Friday evening came with tired feet and full bags.
Zara, her mother, and Anita were just leaving the shop when the sky began to soften into evening colors. The day had been busy.
Customers came more than usual, and for the first time in days, the mother's face carried real satisfaction.
As they stepped outside, her mother locked the shop carefully.
"Today was good," she said with a small smile.
Anita groaned softly. "Mummy, we are tired."
Zara laughed under her breath. "Very tired."
Her mother glanced at them but was still smiling.
"You two like complaining. Is it not better that customers came?"
"Yes, ma," Anita replied quickly.
They had stayed later than planned because of the crowd. Now the street felt calmer, with small sounds of evening life around them.
They walked toward the bus stop together. It wasn't far from where they usually dropped, so they decided to trek home from there.
The road was familiar. People were heading back to their houses. Some carried food. Some were returning from work. The air felt warm but not harsh.
As they walked, their mother adjusted her wrapper and spoke proudly.
"God will bless my children," she said calmly.
"One day, you will take care of me properly."
Zara looked at her mother briefly.
"Mummy…"
Her mother continued.
"Especially you, Zara. God will give you a good job. I know it."
Zara smiled softly but didn't say much.
Anita added quickly,
"Mummy, when I start earning too, I will help you."
Her mother laughed lightly.
"All of you."
They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes.
Zara carried the small bag she used for interviews. Inside was her phone.
She felt it vibrate once.
Then again.
Her heart paused.
She didn't react immediately. She kept walking, trying to act normal.
Another vibration.
She glanced down slightly but didn't open it.
Her mother was still talking about the day's sales.
Anita was explaining something about her lessons.
Zara forced herself to stay calm.
The message could wait.
They reached the junction that led into their street. The walk from the bus stop was short but required careful steps because of uneven ground.
As they entered the street, Zara suddenly felt the vibration again.
She inhaled slowly.
"Zara?" her mother asked.
"Yes, ma."
"You are quiet."
"I'm just tired," she replied gently.
Her mother nodded.
They continued walking.
When they finally turned into their compound, relief settled over her slightly.
Her mother unlocked the door, and they stepped inside.
Zara placed her bag on the small table near the wall.
"Omo, let me rest small," Anita said immediately, stretching her arms.
Her mother smiled. "Go and rest. Tomorrow is Saturday."
Zara nodded.
She looked at her mother.
"Mummy, let's be fast tomorrow morning, okay? You'll wake me early now."
Her mother laughed.
"Why?"
"So we won't reach shop late nau."
Her mother shook her head playfully.
"Alright, I will wake you."
Zara smiled and walked toward her room.
But before laying down, she reached for her phone.
Her fingers hesitated for only a second.
Then she opened it.
The screen lit up.
One new message.
Unknown number.
Her heartbeat slowed and then quickened at the same time.
She tapped it.
The message was short.
"Hello Zara.
This is Mr. Adeyemi from Crestline Media.
Meet me tomorrow at Lekki Phase 1."
Zara stared at the screen.
She read it again.
And again.
She didn't know what it meant.
But she knew one thing.
This wasn't over yet.