Red Glass

03.

"Faris my love,

It has been longer than my heart can bare since feeling the serenity of your embrace● I do not truly know if this letter will ever reach you but I pray it finds you warm and well● These endless unforgiving miles feel like lifetimes for a messenger to bridge and my heart holds no ease● I just know as deep and wide are the oceans I miss you● I can not count the tears that fall upon the words you send, nor the times I hold them to my nose hoping to capture a ghost of your scent when mother can not see●

Your letter arrived this morning, dated almost two moons ago● How is my heart supposed to make it through the days without you? My only comfort is that we sleep under the same heavens● Sometimes I dream we are all together● No distance, no loss● When I awake my heart feels as empty as my chambers, nowhere is home without you● My Father always asks me when are you to visit●

The doctors claim my mother with each visit improves slightly but I suspect all is a scam simply to secure the steady flow of coin● Father has hope but the storms of sand draw ever closer no matter what turns we take●

How are our little ones studies going my love? I know your duties are important but I appreciate the time you put aside for family●

It seems only yesterday we were sitting in the square, laughing at how Kalaril's sweets blued our tongue's like gooseberries● I remember the faces we made because they were so sour●

Each day hurts, things never heal● A wife without her husband is like a plant without soil, but a mother without her child is like a plant without air.."

"Daddy"

"Princess?"

"Why didn't we go with mom's to grandma's?

Faris looks down. "Because you have exams. I wanted to go too, more than anything, but your future comes first."
Faris gives Schenade a sad smile, wraps a fathers arm around her and kisses the top of her head. Schenade smiles with a tear in her eye, Faris smiles back. "Shall we continue?"

Schenade nods, looking away as she removes any evidence of tearing up. Faris strokes his beard, clears his throat, sneaks a smile and continues reading.

"..It seems only yesterday we were sitting in the square, laughing at how those sweets turned our tongues as blue as gooseberries● I'll never forget the faces we made because of how sour they were● How are the little ladies' studies going? I know your duties are important and it must be really tough making her textbooks as well as helping her study for her exams● I am excited to see how far along with Arabiya she has come along when you come to visit●

It's nice being able to speak in my own mother tongue after so long● I keep making small errors here and there but these few last moons have helped me to relearn● The candle is burning dull and my eyes strain from such long hot days here so I'll sign off, pray and go to sleep● I miss and love you both so much●

Eternally yours - Tamara•"

Faris covers his eyes, hiding the tears of a loving husband who misses his wife. Looking at his daughter, he squeezes her nose and laughs at the expression she makes.

"Daaad!"

"Come on, it's time."

"Okay, but only three pages today, not five."