SHE RETURNS FROM THE UNITED STATES AFTER 8 YEARS AND DISCOVERS HER SICK MOTHER LIVING IN AN ABANDONED HOUSE.

told me you were at home. They said they were taking care of you.”

Hadja Ramatou looked away.

“I did not want to disturb you.”

“Disturb me?” Sakina’s voice broke. “You are my mother.”

Her mother closed her eyes. “They said it was better for me to rest here. That I was difficult. That I needed quiet.”

“Who said that?”

“Ousman. Mariama. The others.”

Sakina continue reading …