Chapter Two: A Sudden Arrival

Just as if she’d been violently pinched, the pain returned, and Kharima gasped, trying to push herself up. Amatu held her down gently.

“I told you to keep calling the names of Allah.”

“Okay, Yaya. Allahu Akbar,” Kharima began loudly, her voice tight with effort.

Amatu’s phone rang a shrill sound that cut through the tension. She snatched it quickly.

“I’m at the gate.” It was Bashir.

“Okay, I’m coming. He’s here,” Amatu told Kharima. “We are going to the hospital now, alright?”

“Okay, Yaya.”

Amatu rushed outside. She took. . .