Self love

5

Chapter 5
Amina woke up the next morning feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The memories of her dinner with Zayd lingered in her mind, filling her with a warm glow. But as she prepared for the day, she couldn't shake the lingering unease about her father and stepmother.

Determined not to let these thoughts overshadow her progress, Amina decided to focus on her work at the library. Her job had always been a source of solace and stability. Surrounded by books, she found peace and a sense of control over her life.

As she entered the library, she was greeted by Fatima's bright smile. "Good morning, Amina! How was your evening?"

Amina couldn't help but smile back. "It was wonderful, Fatima. Zayd and I had a great time. He's so kind and understanding."

Fatima's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Tell me more! What did you two talk about?"

Amina recounted the evening, feeling a sense of happiness as she shared the details. Fatima listened intently, nodding in approval. "It sounds like Zayd genuinely cares about you. I'm so happy for you, Amina."

"Thank you, Fatima. I'm happy too, but I can't help but worry about the future. My family... things are complicated."

Fatima placed a reassuring hand on Amina's shoulder. "You can't control everything, Amina. Focus on the present and take things one step at a time. You've come so far, and you have people who care about you."

Amina nodded, appreciating her friend's wisdom. "You're right. I'll try to keep that in mind."

As the day went on, Amina immersed herself in her work, cataloging new arrivals and assisting visitors. The familiar routine helped her find a sense of balance. However, just as she was beginning to feel more at ease, an unexpected visitor arrived at the library.

A tall man with a stern expression walked in. Amina's heart skipped a beat as she recognized him. It was her father, Ibrahim. She hadn't seen him since she left home, and the sight of him brought a rush of conflicting emotions.

"Amina," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and something else she couldn't quite place.

"Father," Amina replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to see how you were doing," Ibrahim said, his gaze scanning the library. "It's been a long time."

Amina felt a lump in her throat. "Yes, it has. I'm doing well, working here and... making my own way."

Ibrahim nodded, but his expression remained unreadable. "That's good to hear. I wanted to talk to you about something important. Can we go somewhere private?"

Amina's mind raced. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this conversation, but she knew she couldn't avoid it forever. "Alright, let's go to the back office."

They walked to the office in silence, the tension between them palpable. Once inside, Ibrahim closed the door and turned to face her.

"Amina, I've been thinking a lot about the past," he began, his voice softer than she remembered. "About your mother, and how things changed after she passed away. I know I wasn't there for you the way I should have been."

Amina felt a surge of emotions. Anger, sadness, and a glimmer of hope all swirled within her. "Father, you were never there for me. You let my stepmother treat me terribly, and you never stood up for me."

Ibrahim looked down, shame evident in his eyes. "I know, and I'm sorry. I let you down, and I regret it deeply. I want to make things right, if you'll let me."

Amina was silent for a moment, processing his words. She had longed for this apology, but hearing it now, she wasn't sure how to feel. "It's not that simple, Father. You can't just apologize and expect everything to be okay."

"I understand," Ibrahim said quietly. "But I want to try. I want to be a part of your life again, if you'll allow it."

Amina took a deep breath. "I need time to think about this. It's not something I can decide right now."

Ibrahim nodded. "I understand. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

As he left, Amina felt a whirlwind of emotions. She had always dreamed of reconciling with her father, but now that the opportunity was here, she was filled with uncertainty.

Later that evening, Amina found herself sitting by her window, lost in thought. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a reminder of the world outside her apartment. Her phone buzzed, and she saw a message from Zayd.

"How was your day, Amina? I hope everything is okay."

Amina smiled, feeling a sense of comfort. She quickly replied, "It was a bit overwhelming, but I'm managing. Can we talk?"

"Of course," Zayd responded almost immediately. "I'll call you in a few minutes."

As she waited for his call, Amina felt a sense of gratitude for the people in her life who supported her. When her phone rang, she answered, her heart feeling lighter just hearing Zayd's voice.

"Hey, Amina. What happened today?" Zayd asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Amina recounted the encounter with her father, her emotions spilling out as she spoke. Zayd listened patiently, offering words of comfort and understanding.

"You've been through so much, Amina. It's okay to feel conflicted. Take your time to figure out what you want and what you're comfortable with."

"Thank you, Zayd. Your support means the world to me."

As they talked, Amina felt a sense of calm wash over her. The uncertainty of her past and the hope for the future intertwined, but with Zayd by her side, she felt stronger. The road ahead was still uncertain, but she was ready to face it, one step at a time.

Just as they were about to say goodnight, Zayd hesitated. "Amina, there's something I wanted to tell you."

Amina's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Zayd?"

"I've been thinking a lot about our future, and I want to talk to you about something important. But it's something I'd rather discuss in person."

Amina's heart raced with anticipation and a touch of anxiety. "Alright, Zayd. When can we meet?"

"How about tomorrow evening? We can go for a walk and talk."

"That sounds good," Amina agreed, her mind racing with possibilities.

As she hung up the phone, Amina couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. What did Zayd want to discuss? Whatever it was, she knew it was significant.

With her thoughts swirling and her heart full, Amina drifted off to sleep, eager to see what the next day would bring.