"_Dad, honestly, I want to attend university in Malaysia after I finish secondary school._"

Her dad laughed heartily and replied, "_Nauwarah, my dear daughter, don't worry. Insha Allah, I will fulfill this dream of yours. Just pray that we live to see that day and stay focused._"

Filled with excitement, she exclaimed, "_Ameen, my dear dad!_"

Just as she was about to say more, Safah shot her a glare, her eyes almost popping out, and said, "_Tabbb, seriously? As I studied in Nigeria, so will you. You’re not going anywhere._"

Nauwarah pouted in a playful manner and said, "_Oh really, aunty Safah? But you heard dad just now, he agreed. Right, dad?_"

"_Absolutely, Nauwarah, my bright light. With Allah's permission, you will go. Just keep up with your studies as I know you will._"

Nauwarah jumped up and screamed in joy, while Safah, full of irritation, snapped, "_Stop making noise, little girl. If you don’t quiet down, I’ll get up and smack your mouth._"

Nauwarah stuck out her tongue at Safah mischievously and said, "_Aunty Safah, what's your problem? I’m just celebrating._"

Angrily, Safah got up and headed towards her. Nauwarah quickly hid behind their mom, sticking her tongue out at Safah. Their dad, Saleem, and their mom laughed at the scene. Safah reached out to grab her, but their mom stopped her, saying, "_No, Safah, let it go. You know she’s just a child, and she’s just excited._"

"_But mom, did you see how she stuck her tongue out at me?_"

Their mom quickly turned around and indeed saw Nauwarah making faces at Safah. Sternly, she said, "_Nauwarah, I don't like that behavior. Didn't you just hit Saleem earlier because he touched your phone?_"

"_Well, mom, I did hit him._" Nauwarah said, almost in tears. Safah smirked and said, "_Little girl, you better not come near me._"

Their mom gave her a warning look. Nauwarah pouted again, and it was clear she was used to getting away with such behavior.

Less than ten minutes later, I saw Nauwarah sitting next to Safah with a sad face, tilting her head as if she wanted something. Safah glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, trying hard not to laugh. Pretending not to notice her, Safah called out to Saleem, "_Saleem, bring me a chilled Maltina from the fridge._"