MATAR TAJ

About this Novel

A large bus carrying passengers arrived at the Abuja airport. The bus driver abruptly hit the brakes, causing some of the passengers to jolt awake. "Hey, sir, slow down. You're not driving animals; this reckless driving is uncalled for," reprimanded one of the women onboard. As the driver turned around, his face filled with anguish, he explained, "Forgive me, sir. If I hadn't hurried, you might have missed your flight." The woman remained silent, sensing that the driver wouldn't respond kindly, she turned to the person seated next to her. Amidst the commotion, she began scolding the driver, who was now searching for a parking spot. "Astaghfirullah," murmured a girl sitting at the back of the bus, as she ducked, her face buried between her knees. The bus had abruptly braked, causing her head to collide with the metal of the seat in front. She wore a green hijab like the others in the bus, her face partially obscured by a face mask. Her eyes, however, were visible, appearing red and teary, their hazel color shining brightly like clouds. She possessed full eyebrows, a trait suggesting she was one to show affection.