The words lingered with Zainab as she continued on her way, the vibrant sounds of the market now muted by the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind. She tried to shake off her sister’s cruel taunts, but they clung to her like a stubborn shadow. By the time she returned to the hut, her heart was heavy with questions she wasn’t sure she wanted answered.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Zainab sat beside Yusha, her hand brushing against his as they shared their evening meal. Silence stretched between them, thick with tension and unspoken words.

Finally, she gathered the courage to speak. “Yusha, can I ask you something?”

He turned to her, his eyes gentle and attentive. “Of course, Zainab.”

Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, “Were you really… a thief?”