Holding On To Hope

Chapter 2: A Morning of Reflection

Lina stood in front of her bathroom mirror, the soft glow of the morning light highlighting the features she despised. She adjusted her hijab, the fabric framing her face, but she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was somehow less than perfect. Her dark skin and features felt like burdens she carried, especially under the weight of her mother's cruel words echoing in her mind. She sighed, wishing she could see herself the way her brothers did.

After pulling on her favorite jeans, a simple T-shirt, and sneakers, she headed downstairs, the air thick with the usual tension. As she passed her mother, she felt the familiar roll of her mother's eyes. No words were exchanged, but the dismissive glance spoke volumes.

"You'd think you'd try harder if Leon were watching," her mother muttered under her breath, her tone laced with disdain.

Lina clenched her jaw, fighting the surge of anger. She had long learned to keep quiet, even when her mother's words cut deep. She pushed down the hurt, reminding herself that Leon and Grayson loved her, that they saw her worth.

The drive to the office was filled with tears she refused to shed. Why couldn't she protect her brothers from her mother's negativity? Why did she feel like a bad sister for being unable to shield them from her mother's sharp tongue? The guilt weighed heavily on her chest, and she took a deep breath, trying to focus on the day ahead.

Upon arriving at the office, she made a beeline for Leon's room, needing his presence to feel grounded. When she entered, she found him on a call, his brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced at her, raising a finger to signal her to wait quietly.

After he finished, he turned to her with a warm smile. "How are you, my child?" he asked, concern flashing across his face.

"I just came to get a hug from you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leon opened his arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace. He held her tightly, like a father would, grounding her in a moment of safety. "What happened to my child?" he asked gently, sensing her sadness.

"Nothing," she murmured, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

Leon's expression shifted to one of determination as he took a step back, searching her eyes. "Did that bitch do something again?" His voice was low, simmering with anger.

Lina looked down, avoiding his gaze as tears pricked at her eyes. She couldn't bring herself to answer him, the lump in her throat growing larger.

Just then, Grayson strolled into the room, his easygoing demeanor instantly brightening the atmosphere. "What's this? A secret meeting without me?" he teased, breaking the tension.

Lina managed a small smile, grateful for the distraction. Leon shot Grayson a look, but it softened as they both tried to cheer her up.

"Come on, Lina, you can't just be all gloomy in front of us. It's against the rules!" Grayson said, grinning.

Leon smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Let me see that beautiful smile. Or maybe I'll just poke your nose instead."

"No! Don't touch my nose," she protested, scrunching her face in annoyance. "You know I hate it!"

"I know," Leon replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "That's why I'm doing it." With that, he reached out and playfully poked her nose.

"Ugh! You're the worst!" she laughed, feeling the heaviness in her heart lift, if only slightly.

The three of them shared a moment of warmth, their laughter filling the room. But as the day went on, Lina found herself retreating back into her thoughts, the weight of her family life lingering.

Later that evening, when the workday ended, she returned home feeling drained but somewhat uplifted by her brothers. After a quick dinner, she retreated to her room, needing a moment of solitude.

Lina unrolled her prayer mat and knelt down, offering her Isha prayers. Each word brought her a sense of peace, a reminder that she was never truly alone, even amidst the chaos. With each whispered prayer, she felt the burdens of the day lighten, letting hope fill the spaces of her heart where doubt had settled.

After finishing, she closed her eyes, feeling a warmth surround her, a quiet assurance that tomorrow was a new day filled with possibilities.