ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
Morning Drama at Home
“Nuratu!!” the elderly woman barked, yanking off the blanket. “Don’t wake up yet, it’s not eight.” Startled, Nuratu sat up abruptly. She was barely eight years old but already sharp and full of energy.
As soon as the wall clock struck eight, she dashed into the bathroom, bathed in a flash, dressed, grabbed her bag, held her hijab, and ran out yelling, “Bye Ammy!” Her mother, used to the morning chaos, met her in the kitchen and handed her a food flask. Nuratu smiled, threw it in her bag, and rushed outside.
Just then, she spotted Ya Nura, her older brother, seated on his car, typing on his phone. Fear gripped her.
“When did he return?” she murmured.
She tried sneaking past, but he glared and barked, “What time is it?”
“T-T-Ten to eight,” she stammered.
“Why didn’t you leave earlier?”
“Ammy didn’t wake me—”
SLAP!
The sting of his hand landed hard on her head. “You think you can lie to me?” he roared.
“Wayyo Mama, he’ll kill me!” she cried, running inside.
Confrontation and Escape
Nuratu dashed into the family compound, hiding behind Mama. Ya Nura followed in rage.
“What did she do this time?” Mama asked, angry.
“She’s just being a brat!” Ya Nura replied, backed by Aunty.
Mama disagreed. “You took Hilal to school but left her behind?”
Embarrassed, Ya Nura scratched his head. Mama dismissed him and handed Nuratu ₦200. “Take a tricycle and don’t be late.”
Ya Nura stood at the gate and snatched the money from Nuratu. “Walk to school. I’ll follow you!”
Defeated, Nuratu whispered, “Allah ya isa mugu,” and left. Dressed in her blue-and-white school uniform, she was a beauty despite her young age — light skin, bright blue eyes, and natural charm.
Ya Nura, watching her walk away, muttered, “This girl thinks she’s something. She needs to be taught a lesson.”
Unexpected Help & Secret Entry
As Nuratu walked alone, a stranger in a car offered her a lift. He seemed kind. She hesitated but accepted, thanking him and escaping Ya Nura’s threat. She reached school safely.
Seeing Ya Nura at the gate, she climbed over the school fence and entered through the classroom window, a trick her classmates were used to. Though mischievous, Nuratu was always top of her class.
School Fight & More Trouble
Later, while walking home from Islamic school, a girl passed by. “Are you the one calling me a jinn?” Nuratu snapped, slapping the girl. Rahma and Nana joined in.
Suddenly, the girl’s older brothers appeared. One threw a rock, hitting Rahma on the head. In retaliation, Nuratu hurled a stone and injured one of the boys.
A hand grabbed her from behind — Ya Nura! Furious, he bundled everyone into the car and took them to the clinic for treatment, his eyes burning holes into Nuratu.
Family Tension & the Broken Phone
Back home, the parents were tense. Abba returned and asked what happened.
Nuratu tried to lie but ended up telling the truth. Ya Nura flared up again, insulting her.
“Enough!” Abba warned.
Later, Ya Nura discovered his phone was broken. Suspecting the kids, he called for them. Hilal denied involvement. When Nana came, she was pulled into his room and emerged later in tears.
Then came Nuratu’s turn
The Threat
Inside the locked room, Nuratu knelt before her brother, who pulled out a small gun. Fear gripped her as he said, “You broke my phone, and you’ll pay.”
“I wasn’t alone,” she pleaded, eyes wide in terror.
“I don’t care,” he said, his voice icy. “Three strikes, Nuratu. You’ll be punished.”
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