. What are you waiting for? That girl has left with Honorable's daughter; we should follow them." They quickly left, all of them drunk and staggering. They rushed off, with her running as well, knowing that people in the neighborhood might help if they saw her in distress. She ran through every alley she could find, with them pursuing her closely. As soon as she saw cars, she knew she had reached State Road and picked up her pace, knowing they wouldn't follow her there because of the heavy security. Despite this, she didn't relax until she reached Dan Dago's shop. She greeted Dan Asabe, who responded warmly, "Samha, how are you? How's Abba's health?" "Dan Asabe, he's still unwell, and it seems to be getting worse." "May Allah grant him recovery." "Amin. Please give me three hundred naira worth of ground maize, two hundred naira worth of cigarettes, and one hundred naira worth of peanuts." "Don't worry about paying now. Just tell Abba I said get well soon." She sighed in relief and said, "Please take the money; if Aunty Hajarah finds out, she'll scold me. I'll come back tomorrow morning to repay you before we go to court." "May Allah grant you success," he said as he handed over the items. She thanked him and took the goods. She headed towards a dilapidated house that had no door, only sacks covering the entrance to protect their privacy. She greeted the occupants, among whom was Aunty Hajarah, sitting with her friends who were buying fried cakes and other snacks. They were over ten, chatting and eating. Aunty Hajarah was in front of a large pot, surrounded by smoke due to the lack of proper ventilation. Despite the poor conditions, with money tied around her waist, she ignored the struggles she and her father faced, not eating much themselves. With her head bowed, she entered and started crying. Aunty Hajarah looked at her and said, "Hey, you, girl, today you're going to marry this man. He will pay me the money I need." Raising her head, Aunty Hajarah wiped her face with a black cloth stained with oil, making her face appear red from the oil and lipstick. She turned eastward, then westward, and said,