The Captured

Chapter 20

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"I like your shirt, where did you get it from?" she remarked, her smirk evident.

Caught off guard, I felt a surge of nervousness. My hands fidgeted involuntarily as I attempted to compose myself.

A sudden chill ran down my spine, causing goosebumps to erupt across my skin. I shrugged my shoulders, trying to shake off the sensation, only to find Mariam's gaze fixed on me.

Her voice was gentle as she spoke, her touch reassuring as she caressed my arms.

"I know something is bothering you. You don't have to face it alone. We'll talk about it tonight, but for now, just be here with me. Forget everything else," she said, her words a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

I nodded in silent agreement, unable to meet her gaze, but grateful for her unwavering support.

As a few tears trickled into my lap, I made a silent vow that they would be the last for the night.

Mariam was right; I needed to set my troubles aside, if only for a while. I had found my best friend, my pillar of strength. Together, we could face whatever lay ahead.

I mustered a faint smile, finding solace in her unwavering presence.

As Mariam navigated the car back onto the road, a soft melody filled the air, its gentle rhythm providing a soothing backdrop to our journey.

I tried to push aside the realization that I had inadvertently worn the shirt Adam had given me after winning the Badminton Match at school games season last year.

"So, how's the car?"

Mariam's question broke the silence, and I glanced around the vehicle before grinning, "It's clean and tidy, nothing like yours at all."

She shot me a playful glare, and I laughed, feebly attempting to defend my teasing.

"Hey, I was complimenting you!" I protested, earning myself a playful punch to the face from Mariam, who managed to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

"I hate you!" she exclaimed, though her pout was betrayed by the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she accelerated the car, the music shifting to a lively rock beat that set my heart racing.

Gazing out at the twinkling stars above, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me. It was comforting to be with my best friend, even in silence.

Mariam's focused gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, her skillful driving a testament to her conscientious nature.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that Mariam was the one behind the wheel. I couldn't help but chuckle at my own obliviousness. "When did you learn to drive?" I inquired, curiosity piqued.

"When I turned 16 and this February I got my driving license," she replied with a wink and a grin, and I shook my head, amused, before resting it against the cool glass of the window, watching the world pass by.

As we cruised along, I couldn't help but observe the people in the cars around us, their smiles seemingly a stark contrast to my own inner turmoil. I envied their apparent happiness, their freedom to live without the weight of constant fear and uncertainty.

Why couldn't I have a life like theirs? Why was I condemned to a existence fraught with suffering and sacrifice?

The questions swirled in my mind, tormenting me with their relentless barrage.

Will I ever find peace? Will I ever know what it's like to live without fear? The uncertainty gnawed at my soul, threatening to engulf me in despair.

I sighed heavily, struggling to suppress the tears that threatened to overwhelm me. In that moment of anguish, I realized that my own anguish was not only weighing on me but also burdening my best friend with its heaviness, stifling our conversation with its suffocating grip.

Shaking off the weight of my emotions, I turned to Mariam, lowering the volume of the music, eager to engage in conversation.

There was so much I needed to share with her tonight. I started with casual inquiries, hoping to ease into the deeper discussions looming ahead.