015 FAREWELL AND WELCOME

BINTA

I couldn't wait to move into the place. The Sarki was thrilled about my decision; he even showed me my quarters.

I couldn't believe it; I was finally going to live like a princess. My room was beautiful and had a proper bed, like the type in Adam's room but a little smaller.

The bed was a mix of wood and gold. The vanity table was like I had never seen before. I did not even know what it was when I saw it. It was the framing around the three-sided mirror that drew my attention, and the king immediately told me what it was. It was a solid beginning for me.

When I entered my father's compound, I found everyone eating dinner. My mother immediately motioned me to join them. They were having one of my favourite dinners, tuwo and miyan Kuka.

I noticed there was suya (northern barbecue) in large quantity. My mother then told me she had them slaughter a ram for barbecue. It made me wonder what the occasion was.

There was fruit salad, a rarity in our compound. My grandmother told me