Chapter Eleven: The Escape Plan
385 Words
The knocking grew louder, followed by an impatient voice.
“Maxaad u aamustay? Gabadhu diyaar ma tahay mise maya?”
(Why are you silent? Is the bride ready or not?)
Ayaan held her breath, her heart hammering in her chest.
Misky acted fast. She grabbed a jug of water, pretending to be one of the village women. She pulled her shawl lower over her face and gestured for Ayaan to s.tay hidden.
Then, she calmly opened the door.
Outside stood two elderly women and a tall man in a white khamis—one of the wedding organizers.
Misky lowered her head in respect, speaking in a soft, controlled voice.
“Wali way diyaar garoobaysaa. Waa daalan tahay.”
(She’s still getting ready. She’s tired.)
One of the old women clicked her tongue.
“Gabadha waa in aysan caajisin! Waa habeenkeeda.”
(The girl must not be lazy! It’s her wedding night.)
Misky forced a small laugh, pouring water into a bowl.
“Ha welwelin, hooyo. Wax walba way hagaagsan yihiin.”
(Don’t worry, mother. Everything is fine.)
The man squinted at Misky.
“Waa kuma adigu? Ma arkin wajigaaga hore.”
(Who are you? I haven’t seen your face before.)
Ayaan felt her stomach drop.
They were running out of time.
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The Secret Exit
While Misky distracted them, Ayaan turned to Safiyo, whispering.
“Ma socon kartaa?”
(Can you walk?)
Safiyo nodded weakly.
Hodan, the young girl who had helped them, gestured toward the back of the hut.
“Daboolka dhabarka ka fur. Wuxuu ku bixi doonaa banaanka.”
(Lift the back cover. It leads outside.)
Ayaan quickly tore away the loose cowhide that made up the back wall. A small gap led into the darkness of the village outskirts.
She turned back to Safiyo. “Tag hadda! Anaa kuu daba imanaya.”
(Go now! I’ll follow you.)
Safiyo hesitated but crawled through the opening, disappearing into the night.
Ayaan turned back just in time to see Misky stepping out of the hut, leading the wedding guests away from the door.
It was working.
Until—
A sharp voice rang through the air.
“Halka jooga!”
(Stop right there!)
Ayaan spun around—
And locked eyes with one of the village men, staring at the open back wall.
They had been caught
- Writer
