Idris P.O.V

'I'm alone and scared. I hate myself so much, life has been unfair. Why do Zainab have to suffer like this. They say every disappointment is a blessing, but is this a blessing? I was just trying to protect my sister... Now in lost.'

He walked down the road, alone.

'Too bad father doesn't understand these and he's not willing to understand any of it either. Zainab is my sister. She's his daughter too so how can he treat her this bad? He was about to kill Zainab yesterday. I pray I get home safely, I'll save Zainab from all of these and no one would stop me.'

***

It was the sound of crickets that woke him up. His bare foot felt prickly underneath as he walked to the road side. As slow and as steady as a snail under the rain. Although, his case was ironical, he managed to climb down the tree and walked to the main road, carefully.

There was no sound of humans except the noise of the morning birds ringing in the chilly breeze. Idris stood there, alone. A million thoughts ran through his mind as he tried to remember why he left home.

Just then, his eyes caught a long green snake that was crawling up to him. It was thin and shiny, and it was his first time seeing one...as if it was dreaming. He wanted to stay but in fear if it, he ran away immediately, as it he was being chased by an hungry lion.

Meanwhile, the innocent reptile too ran back into the trees. Idris suddenly fell to the ground, tired and hungry. He was out of breath. As if he was between life and death and there was no one to help.

Just then, a vehicle packed by the side of the road. It was an old man driving a big, old Toyota Tacoma bus. He came down immediately to examine if Idris was still alive or not.

'What would a boy be doing in a strange place like this?'

The stranger turned him over and noticed his blood stains and bruised body. He quickly took him into the passages seat and drove off directly into the city.

***

"Hello? Is this Mr Abdullahi Bala?"

"Yes, any problem?"

"Your son was rushed into our hospital this morning. Come and check him up at Wuse general hospital."

"Subhanallah! Hope nothing happened to him.. I mean-"

"No, you don't have to worry. He's just bruised but he'll be fine."

"Okay sir, I'll be right there!"

***

The Next Day...

Idris laid on the bed thinking about last night. He had cried so much that his eyes were red and swollen. He wasn't going to cry again unless something pushes him to. Well, thinking about what he'd experienced in the last two days would make him cry everyday or maybe leave the house again. But, he got up. Think that he was just lucky enough to have escaped the gang. It seems father wants me dead anyway. He doesn't care for me like before. And since he can't care for his only daughter properly, why would he care about him?

He went to Zainab's room but she was fast asleep. He hadn't had the chance to speak to her since he came. He went to the sitting room and find his dad sitting on the sofa watching 10:00 pm news. Mr. Abdullahi suddenly turned to him.
"Idris..."

He didn't answer. He just walked to the other side of the sofa to sit. His dad switched off the television and took a seat closer to him.
"Idris, what happened yesterday? Do you remember anything? Are you disturbed by something?" Mr. Abdullahi looked at his son with so much concern and placed his hand on his shoulder but Idris jerked off.

"It's all your fault dad!"

Mr. Abdullahi stared at Idris for a while and nodded in disagreement.

"It's not what you think my son, I don't understand why acting this strange but what Zainab did was wrong and I had to correct her."

"You're wrong dad! It was Ibrahim and Isah that planned everything! Zainab is innocent."

His dad nodded and wondered why Idris was being so angry at him. "Zainab is a smart girl she should have avoided it. Perhaps, she was wasteful."

"And who said you aren't?"

"I have nothing to explain to you, Idris. You're still a young boy. You'll understand these when you become an adult."

"Everyone makes mistakes dad. Don't beat Zainab again I beg of you."

"And why shouldn't I?"

Mr. Abdullahi couldn't figure out why Idris was speaking to him in this manner. And why is he protective of Zainab that isn't even blood related to him. Something has changed, Idris is  bolder than before. It's clear that sthe incident must have changed him.

"Do you love her?"

"Yes dad. I love Zainab so much because she's my only sister. And if you can't protect your only daughter, how would you save her from others? That girl had gone through enough already. Her elder sister treats her with so much love and affection, so why can't you?!" Idris took in a deep breath before standing.
"Just treat her well dad, for Allah's sake."

Then he went back into his room to sleep.

Mr. Abdullahi looked at his son as he walked away.

"What has gotten into him?"

He walked into his room to punder on the issue. He was stunned at what that 12 years old son said that.

***
Author's Note;

Word Count: 1,028.

I think Idris is stupid enough to face his father to tell him about his mistakes what a stupid 13 year old. Have you ever faced your parents on something you think is right? Or what happened if you try to?

I need to hear the gist, please share your experience with us. And.. don't laugh alone.

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Enjoy reading and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it... So! What are we waiting for! Get ready for this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists.