Aliyu and Aminu are twins although they are born eleven weeks apart. At the time of their birth, their father; a PhD-wielding Nigerian, teaches law at Harvard while their mother makes her way through her last year of a doctorate program at the same institution; her field of study, History of African Art.

The former; speaks both Hausa and English, the latter, Yoruba and English. Their children will grow up to speak only English, not even pidgin.

Aliyu, the elder child, is born premature during the middle of rainy season. Before his birth, the doctors didn’t think he would make it.

Aminu, the younger child, gestates longer in their mother’s second womb, absorbing the needed nutrients. He is born healthy and strong during the fall season.