***Author's Note***
This story is a companion piece to my earlier story "Wish Granted" and any stories in the "Wish Granted" series.
You don't have to read those to understand this story. They are all meant to make sense individually, as well as together.
This story features a character who has experienced FGM (Female Genital Mutilation).
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Hanuni took a deep breath.
What if this was a mistake? What if everything went wrong?
Her nearly-black skin was cloaked in dark fabric, her short hair covered. Fingers fumbling. Chest tight.
Another deep breath. Another. Another.
She pulled the curtain and crept inside.
“I was wondering when you’d show up.”
An old woman of hickory skin and elaborate silk garments sat at the small table.
“...but I didn’t tell her I’d show---”
“Oh, I’m just kidding!” the woman cackled. “I knew exactly when you’d arrive.”
“What--”
“Sit.”
The young woman complied.
“It is very good to meet you, mama. How are you--”
“Shhh…” the old woman held a finger to her lips, “No formalities. I know what your friend told you. I know that she saw a con artist from just the other side of Nairobi and she’s convinced she saw the face of God.”
She made a gagging sound and continued.
“Well, you were going to come here and desire what I have to offer.”
“You’re not the woman who was here before…?”
“I’m a genie!”
Hanuni screamed as the old woman appeared behind her.