Under Aunt Fatima’s Roof: Two Sisters, One Harsh Home, and the Paths That Set Them Free

There were two girls named Abike and Abebi. Though many people called them sisters, their bond was formed more by circumstance than by blood. Abike was the daughter of their aunt, while Abebi was the daughter of their uncle. Life brought them together under one roof when they were sent to live in another aunt’s house, a woman everyone in the neighborhood knew very well—Aunt Fatima.

Abike and Abebi lived with Aunt Fatima during their school years. Despite the environment, both girls tried their best to do well in their studies. Abike was focused and determined, always believing that education would one day open a door for her. Abebi, though smart, was more carefree and less serious about school, often distracted and unsure of what she wanted from life.

Aunt Fatima’s house was not a place of comfort.

She was a very harsh woman—so harsh that even adults on the street feared her. Her name alone was enough to make children straighten up. She was known for the way she sent children on errands without mercy or consideration. Whether it was early morning or late at night, whether the children were awake or fast asleep, Aunt Fatima did not care.

She could call a child who was sleeping just to bring her pure water that was already within her reach, or to hand her the remote control lying right beside her. To her, obedience was not enough—it had to be instant. Her voice echoed through the house and sometimes down the street, sharp and commanding.

Abike and Abebi endured it all in silence.

As years passed, Abike grew stronger. The hardship shaped her, but it did not break her. When she became old enough, she made a bold decision—she moved out of Aunt Fatima’s house to live on her own. It was not easy, but it was peaceful. For the first time, Abike could breathe without fear.

Life rewarded her courage.

Not long after, Abike got a life-changing opportunity and moved out of the country. It felt like freedom she had once only dreamed of. From a house filled with shouting and fear, she stepped into a future full of possibilities.

Abebi’s story followed a different path.

Unlike Abike, Abebi was not very serious with herself. She eventually left Aunt Fatima’s house too, but not with a clear plan. She moved to Kaduna, hoping life would somehow arrange itself. She escaped the harsh roof, but she carried the lessons—and the scars—with her.

Time passed.

The house that once echoed with footsteps and commands grew quiet. One by one, everyone left. In the end, Aunt Fatima was left alone—the same woman who once ruled the street with fear, now sitting in silence.

Life had turned the page.

Abike found her freedom far away.

Abebi found her own path, uncertain but independent.

And Aunt Fatima remained behind, a reminder that harshness may control people for a while—but it never holds them forever.

Sometimes, the loudest houses end up the quietest.