a life of quiet restraint. Through her patience, prayers, and kindness, he slowly began to feel happiness and love.
Concern and Urgency
Today, Nafeesat’s lack of response alarms him. He checks the time and realizes it is nearly Maghrib in Nigeria. He calls his mother, but she does not pick up. Growing anxious, he dials another number and finally reaches someone, ordering in a calm but commanding voice,
"What are you doing tonight? Make arrangements—we are going home tomorrow."
Frustrated, he ends the call, knowing he cannot listen to further explanations without risking a headache. His thoughts are consumed with concern for Nafeesat and her wellbeing, compounded by the unresolved tension between his duty, personal life, and desire for her safety.
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