DEATH IS AGONY By: Aliyu Dahir Aliyu

Maryam's death has had a devastating impact on me and will leave and indelible mark in my heart. I've missed a confidant and a sister. She died young without fulfilling most of her basic dreams. 

Maryam has been my best friend since childhood. She was a sickle cell patient who suffered throughout her life, affecting her legs, hands, and hearing ability. If illness erases sins, Maryam would have all of her sins erased because she has truly suffered for more than 2/3 of her life.

A day before she died, I went into her house  and found her on a sick bed. Hearing my voice, she had to slowly raise her head and look at me before returning. I had no idea it would be our last. Knowing she's always been sick and that her sister told me this one was malaria, I was confident she'd beat it. But I was mistaken; she couldn't win this final battle. Maryam has literally died and this means I will see her no more. This means I will not sit down with her again to speak about anything. 

Even though going to school was a struggle for Maryam, she was exceptionally brilliant young lady. She was unable to complete secondary school due to her illness, but her brilliance is evident from our discussions and chats. I already miss her and it breaks my heart that I won't be able to see her again and again. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun!