It was an alley filled with rocks, plastic bottles, bags, and broken glass. As you navigate through these, you encounter a large garbage dump emitting a strong stench, especially noticeable during this rainy season. To the right of the dump, there's a rundown house with a short wall, containing only one room and a makeshift bathroom at the back. In the courtyard, there's a mud stove and a small water pot, with a clothesline stretching across the yard. From a distance, you can see ablution containers hanging on the makeshift bathroom. Inside the room, there's a small traditional bed with a Rimi mattress and some "Ghana must go" bags filled with clothes. At the entrance, there's a small wooden chair and a mat spread on the floor. This is the home of the needy, marked by extreme poverty.

I quickly wiped away the tears that were welling up, trying to compose myself. My father had passed away when we were very young, and his relatives abandoned us. I'm the eldest, with two younger siblings, Aisha and Sumayya. Our mother is suffering from asthma, which is why, despite our poverty, our house is always clean and free of dust. I had to stop my education two years ago after completing my third year. Initially, I started selling small items, but we realized that wouldn't sustain us. So, a friend of our late father found me a job as a servant in a palace, joining the newly recruited servants. God willing, I was to start the next day.

At 9 PM, we were eating our usual dinner of cassava flour and groundnut soup. My mother looked at me and said, "What I want to tell you is to pray that God grants you the best in this job and protects you from its evils. Just as I constantly pray day and night. Always keep the fear of God in your heart wherever you go, and remember your status and that of your parents. Do not take what is not given to you. I won't forgive you if you take something without permission or ask for it. Focus on your work, and avoid idle talk unless spoken to, as excessive talking leads to lies. Don't forget who you are; even if you are in the palace, always remember your home situation.

"Always maintain your dignity; even if people mistreat you, never stoop to their level. Did you understand what I said?" I nodded and said, "Insha Allah, mother, I will heed your advice." She smiled and said, "May God bless you. Go drink some water and go to bed early so you won't be late tomorrow. Malam Barau said they expect you at the palace by 7." I got up, saying, "Even if it's 6, mother, I'll be there on time, insha Allah." She chuckled, "You always like to be early, but make sure you get some sleep."

**The Next Day at the Palace**

We lined up to receive our uniforms, which we would be wearing while working in the palace. The fabric was beautiful, soft, and sky blue, tailored into matching blouses and skirts, with each person receiving two sets. There were 26 of us new recruits, but none were older than 22. Most of the others had parents working in the palace; only three of us were there by special favor! Surprisingly, we were also given earrings, necklaces, and bracelets to match the uniform, adorned with sparkling stones. We were taken to a luxurious room to change into our new attire. This entire process took place in one section of the palace, and we had not yet reached our final destination.

"Allahumma arzukuna" (O Allah, grant us sustenance) was all I kept repeating as I put on the uniform. I was so overwhelmed that I was trembling. About six people complimented me, saying I looked beautiful. Even I knew that the uniform suited me well, as sky blue is my favorite color because of how it complements my skin tone. We were then escorted in a line, with guards in front, on the sides, and behind us. As we walked, other servants bowed to us, and I looked around, marveling at the paradise-like scenery of the palace, with its birds, water features, and flowers. Eventually, we reached an impressive chamber.

Inside, I saw something astonishing: a beautiful woman lounging on a luxurious bed, surrounded by nearly twelve servants. Some were fanning her, others massaging her feet, while others told her pleasant stories for her entertainment. There were additional servants at the door and in the room, bowing as well. We were received with great respect, and I noticed how carefully they handled us. She looked at us with a slight smile and said, "Take them to the Princess." Immediately, my apprehension and fear subsided. We moved to another section of the palace, which was even more grand and awe-inspiring than the previous area. There, countless servants were also serving diligently.