Fickle

Chpater 32

The winter sun filtered through the glass walls of Kulthum’s private office, its warmth a stark contrast to the storm brewing in her heart. Abdullah’s return to Daura was imminent—a fact she had learned from his recent, tentative conversations. He hadn’t explicitly said it, but she knew he was trying to set things in order back home before fully embracing his role as a father and husband again.

As the days drew closer to his departure, Kulthum began to prepare, not just for his absence but for the ripple effects it would have on their fragile family dynamic.

Kulthum knew the twins would need guidance to process the change. Jenna, with her effervescent nature and boundless optimism, was thrilled at the idea of her father’s role growing beyond their Minnesota home.

"Does that mean Daddy will be a king soon?" Jenna asked one evening, her hazel eyes shining with curiosity.

Kulthum smiled, brushing her daughter’s hair. "It means he has responsibilities, Jenna. Big ones, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop being your daddy."

Hudayfah, however, was less enthusiastic. He sat in his usual corner of the living room, flipping through his book but saying nothing.

"Hudayfah," Kulthum called softly, crouching beside him. "How do you feel about Daddy going back to Daura for a while?"

He glanced up, his expression unreadable. "He has to, right? Because of his crown and stuff?"

Kulthum nodded. "Yes, but he’ll come back. And we’ll always be in touch with him. It’s okay to feel unsure about it."

Hudayfah shrugged, his face tightening. "It’s fine. I’m used to people leaving."

The words stung Kulthum, but she kept her composure. She reached out to hold his hand, silently resolving to help him trust again.

Kulthum decided it was time to reconnect with her brother Saddique and her best friend Alia on a deeper level. The events of the past weeks had rekindled bonds that had frayed over the years, and she realized she couldn’t face the next chapter alone.

Over a dinner hosted at her home, Kulthum shared her concerns with Saddique and Alia.

"Abdullah’s return to Daura will leave a gap here," she admitted. "Not just for the twins, but for me too. I’m worried about how we’ll all cope."

Saddique, ever the protector, offered his unwavering support. "You don’t have to do this alone, Kulthum. The kids and I will always be here for you. And if you need anything, I’ll fly down from Nigeria in a heartbeat."

Alia added with a gentle smile, "And you’re stronger than you think. You’ve built a life here, raised two incredible kids, and kept your career thriving. This is just another challenge—you’ll handle it."

As much as Kulthum focused on her children, she couldn’t ignore the feelings swirling within her. Abdullah’s presence had stirred emotions she thought she had buried: love, anger, longing, and confusion.

Late one night, she sat by her bedroom window, staring out at the snow-covered garden. Memories of their early years together flooded her mind—their laughter, shared dreams, and the bond they had before everything fell apart.

"Can we really rebuild?" she whispered to herself. "Or is it too late?"

She knew his return to Daura was necessary for the stability of their lives, but a part of her feared it might create a distance that even time couldn’t bridge.

---

The night before Abdullah’s departure, Kulthum decided to host a quiet dinner at home with just the four of them. The atmosphere was warm but tinged with the weight of the impending separation.