Chapter 4 – Idris

"Goddammit!" I muttered a curse under my breath immediately I learnt that Manal was discharged since in the morning without my prior knowledge. I had, as usual, bought some fruits for her while on my way coming to work only to be baffled by the sudden news, and why didn't Salim contact me about it? I wallowed.

Throughout last week, I was there for them. I was the one providing drips and other medical supplies for them. I thought I was already family but now they proved me wrong. I knew Manal didn't like me around her, she was always sleeping or listening to God knows what with her earpieces. I should have known they didn't like me, I shouldn't have wasted my time and resources on them. I mulled over. 

It was time for the night shift so I went back to the pharmacy and signed in. Aisha was still around, she was always the last person to sign out among the afternoon workers. "Hey, you look disturbed" she said walking towards me.

She was always the caring type, she disliked seeing me sad or in a bad mood. Why didn't I noticed she loved me even though she kept denying it? Was everyone saying the truth about her feelings for me? Maybe she was really in love with me but all I wanted was an appropriate mother for my poor little child and Aisha didn't fit in because of our work...

"Is everything okey?" She worriedly said.

"I'm fine, just take this with you when you're going" I said handing her the fruits' leather.

"Huh?" Was all she could say because she was so surprised. I knew she would be puzzled.

That night, she didn't leave in time. She stayed until 10pm instead of 8pm. Thus, she signed out and bade me goodnight. I knew she would definitely have a sweet dream so I didn't wish her any, I only waved at her and returned back the smile she gave me. She was a Yoruba from Kwara State but was born and raised in Kano State. Her hausa was fluent and so was her English. She had very good ears, she could speak Nupe too but not that fluent, you know!

In the morning, I prayed my Fajr prayer and prepared for home. Just after signing out, I left to my car and drove home. My sister and my daughter were yet to come back from our family house so I had to cook breakfast for myself. Just as I changed into a singlet and a shorts, my phone began ringing. I thought it was my sister but nay, it was Aisha Tajudeen.

"Good Morning" She said as soon as I picked. 

"Morning!" I said wondering why she called.

"Sorry to disturb you, I... I just want to check on you, I'm already by the gate" She stuttered.

"What?" I blurted out. Why did she had to come? Just because I gave her some fruits?

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep well" She huffed and continued. "Your mood got me thinking you are lonely. Please let me in... I want to help"

I really didn't want her in but since she was already by the gate, I should just let her in. She wasn't living close by, she must have gone through the difficult morning traffic just to come and check on me. Anyways, I put a long trouser against my shorts and walked out to the gate. She was happy to see me, she wore a smile. I had to return the smile too, you know!

"I... I brought breakfast for you, it's rice cake (masa)" She said trailing me. "It's in my bag"

"Thank you" I said leading the way to the flat. 

That morning, she helped me with all the house chores. You know Yoruba people with cleanliness, they don't like dirt at all. She made sure the kitchen was in order and the house was sparkling clean before she finally left.