Soul [Complete]

Four

The next morning as the sun streams through the window, I can't find the strength to appreciate its warmth. I feel sick, a queasiness gnawing at my insides since I woke up. I haven't told anyone about Emir, not even Kerim. It feels too strange, too unreal.

Determined to clear my head, I decide to visit my favorite café, hoping the familiar environment and a cup of coffee will help. My sprained ankle hurt but it was tolerable. As I walk in, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of quiet chatter surround me. I find my usual spot by the window and settle in.

Just as I'm about to take a sip of my drink, I feel a presence beside me. I look up and my heart skips a beat. It's him—Emir.

"Hello, Angel," he says, smiling a warm, disarming smile.

"How did you know I would be here?" I ask, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Are you stalking me?"

"No, not at all," Emir replies, his tone gentle. "I know this is your favorite place." He shifts the conversation smoothly, adding, "How's your foot feeling?"

I frown, still wary. "And how do you know that?" I say ignoring the question.

"How's your foot?" He says again.

"Fine." I say, irritated.

He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "I was feeling sick," he confesses. "It's because I can't stay far from you."

I roll my eyes, thinking he's flirting with me. "Really?" I say, sarcasm dripping from my words.

But then Emir leans in, his eyes serious. "I know about the wish you made," he says softly. "You wished you could meet someone who would see you for who you are. You wish for a fierce, unhindered kind of love. A love so deep, that it hurts. You wish that to someone other than K, you weren't invisible."

My breath catches in my throat. No one knows about that wish. I have never spoken it aloud.

"Who are you?" I whisper, my voice trembling.

He hesitates. "You won't believe me."

"Try me," I urge.

Emir takes a deep breath. "I'm your husband from the future. I went to sleep with my beautiful wife, Hayaat, and woke up here."

I laugh, the absurdity of his words too much to process. "You're joking," I say, shaking my head.

He meets my gaze, his expression earnest. "Ask me anything, something only you would know."

I decide to test him. "What's my favorite color?"

"Pink and black," he answers without hesitation.

"That's guessable," I say, crossing my arms.

"What about your fears?" he asks, his eyes never leaving mine.

I narrow my eyes. "Alright. What are my biggest fears?"

"Being abandoned and losing those you love," he says quietly.

My heart pounds in my chest. He's right again. "Okay, what's my biggest insecurity?"

Emir leans closer, his voice a whisper. "That you're not enough, that you'll never be enough."

I stare at him, my mind reeling. He knows things about me that no one else does. He reaches out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You have a star-shaped birthmark on your waist that you always thought was your lucky charm," he whispers.

Shock washes over me. I have never shown that birthmark to anyone. "How do you know that?" I demand.

"Because I've seen it," he says softly. " a thousand times."

I am speechless, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. "Do you believe me now?" he asks, his voice steady.

I nod slowly. "Yes, but no one else will."

"No one else matters, Angel," Emir says, his eyes full of sincerity. "Only you matter."

"How long have we been married?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"Seven years," he replies, leaving me speechless.

"We have an amazing house in the future," he says.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope, handing it to me. "Open this later," he says.

I take the envelope, feeling its weight in my hand. "What's in it?" I ask.

"A letter," he replies.

I look into his eyes, still filled with doubt but also a glimmer of hope. "I am sorry for yesterday," I whisper.

Emir smiles. "I'll always be here for you, Angel. No matter what."

As he walks away, I clutch the envelope tightly, my mind racing with everything he has told me. This unexpected encounter has turned my world upside down.

* * * * *

The envelope is a heavy weight in my hand as I make my way toward the classroom. Just as I'm about to enter, Kerim's voice calls out, "Hayaat, hey!"

I turn to see him standing there, his face lit up with concern. I hesitate, torn between revealing the incredible events of Emir and my current confusion. I know he will listen, but I'm not sure if he will believe me. Finally, I say, "Can we talk during recess? I have something important to tell you."

When the bell rings, signaling the start of recess, I find a quiet corner where Kerim joins me. With a deep breath, I recount everything about Emir—the mysterious man who claims to be my future husband, the sudden appearance, and his cryptic words. I watch as Kerim's expression shifts from curiosity to skepticism.

"He's fooling you," Kerim says, shaking his head. "I'm sure of it."

His response is exactly what I fear. The words feel like a cold splash of reality, and I struggle to keep my composure. Disappointment and frustration well up inside me, and despite my efforts to stay calm, I can't hide the hurt. His disbelief cuts deeper than I anticipate, leaving me feeling more isolated in my confusion.