Miriam finally returned from the errand her mother had sent her on earlier that morning. From where Amina sat in the compound, she saw her friend approaching from a distance. The moment her eyes caught sight of Miriam's familiar figure walking steadily toward the gate, a soft wave of relief washed over her. She straightened her back gently, adjusted the light shawl she had placed on her shoulder, and prepared herself so that once Miriam arrived, they would be able to leave together without delay. She had been waiting patiently, but patience did not stop her from feeling a little excited now that the day could finally begin.

As Miriam walked into the compound, her mother lifted her head and smiled warmly. "Welcome back, my daughter," she said, her voice carrying both affection and approval. "Your friend has been waiting for quite some time."

Miriam immediately turned to Amina. "Ah, Amina, how are you doing?" she asked, a small apologetic expression forming on her face.

"I'm fine," Amina answered, smiling back with a calm gentleness.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Miriam continued. "My mother sent me on an errand, and I wanted to do it properly so she wouldn't complain or say that I rushed it. You know how she can be sometimes." She laughed lightly. "Since you're ready, let me just go inside and freshen up a bit. I'll come out in a moment."

"All right, take your time," Amina replied.

Miriam handed the items from the errand to her mother. "Here, Mama. Everything you asked for."

Her mother inspected the items quickly, nodding with satisfaction. "Thank you, my daughter. You did well."

Miriam smiled and hurried inside to change and refresh herself. Amina remained seated outside, exchanging a few casual words with Miriam's mother and father. They asked her about her own parents, and she responded politely, maintaining the warm relationship both families shared.

After a short while, Miriam returned, now fully dressed and ready for the day. She stood beside Amina, brushing away a stray strand of hair from her face.

"Mother, we are going now," Miriam announced.

Her mother nodded once again. "Go well, my daughters. Don't involve yourselves in any trouble, and make sure you return safely."

Amina, always respectful, stepped forward slightly and said, "I will take care of her, Mama. Don't worry."

Miriam's mother smiled at the reassurance. "All right. Go safely."

With that blessing, the two girls walked out of the compound together. The day was bright, the sky clear with only a few clouds drifting lazily overhead. The sun wasn't harsh yet-just warm enough to add a pleasant glow to the morning. A breeze drifted through the air, carrying faint scents of morning cooking fires, dust, and fresh leaves.

As they walked, Amina brought up Selena. "I wonder if Selena has come back from where she traveled to. It's been a while since we last saw her."

Miriam shrugged. "I'm not sure. But we can check. Let's go to her compound to see if she's back."

"Okay," Amina agreed simply.

They continued walking, chatting casually about small things-how the neighborhood had felt quiet the past few days, how Amina's father was still recovering, and how the weather seemed nicer than usual. But as they reached the long path leading toward Selena's compound, Amina felt a sharp ache of hunger tightening in her stomach.

She slowed her steps a little. "Miriam," she said quietly, almost embarrassed. "I'm hungry. I didn't eat before leaving the house. Earlier, when I got to your place, I was offered food, but you know how I am-I don't really like eating outside people's houses. I've been raised that way."

Miriam paused and looked at her with understanding. "Don't worry," she said kindly. "Everything will be fine. Selena won't mind. And you shouldn't go hungry. Let's just go and see what happens."

Amina nodded, grateful for her friend's comfort.

When they reached Selena's house, they stood before the door and knocked. From inside, Selena's bright voice called, "Come in!"

Miriam pushed the door open gently, and the two stepped in. Selena was sitting near the dining area, finishing her meal. Her face lit up instantly when she saw them.

"Amina! Miriam!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet in excitement.

Amina returned the smile. "It's been a while! I haven't seen you in so long. When did you come back?"

"I came back a few days ago," Selena answered. "Not very long."

"Welcome back," Miriam added warmly. Then, half teasing, she said, "By the way, can we join you for breakfast? Actually, Amina is the one who needs to join you because I have already eaten."

Selena laughed. "Of course! You can join me."

Amina hesitated only for a moment before finally sitting down. Her hunger had grown too strong to ignore, and the welcoming atmosphere in Selena's home made her feel comfortable enough to accept the food without hesitation.

As she began eating, Selena's mother came out from the kitchen. The moment she appeared, Amina and Miriam stood respectfully and greeted her. Selena's mother smiled widely.

"Ah, welcome, my daughter's friends," she said warmly. "Should I offer you anything? Miriam, what about you?"

"Yes, please," Miriam replied, maintaining her politeness. "Can I have some milk? I'll be okay with that. Amina is already eating."

"Of course," Selena's mother said. "I'll bring it now."

She went back into the kitchen and returned with a cup of milk, placing it gently in front of Miriam. Then she smiled at all three girls and returned to her chores.

Selena's father was not at home; he had already left for work earlier that morning. The house felt peaceful, almost serene, and the sound of the girls' voices filled it with warmth.

They spent hours eating, talking, and catching up. They spoke about everything-Amina's father's recovery, Selena's trip, small gossip from the neighborhood, and their plans for the day. Laughter came easily to them. Their friendship, built over years of shared experiences, made them feel comfortable and safe around one another.

By the time they realized how long they had stayed, nearly three hours had passed.

Eventually, they decided it was time to leave the house and enjoy the rest of the day together.

Miriam and Amina stood and thanked Selena's mother sincerely.

"Thank you very much, Mama," Amina said. "We really appreciate everything."

"It's nothing," Selena's mother replied warmly. "I love you girls. Take care of yourselves."

"We will," Amina responded with a nod.

The three friends stepped out of the compound, sunlight washing over them. Selena's mother stood by the doorway, waving at them affectionately. They waved back, smiling, before turning and walking away together.

Their laughter drifted down the path, blending with the sounds of the midday breeze and distant conversations from neighboring homes. The day stretched ahead of them with promise-simple, joyful, and filled with the warmth of true friendship.

And so, the three girls walked off together, excited, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the rest of their day.