Her Red Scarf [Muslim love story]

Chapter 6

     At 9 pm, someone knocks on my door. My dad pokes his head in.

"Ihsan, we're going to go play in the park for a bit. Wanna come?"

I look at my computer on my lap, deep in thought.

"Just come." He walks inside and pulls me up. "let's go."

I give in. A few minutes later, my siblings and I pile into the car. Looking out the window on the short five-minute drive, I am hit with memories. We've done this same drive when I was living here multiple times. And it was always a beautiful bonding experience.

Because of all the problems I went through back in this house, I rarely missed anything after I got married. But, I just might now. I can't believe they've kept the traditions alive.

By the time we get there, it's 10pm. In an hour, the big soccer field projectors will turn off, and it will be time to go home.

We line up in the middle of the field, and my dad separates us into two somewhat equal teams. Then he throws the ball in the air, and everyone lunges for it trying to score for their team.

There's a lot of yelling, and laughing, and sometimes even tackling.

At one point, I get the ball, and see a completely free path in front of me to the goal. Because I'm far, I decide to hit it as hard as I can. That's when my youngest sister decides to move into its path a few meters away, and the impact makes her fly onto her back.

I run to her, and lift her head. "oh my god, are you okay??"

A few seconds later, my father gets to her side, and starts examining her with me for any injuries. My father is checking her nose when I hear my other siblings laughing at me. "Yo, why would you kick it that hard? You think you're in FIFA?"

I do not answer, too worried about the blow I'd just administered to my sister.

My dad answers for me. "she's... fierce. Always been."

Fierce is one way to put it. Because he's my dad, and I lived with him for a long time, I know exactly what he means. And this used to happen before too. I'm just too aggressive. I always hurt them when I play honestly.

"you have younger siblings, Ihsan. Don't throw balls so hard."

I get up. "I'll take a break for now."

"no." father says, "just play."

I shake my head, and make way for the bench. "I'm tired anyways."

He holds my shoulders. "Ihsan, life's too short to feel sorry for yourself. Sometimes, you make mistakes. That doesn't mean you should stop playing."

"I'll come back."

He tilts his head. "Sure." Pause. "it's not the end of the world. Live a little. Let go."

My father is trying to cheer me up, which makes me smile in the end, and explains his slightly confusing sentences. But I can't help but think there is a deeper meaning.

Play? Stay in the game?

I walk towards the bench a bit defeated. As I watch them continue the match, I get lost in my thoughts. I don't want people to hurt anymore because of me. I don't want to hurt. Maybe... I think I may have to tame my giddy nature down when me and Rafiq finally go that restaurant if I want us to stay together.

I never end up getting back into the game, my father's words echoing between my ears.

Sometimes, you make mistakes.

That doesn't mean youshould stop playing

***

Hello besties, 

Sorry about the late update. How do we like this chapter?

Also, you guys should follow me because I post updates and announcements about the book. I know these chapters are not about Rafiq but they are important to understand Ihsan better, and how that shapes her relationship with Rafiq. 

Anyways, maybe there will be a surprise update 👀 keep your eyes peeled.