Holding On To Hope

Chapter 11: A New Dawn

The next morning, Lina woke up to a soft knock on her door. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, revealing Leon with a determined look on his face.

"Get up, Lina. We're going out for breakfast," he said, his tone brokering no argument.

Lina rubbed the sleep from her eyes, still feeling the weight of the previous night's confrontation. "But I—"

"Now," Leon interrupted, stepping into the room. "You need to eat something decent, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

With a reluctant sigh, she got out of bed and quickly dressed. A part of her felt comforted by his insistence, even if it felt overwhelming.

At the café, they sat at a small table, the atmosphere buzzing around them. Leon ordered fresh juice for her and a yogurt parfait with granola that made her cringe. She tried to force down the healthy meal, but the thick texture of the yogurt was off-putting.

As she sipped the juice, Leon's piercing gaze bore into her. The silence stretched, and she could feel the tension building between them. Every now and then, she caught his concerned stare.

After a few moments of silence, Leon shifted his chair, sliding it beside her. "Lina," he said softly, leaning closer. "Look at me."

She turned her gaze to him, tears threatening to spill over.

"I know I raised my voice," he continued, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "You know I hate doing that, but I can't bear to see you in pain. You're not just my sister—you're like my child. I need you to let me help you. You don't have to endure this alone, and you certainly don't have to suffer like this, Lina."

His words hung in the air, heavy with concern. Lina felt a surge of emotions, caught between her gratitude and her need to be strong. "Leon," she whispered, "you're my strength. I can handle this. I really am strong, and you know it."

"But you shouldn't have to be strong all the time," he countered gently. "You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Lina looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "I can't be a bad daughter in Allah's eyes. Whatever my mother does, that's on her. I'm not going to let her actions define who I am."

Leon studied her for a moment before nodding slowly, clearly torn between understanding her resolve and wanting to shield her from pain. "Just remember, it's okay to lean on me when you need to."

As they finished their breakfast, the mood began to lighten. Leon couldn't resist poking her nose, a habit that always annoyed her. "You know, for someone who claims to be strong, you sure are struggling with that yogurt. Did you forget how to eat?" He said, poking her nose again.

"Stop poking my nose!" Lina retorted, swatting his hand away. "It's so annoying!"

Leon laughed, unfazed. "But it's fun! You're just too serious sometimes."

Rolling her eyes, Lina couldn't help but smile despite her annoyance. "You're impossible."

They entered the office, Lina smiling and feeling better.

Mia came with usual enthusiasm. "What's this? Lina's actually smiling? I must be dreaming!"

Lina smiled "I just had breakfast with my brother"

Mia sighed dramatically "Oh! How I wish I had this importance in your life. The power to make you smile with just one meal"

Lina rolled her eyes at the drama queen and Leon left for his office room but not before he gave a victory smile to Mia and said "Try harder in another life maybe" making Mia annoyed.