BETHROTHED (7)

 “God is always faithful. I am glad I know He can be trusted,” Felicia smiled, revealing that charming gap tooth that had caught Bro. Wale’s attention from the start.

“If Bro. Wale catch that smile, ehen?” Amena laughed, watching Felicia’s cheeks bloom into a bright, warm colour. She always knew how to make her friend shine.

“Leave me joor. Will I see you at the next fellowship meeting?” Felicia asked, joy radiating as she held Amena’s hand.

“Sure,” Amena replied softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Felicia beamed, her energy infectious. Amena watched her, quietly fascinated by how the love for fellowship seemed to fill Felicia with life. They were neighbours in what they jokingly called the best off-campus building. Their bond had grown from shared frustrations; no water, flickering lights, the struggle for transport to the university, but more importantly, they were united in their love for God.

Amena knew Felicia genuinely believed she was deeply rooted in Christ. What Felicia didn’t know, however, was how much she herself had contributed to Amena’s journey in faith.

Her phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, Amena knew she had to step away. “We’ll catch up later. We’re still doing movie night, abi?” she asked, her voice warm. Felicia nodded and disappeared into her room.

“Hello, Mama. How are you? Are you well? Mama?” Amena’s words faltered as she sensed the quiet on the line. “Mama, speak na. You’re making my heart beat.”

“My sister is around,” came the soft, measured voice of Mama Yola. “She came with some people from Gumba. The place… it was razed.” “Oh… Mama Rufus. I hope she is fine. Which people, Mama?” Alarm edged Amena’s tone.

“Those who survived the raid,” her mother replied.

Amena sank onto her student bed, shivering. “I am so sorry, Mama. How is Mama Rufus holding up? How are the others?”

Mama Yola exhaled slowly. “They are learning to live again after the horror they endured. I called because I want to discuss a particular young lady with you. She attends your university. Her name is Ziba.”

“Oh… okay, Mama. What about her?”

“Her mother was killed in the raid, and she hasn’t really let anyone into her space. Please, my princess, help me find her. I want her to know that she has someone from our side with her.”

The last rays of the sun cast a golden glow across Amena’s mahogany skin as she sat on the already hard, strained bed. Her Kente-inspired jumpsuit stretched slightly over her frame as she rested her elbow on the mattress, sinking into thought.

“I don’t know, Mama. Is that something she would appreciate?” she asked softly, unsure.

“I know, I know,” Mama Yola said gently, “but please, my love, do this for Mama.”

Amena rolled her perfectly winged cat-eye slightly, the eyeliner pooling at the corner with a hint of tears. “Okay, Mama. Anything for you.”