Around twelve noon, the woman in the kitchen, surrounded by a low wall in the modest courtyard, untied a bundle of wood lying beside her and added it to the fire in the hearth before she began fanning the flames with a broken fan. She was an elderly woman with a well-maintained body that, if you didn't see her face, you would misjudge her age. Her clothes consisted of a beautiful blouse and wrapper, and you could see that the material was of high quality. Her soft hair, which had started to gray, formed a halo around her head. 

After ensuring that the fire was well-lit, she stood up and stepped out of the kitchen. In the courtyard, she found her eldest daughter, Amina, sitting and sorting beans on a large silver tray. The only difference in their facial features was their age; they looked strikingly alike in every other aspect, even their body build.

Amina was slender, with abundant hair like her mother's. Every feature on her face was delicate and well-proportioned, with eyes that were particularly striking. Although they were not large, they had a unique sparkle as if something special was added to them.

"Hurry up, Amina, it's already twelve. We should get started because they'll be back soon," said her mother.

Amina peeked through the curtain into the room behind her and glanced at the wall clock, then replied, "I didn't realize how late it was. I didn't notice at all."

"It's because the weather is not hot, so you slept soundly," her mother responded with a smile.

Amina smiled back, saying, "I was exhausted. When they leave for school, I find it better to just sleep."

Their mother, whom they called Amma, picked up a pot nearby and headed towards the water source, saying, "Just keep praying. If it is your destiny to continue your education, you will, insha Allah."

Amina didn't say anything because, truthfully, she had started to lose hope. It had been a year since she completed her secondary school education, and she had done well in her exams, even though they received some assistance. Nevertheless, she knew she was capable and had always harbored the desire to continue her studies. It didn't have to be at a university; she had long since given up on that idea, knowing her father couldn't afford it. He tried his best to take care of them with the little he had, but he constantly worried that he wasn't providing enough, often expressing his desire for his children to experience all the comforts of life.

Her thoughts were always focused on finding a small school where she could learn healthcare skills because her mother had often told her that even if she could just give injections, it would be beneficial when she got married rather than staying idle. 

Thinking about marriage reminded her of her fiancé, Abdallah. She knew he was preparing to return to school, which is why she hadn't heard from him in a few days. Abdallah was in his final year at a university in Sokoto. He was a kind and sensible person, even teaching night Islamic classes behind their street, which earned him everyone's respect. Amina also respected him deeply, seeing him as an older brother who helped her with everything. Their relationship was different from what she observed between her friend Fatima and her fiancé. Fatima often shared things that left Amina amazed at how they managed, as Amina couldn't even look Abdallah in the eye most of the time, often forgetting that their relationship was meant to lead to marriage.

"Salamu alaikum, I'm here to buy some 'gullisuwa' (a local delicacy)."

A boy's greeting interrupted her thoughts as he stood by the courtyard entrance, holding out fifty naira.

"For how much?" she asked.

"For twenty naira," he replied.