Abdel Hamid stood in front of his sister Hanan's house for several minutes, trying to gather his courage before knocking on the door. The door opened, revealing Fadi, his sister’s husband, holding their baby on his shoulder. A look of surprise was clear on Fadi’s face when he saw Abdel Hamid.
Fadi (in surprise): “Abdel Hamid?! What brings you here?!”
Fadi felt embarrassed by his sudden reaction, so he smiled gently and said:
Fadi: “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way... Come in.”
Abdel Hamid entered the house, fully understanding Fadi’s sincere intentions, and felt at ease with him.
Fadi (smiling): “This is the first time you’ve visited us without informing us beforehand!”
Abdel Hamid (playfully): “You didn’t like my visit, then? Don’t worry, it’s a quick one. I’ll see my sister and leave right away!”
Fadi (laughing): “Haha, you know this house is yours too!”
Abdel Hamid (with a soft smile): “Thanks. Alright, could you call Hanan? I need to discuss something important with her.”
Fadi: “Hanan left in the morning. She went to visit her friend.”
Abdel Hamid (surprised): “Her friend? Oh, you mean Tulip?!”
Fadi (surprised): “You know her?”
Abdel Hamid (sarcastically): “Who doesn’t know Hanan’s best friend since college? Tulip! Haha, you reminded me of the old days. Believe it or not, Hanan tried to set me up with her! She sent me countless emails trying to convince me that Tulip was the perfect bride, and she only stopped after I married Narges!”
Fadi (admiringly): “Honestly, she had a point. Tulip is an angel.”
Abdel Hamid (seriously): “Anyway, why did she go to her? Is something important going on?”
Fadi (sadly): “Unfortunately, her father passed away early this morning. Hanan went to comfort her and help with the funeral arrangements and receiving condolences. Tulip is all alone now after losing her father.”
Abdel Hamid (moved): “To God we belong, and to Him we return. Alright, can you call Hanan and let her know I’m here? I need to talk to her urgently.”
Fadi: “Of course, just a minute.”
Fadi went to the bedroom and picked up his phone to call his wife.
...
“Fadi Marwan, 38 years old, tall, slim, with large black eyes, fair skin, black hair, and a light mustache and beard. He’s been Abdel Hamid’s friend since childhood.”
――――
At Tulip’s house, Hanan sat next to her friend, who was crying deeply over the loss of her father.
Hanan (to herself): “Oh, my dear, you’ve lost your father after your mother, and now you’re all alone. You sacrificed your life, refusing suitors just to care for your father. Oh God, reward her for her patience with goodness!”
... “Hanan, 36 years old, beautiful, with black eyes, long black hair, slim, of average height, and a graduate of French Literature.”
Hanan (emotionally, holding her friend’s hand): “Calm down, Tulip. Your father, Abdel Sabour, wouldn’t want to see you cry like this. Remember how much he suffered in his illness. It’s better to pray for mercy and forgiveness for him.”
Tulip (crying): “I know all that, Hanan. Thank God, my conscience is clear because I never left him for a moment and cared for him with all the strength I had. I even took first aid courses to be able to take care of him. I didn’t marry so that nothing would distract me from him.”
Hanan (gratefully): “Thank God. You are faithful and strong. Seek your reward for patience from God.”
Tulip (with sorrow): “Amen. But the house will be empty without him. I’ll miss him so much.”
... “Tulip, 36 years old, beautiful, with dark brown eyes, short brown hair, of average height, with a fuller figure, and a graduate of French Literature.”
Hanan’s phone rang, and she picked it up to see her husband’s name.
Hanan: “Yes, my love, are the kids okay?”
After hearing a few words, she quickly stood up.
Hanan: “Tell him I’ll be there right away. Goodbye.”
She turned to her friend, holding her hand lovingly to comfort her.
Hanan: “Forgive me, dear. I know it’s not right to leave you in these circumstances, but please allow me to go now. I’ll come back tonight to spend the night with you.”
Tulip: “There’s no need, Hanan. Your kids need you more than I do.”
Hanan (insistently): “Don’t talk like that. I’ll go see my brother and come back to you immediately. Stay strong, we all face this, and may God give you patience over your loss.”
Tulip (moved): “Praise be to God. Thank you, Hanan.”
Hanan: “Take care.”
Tulip: “May God protect you for me. Take care.”
――――
Back at home, Fadi turned to Abdel Hamid and said:
Fadi: “She’s on her way. I’ll go prepare lunch now.”
Abdel Hamid: “Why go through the trouble? Let’s order food, and I’ll pay for it.”
Fadi (laughing): “Haha, thanks, but Hanan and I agreed when we got married not to bring fast food into our house to maintain our health and the health of our kids.”
Abdel Hamid felt a pang of bitterness as he heard Fadi’s words. He realized that despite all the money he had, he still couldn’t fill the gap in his family life. At thirty-eight years old, he had yet to experience the stability and love of a small family. As he sank into his memories, he found himself going back sixteen years.
――――
YOU ARE READING
The Share Of The Flower
ChickLitIn life, there are those who have everything, and yet they feel the loss of something greater than money and prestige. This was the case of Abdel Hamid, a successful businessman who made a great fortune, but all those millions were not enough to mak...
