Salisu

I woke up to the sound of my own breathing — heavy, shaky… alive.

My chest ached badly, and my limbs felt like they were filled with wet sand. It took a few seconds to realize I wasn’t in the field anymore.

I was in my bunk. The light coming through the window was dull. Morning, maybe late morning — I couldn’t tell.

My head still throbbed, but at least it wasn’t splitting anymore.

Then I saw her. Amina - slouched in the chair beside my bed. Her scarf had come loose, and her medical kit was open on her lap. She had fallen asleep waiting, her hands resting on gauze and bandages.

She stayed.

I moved my fingers a little. Pain shot through my shoulder and ribs. Definitely patched up.

She stirred, opened her eyes, and focused on me.

“You’re awake,” she whispered like she’d been holding her breath for hours. Her voice cracked with relief… and frustration. “Idiot.”

I tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough. “Didn’t mean to mess up your sleep.”

“Sleep?” she said, sitting up straighter. “Do you even know how bad it was? You passed out before I even got to you. If Muda hadn’t been there…” She shook her head.

“Is Muda...?”

“He’s okay. Stable,” she said quickly, knowing that’s what I’d ask first.

“But you lost a lot of blood. Your shoulder was nearly dislocated. And—” She hesitated. “Your migraines… they’re getting worse, aren’t they?”

I looked away.

“You should’ve told me,” she said.

“So you’d worry more?”

Amina frowned. “You’re impossible.”

I groaned as I shifted. Pain stabbed through my ribs. “You always say that.”

“And you always try to act like a hero.” Her voice dropped. “Obianuju — the girl — she said something when I treated her in the Sergeant’s quarters.”

I turned to her. “What did she say?”

“She said you were in danger. Begged me to find you. I didn’t believe her at first, but…” Amina lowered her voice. “Salisu, you were barely breathing.”

I remembered — the screams, the struggle, the moment our eyes met before the soldiers dragged her away.

“I don’t trust her,” Amina continued. “But I think she meant it. And I care too, you know. That’s why you’re staying in today. No missions. No patrols. Just rest.”

“I have orders,” I said. “I have to report to the General.”

Amina stepped in front of the sunlight. “You need to heal. Next time, you might not make it back.”

I met her eyes. “I’ll rest. After I check on Muda.”

She sighed but didn’t fight it. I could tell she was relieved.

She brought me breakfast, and I rested a bit longer before heading out.

By noon, I visited Muda. He was awake, propped up on pillows, a faint smile on his lips. “We made it,” he said hoarsely.

“Barely,” I replied, gripping his shoulder. “You rest. I’ll handle the rest.”

He nodded and closed his eyes again.

By late afternoon, I stood in front of the General’s office. The guards eyed me, surprised I was still walking, but let me in.

The General glanced up from his desk. “Alive, I see.”

I ignored the tone. “Sir, I’m here to report dereliction of duty.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“The men assigned to our unit abandoned me and Muda during the mission. They disappeared. Left us surrounded. We barely made it out alive.”

The General’s jaw twitched. “That’s not what they said.”

I frowned. “Sir?”

“They claimed they didn’t know the area was enemy territory. Said they urged you to retreat, but you insisted on continuing. Claimed you led them into a trap and gave reckless orders.”

“That’s not true,” I said sharply. “Sir, they lied....”

“Calm yourself, Private,” the General interrupted, his voice cool and deliberate. “This will be investigated.”

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. This was bigger than I thought.

“Yes, sir,” I said through my teeth.

The General nodded once. “You’re dismissed. Wait for further instruction.”

I saluted stiffly and turned to leave.

As I stepped out of the office, one thing was clear:

They wanted me gone and I needed to find out why.