Mama Bilki complained bitterly that the children were treated like orphans despite having a father who was capable but unwilling to care for them. Baba responded angrily, insisting that mothers should bear responsibility and that daughters must fend for themselves.
The atmosphere grew heavier, filled with resentment, helplessness, and quiet suffering.
Later, Mama Talatu entered her room and found Sadiya crying, holding her two-year-old son, Kalifa. Fear gripped her heart—she suspected problems in Sadiya’s marriage. Sadiya tried to hide her tears, but the pain was evident.
Mama gently asked:
“Halima, why are you crying?”
Kalifa woke up crying for food. Mama quickly quieted him, reminding Sadiya that Baba must not know she was in the house. They fed the child with leftover food.
Mama advised patience, but Sadiya finally spoke out:
“Mama, why do you never listen to my pain? Do you know the suffering I endure in my marriage? Every time I try to talk, you only tell me to be patient.”
Mama replied sadly:
“If I don’t tell you to be patient, what else can I say? Your marriage is tied to my own. Your divorce would be like my death. You are the only one your father boasts about because you are married.”
Sadiya answered:
“Wallahi, some marriages are worse than having none. With this marriage, I would rather remain unmarried forever…”
At that moment, Kalifa finished his food and cried again for more, leaving Mama worried and Sadiya overwhelmed.
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