Better Late Than Never

39

When Isha finished that Friday night, Ayman took his time praying nawafil. It helped easing the weight that'd pressed down on his chest for a while but didn't completely take it off. In any way, he was grateful.

Knowing every other member of his family who'd come to the mosque as well had gone, he stayed seated for a few more minutes before he pushed himself off the prayer rug and found his way out of the male section. It was easy to put on his shoes and find his way out of the entire mosque.

The last thing he expected was to see Ayra seated on the stairs, watching people walk past and go about their business. A bit more of the weight on his chest eased and he made his way down to the stair she sat on. "Ayra?"

She turned her head and the easy way she smiled nailed his heart, reminding him of the weight of all he felt and all he had to tell her.

Ayra, glad he was out, pushed herself off her butt and put her hands in the pockets of the boyfriend jacket she wore over her sleeveless dress. Wanting to be as tall as he was, she ascended the next stair and then smiled again, loving the amusement that appeared on his face.

"This is much better." She told him.

Ayman wanted to laugh; the first time he felt the urge to do so that day. "Really?"

"Yep. You're tall. I've said that a lot."

"And like I always say, it's not something I can help."

"And it's not something I hate. It suits you. I just want to be petty."

He smiled, having nothing to say. Her smile shrunk but stayed pretty as she told him "You stayed long in there."

"I didn't think anyone would be waiting for me. Also, I needed the moment."

Her chest squeezed for what had to be the thousandth time that day. "Are you okay? You've been somewhat withdrawn since yesterday. Maybe even since the day before that. I know you told me you're just tired but it feels as though it's more than that."

Ayman let his smile become even smaller than it already was. He put his hands in his pockets and nodded. "I am okay. I will be okay. Everything's been over stimulating so I'm trying to weave my way through it all and enjoy our last days here. In Shaa Allah I'll be back in high spirits before we leave."

"Are you sure?"

He cocked a brow, wanting her to stop worrying. "Have I ever lied to you before?"

Ayra pretended to think about it. "As far as I know, you haven't." Her smile returned and it brightened. "I'll believe you and I'll wait for you to be in better spirits."

"Thank you." He meant it.

"You're welcome...Are you up for a walk? I thought we should walk for a little bit before we head home. Like you, today's been over stimulating for me but I like knowing that I survived it and that I'm content with every turn it took."

The weight in his chest pressed down again but he nodded anyways. "A walk sounds good...You didn't bring your camera today?"

"Nah." She fell into step beside him and they descended the remaining stairs together. "I just wanted to walk with you and talk to you tonight. I have my phone with me though, in case there's something worth capturing."

"Let's wait and see."

They took small steps and leisurely passed by shops, restaurants, and bars. Ayman swallowed the small lump in his throat before he told her "I saw the headlines. The ones of Ibrahim and Mayah, I mean."

Ayra's smile did not shake by even the tiniest inch. "It was the most dramatic thing, wasn't it?"

"Yep." It was the least thing he expected to see that morning. "I came out to check on you, when you were at the back of the house talking on the phone."