Adja and cheick Ahmed ❤️

03

As Salam Aleykoum 

It's been a week now since little Noor started coming to my house every day. Every morning, she arrives early, always accompanied by the driver, and stays with me until late afternoon. When it's time for her to go home, she starts crying, and her sorrow breaks my heart. I try to reassure her, promising that we'll see each other again soon, but nothing seems to work. She clings to me, her small arms holding me tightly, and I feel the pain growing inside me. I've grown so attached to this little girl, more than I ever imagined I would.

One morning, when Noor arrives, I notice that something is troubling her.

Me: Hey, Princess Noor, how are you today?

Noor, looking down: I'm fine, but... I'm a little sad.

I kneel down to be at her level.

Me: Oh no, why are you sad? You know Auntie Adja is here for you.

She throws herself into my arms, her little voice trembling with emotion.

Noor: I miss Papa... Papa has been gone for so long, and I want him to come back.

I gently stroke her hair, trying to find the right words to comfort her.

Me: I understand, my dear. Sometimes dads have to leave for work, but he'll be back soon, and he'll be so happy to see you.

Noor: Do you really think so?

Me: I'm sure of it! And in the meantime, you have me, right? We'll have fun and do lots of things together.

She wipes her tears with the back of her hand and nods.

Noor: Okay. Do you promise?

Me, smiling: I promise!

That day, I decide to do everything I can to cheer her up. We spend the morning playing, drawing princesses, and building castles with the blocks my little sister Habi kindly shared. Noor laughs heartily, and I see joy gradually returning to her face. We've found a special bond together, one that makes me happy, even in the simplicity of our moments.

Around noon, as the sun shines brightly in the sky, I suggest she try a dish my mother often makes.

Me: Noor, have you ever eaten tô?

Noor, curious: What is tô?

Me: It's a traditional dish from our country. I'll make some for you, and you'll see, it's delicious.

We head to the kitchen, where my sister Habi is already setting the table for lunch. Noor helps me as best as she can, carrying a small napkin and following me everywhere like a shadow. I see her smile as she discovers simple things, like how tô forms when stirred with a whisk.

Noor: It looks funny!

Me: It's a bit like magic, don't you think?

She laughs, and the sound fills the house with sweetness. We end up sharing a simple but warm meal, and I'm happy to see Noor enjoying herself.

In the afternoon, the heat is intense, so we settle under the shade of a big tree in the yard. Noor and I play board games while Brahim and Moussa try to build a kite using recycled materials.

Moussa: Adja, look, we're almost ready to make it fly!

Me, amused: I hope this kite won't fly too far away, right?

Brahim: Don't worry, we've got it under control!

I'm about to respond when I hear someone knocking at the front door. I get up to open it and am surprised to see the lady who entrusted Noor to me. She looks worried but relaxes when she sees Noor playing happily in the yard.

Her: Hello, Adja. I'm sorry for dropping by unexpectedly.

Me: Oh, hello, ma'am! You don't have to apologize. Noor is having a great time, look.

She watches her granddaughter with a tender gaze and then smiles at me.

Her: It's incredible how attached she has become to you. I've never seen Noor so happy, especially since her father left for his trip.

Me: I'm glad I can bring her some joy. She's adorable, and I care about her a lot.

The lady: You know, Adja, my son... he's always traveling for work, and Noor needs stability, love. You're like a big sister to her, and I'm grateful.

Me, touched: It's a pleasure for me to take care of her.

In the evening, when it's time for Noor to go home, the same scene repeats. She cries, clings to me, and I have to reassure her once more.

Noor: I don't want to leave, Auntie Adja...

Me, holding back my own tears: I know, sweetheart. But you'll come back tomorrow, right? And we'll do lots of things together again.

Noor: Promise?

Me, hugging her tightly: I promise.

I walk her to the car, my heart heavy. The driver gives me a sympathetic smile.

The driver: It's hard for her, but she knows you care for her deeply.

I nod, trying to hide the emotion welling up inside me. When the car drives away, I return to the house, my mind filled with Noor's laughter and tears.

My mother, who had been watching me from a distance, comes over.

My mother: That little girl has really taken up a big place in your heart, hasn't she?

Me, sighing: Yes, Mama. I didn't think it would be this hard to see her leave.

My mother: That's what love is. It hurts sometimes, but it makes life beautiful.

I smile, grateful for these moments, even if they're fleeting. I don't know where all this will lead, but I'm ready to keep making Noor happy for as long as I can.

I hope you all love each other 🥰