Journey

06: Love (O)

I find myself lying on the sterile hospital bed, the crisp white sheets neatly tucked around me.

The room is bathed in the soft glow of the evening sunlight filtering through the window, casting warm patches of light on the otherwise clinical surroundings. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the distant murmur of voices from the hallway create a soothing yet melancholic backdrop.

In my hands, I hold a novel, it's cover worn from countless readings - but my gaze isn't on the words printed on the pages; instead, it drifts into the void, lost in a swirl of thoughts and emotions. Memories of yesterday's argument with Hussaiba replay in my mind like a relentless storm, each scene etched vividly in my memory.

I steal a glance at the clock mounted on the wall, its hands ticking steadily towards visitor's time. A surge of anticipation courses through me as I hope for Hussaiba's arrival. Despite the tension between us, I long to see her, to bridge the chasm that has widened between us.

The minutes drag on, each one stretching into an eternity as I wait in silent contemplation. The novel lies forgotten in my lap, its pages untouched as my mind wanders back to the events of the past day. The weight of regret hangs heavy in the air, mingling with a faint glimmer of hope for reconciliation.

The sound of approaching footsteps breaks through the stillness, momentarily raising my hopes. The door swings open, but it's Nurse Mary who enters, her gentle smile a bittersweet reminder of the absence of my sister.

"Good evening, Omar. How are you feeling today?" Nurse Mary's voice is filled with genuine concern, breaking the somber silence that envelops the room.

"I'm alright," I reply, my voice tinged with a hint of longing. "Just waiting for visitor's time."

Nurse Mary nods in understanding, her eyes reflecting empathy for my situation. "I'm sure your sister will come to see you soon. In the meantime, would you like me to bring you anything?"

I shake my head, my focus still consumed by thoughts of Hussaiba. As Nurse Mary exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again, I can't help but wonder if today will mark the beginning of healing our fractured relationship.

I shift my gaze away from the door and towards the window, where the warm hues of the setting sun paint the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold. The sun, a blazing ball of fire, descends slowly towards the horizon, casting long shadows and bathing the room in a soft, golden light.

I watch in silence as the world outside transforms, the buildings and trees outlined in a beautiful silhouette against the colorful sky. The hustle and bustle of the day begin to ebb away, replaced by a tranquil serenity that settles over everything like a gentle embrace.

The sunset becomes a canvas, each passing moment adding new strokes of color and texture. I find myself mesmerized by the beauty of nature's spectacle, a reminder of the simple yet profound wonders that exist beyond the confines of my hospital room.

As the last remnants of daylight fade into dusk, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. The sunset, with its fleeting yet timeless beauty, serves as a gentle reminder to cherish each moment, to find beauty in the midst of chaos, and to hold onto hope even in the darkest of times.

I reach for my phone, the device feeling familiar yet distant in my grasp. With a few taps on the screen, I activate the camera and frame the sunset within the rectangular viewfinder. The colors blend harmoniously, creating a picturesque scene that I want to capture, if only to hold onto a fleeting moment of beauty amidst the turmoil.

Click. The camera shutter captures the image, freezing the sunset in a digital snapshot. I lower my phone and gaze at the photo on the screen, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. It's a simple gesture, capturing a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of my thoughts.