Verity just wanted to get out. She loves her grandparents to death- she does. But being in their house all morning watching the news was intolerable beyond explanation.
Before going downstairs, she grabbed her flannel and ensured her hijab was tucked into the collar.
"I'm going for a walk!" Verity called out as she went downstairs, primarily to her parents. Her dad responded after a few moments.
"I'm sending Na'im with you, do not separate!" Virgil called back to his daughter.
"Why?" Verity called back.
"Safety, Verity. After today, anything can happen."
"Listen to your father, Ver!" Lucia called as well.
"Okay, Mama!" Verity sighed- but she didn't argue.
Verity did smile slightly when her older brother met her at the front door. He smiled slightly too. Neither of them said anything as they left the house.
Once they were out of sight of their grandparent's house, Na'im broke the silence.
"If you want to remove your hijab and put your hood on, you can," Na'im said. "I won't say anything."
"Why would I do that?" Verity asked, starting to fidget with the fabric.
"You heard the news- the hijackers looked like us, Ver," Na'im whispered. "It's your choice, but I just want you safe..."
They walked in silence for a while longer. Na'im shoved his hands in his pockets, but Verity thought about what her brother said- he wasn't wrong.
"Hey, Nai?" Verity asked quietly.
"What's up?"
"Can you cover my back? My hijab is tucked into my flannel."
"I'll give you my sweatshirt so you can cover your hair with the hood."
Na'im took off his hoodie and made sure his sister wasn't seen. After a moment, Verity pulled the hoodie from the sweatshirt over her hair.
"You can let go now, I've got it," Verity said. Na'im dropped the sweatshirt and Verity pulled it over her shoulders.
Verity managed to take off her flannel and gave it to Na'im. She zipped up the sweatshirt and tightened the strings, ensuring her hair was covered.
"I didn't think about that part, wearing my hijab," Verity said quietly. "With them looking Arab, people are gonna assume 'Muslim.' My hijab makes us obvious..."
"I didn't mean to scare you..." Na'im whispered.
"You didn't. If the hijackers were Arab or Muslim, we'd all look bad."
"I guess."
They walked in silence as they went through the center of town.
"Convenience store?' Verity asked.
"Sure. I've got $20 bucks on me," Na'im responded.
YOU ARE READING
Surviving 93
Ficción históricaA historical fiction piece based around 9/11, asking the question "What if there was a survivor of Flight 93?" This story follows half-siblings Na'im and Verity when they meet Riven, who wound up with severe injuries he doesn't remember getting. As...
