Through your eyes

Elliot

The weather is starting to change. I feel it in the short commute to work and my apartment, and by that I mean the 2 minutes it takes me to cross the busy road. Recently it's the only time I've been getting fresh air. We've been so busy at Echo. I keep thinking that I'll visit the shelter or the mosque, even go see my mother, but as soon as I finish one project, there's another crisis to manage. It's September and it feels like time is flying by. The phone starts ringing.

"Yes?"

"El, I've just emailed the new proposal from the strategy department for approval. Also, meeting with Mr Larkin in 30 minutes been moved to conference room, he's bringing some of his team with him"

"Thank you Adam. Set up the con..."

"Already done, sent a message to the kitchen to get refreshments ready. And quick reminder, have you read Zuhr?"

I chuckle, since I bought a prayer mat into the office, he's been asking me a million and one questions. But it's been nice to have another involved in my journey. He's holds me accountable, makes time in my busy schedule so I can pray. And I'm grateful for him. Oh Allah, thank you.

"Yes Adam, thank you again."

"Okay. That's all for now." He hangs up.

He really does go above and beyond. I email him, 'remind me to give you a raise'. A second later he responds: 'don't have to remind me, I'm creating a presentation outlining my case ;)'

I chuckle again, Adam can always brighten my day. Whatever he asks, I'll agree, heck I'll probably give him more. I should show him I value him.

I open emails from strategy and get to work.

...

Later that evening, I'm getting out of the shower exhausted. I just got home from the gym. The only reason I go a because I've got a commitment with one of my best friends, Jack. We go Monday through Thursday. I guess it's good for me, to get out of my house and office. Clears my thoughts similar to the way that prayer does, help me stay calm. Sometimes physical exhaustion is the only way I can get my brain to switch off. My phone has been buzzing on the night stand which is not unusual.

I collapse on my bed, I could fall asleep if I close my eyes but I'm still waiting for Isha azaan. I sit up and pick up my phone, so I don't accidentally fall asleep.

There's a few emails that can wait until tomorrow. Adam's texted to say nothing urgent, so I don't bother looking through them. It's tomorrows problem.

One text catches my attention though.

Hey, since we're friends and all I was wondering if I could ask you for a favour.

Jannah. She's texted me.

We exchanged numbers at the Johnson fundraiser, but I hadn't reached out. It felt weird to text her without reason. I guess that's what friends do, but part of me feels like I can't be friends with her. What I mean is, I wouldn't reach out to her like I would with Adam or Jacks. I was already a little obsessed with her when we we're strangers, now that we're more I could overstep. And I really don't want that to happen. I respect her too much.

Oh Allah guide me in this, guide me in a way that pleases You.

Hey friend, name it and it's yours

Careful! I could ask for all your
money ;)

Cheeky. But I stand by my word so
I guess that means I'm broke? :(

HaHa, you'll be fine :) Everything you
touch turns to💰

Are you going to put me out of my
misery. I'm counting my assets as
we speak :/