Safiya and Laila were engaged in a deep conversation as they sat in the sitting room. It was early evening, and the sun had set, casting its shimmering rays on their skin through the open window.
Occasionally, Laila's mother would peek in and wonder what they were talking about. At times, Nia would enter, possibly to provoke Safiya or to assert her superiority, and she would send Laila on an errand.
Despite feeling uncomfortable due to Nia's presence, Laila obediently complied and returned to Safiya. Safiya found Laila's presence to be comforting. She had put her old clothes back on and returned Laila's garment, thanking her.
It was in the middle of their conversation that the front door opened, and a guard walked in before Meka did.
Safiya suddenly stopped talking to Laila, her gaze fixed on the door where her sister stood, also staring at her. The memories of their lives before Meka parted came flooding back.
