HUSNA

Chapter37

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." — Jane Howard

****************

The sun peeked through the curtains, spilling a warm glow across the bed. She pulled a pillow over her face, trying to steal a little more sleep, but her mind was already awake. The sudden vibration of her phone on the nightstand shattered the quiet. Without looking, she reached for it.

A FaceTime call.

Her lips curved, unbothered that he had been upset earlier. He never stayed angry for long  not with her. That was one of the many things she loved about him  his love for her always softened him.

She fumbled for her scarf, wrapped it around her head, then slid to answer.

His face appeared...slightly tired, a little pale, but smiling. Still handsome. Still hers.

"Good morning," she murmured. She hated seeing him sick or upset. He never yelled at her when he was angry....instead, he withdrew, gave her silence and she despised that more than shouting. An argument she could handle. Silence choked her.

"Husna," he whispered, voice low and husky, "have you guys reached Yola already?"

She exhaled sharply....relief, irritation, longing, and anxiety all tangled in her chest. "So you just remembered that I exist now?"

"What more do you want from me, Husna?" His voice wasn't soft today. There was a rough edge, something wounded beneath his calm.

"Don't hang up," she hurried out, knowing him too well. He could end the call in a blink...even when it hurt him.

He let out a breath....tired, resigned. "What happened?"

"Captain, I told you we were traveling. You didn't call, you didn't text. I waited all day."

"Sorry," he said quietly. "I've been running a high fever since yesterday. I caught a cold too. I couldn't even leave my place."

Her face softened instantly. "Oh my Allah, that's terrible. Have you seen a doctor?"

"No, not really. I don't like hospitals, to be honest. And also, I'm piloting to Germany soon, so I need to get better quickly."

She blinked. "Germany? When?"

"In two days," he said with a tired chuckle. "I was going to tell you... if you gave me a chance to talk before biting my head off."

She pinched her lips, guilt pricking her chest. "You should've told me."

"You didn't give me a chance," he replied softly. "You never do."

She sighed, knowing exactly why he was calling. "Uff, Captain, what do I do with you?" Show me your closet, then."

He propped the phone against the mirror and walked towards his closet. She guided him through the process of packing, choosing outfits and helping him arrange them in his suitcase.

Captain, why do you have so many black shirts? Don't you get bored wearing the same color every day?"

He looked over his shoulder with a faint smile . "Black never betrays a man."