Fickle

Chapter 36

The sun streamed into the cozy living room of Kulthum’s Minnesota home, where Jenna and Hudayfah were sprawled on the carpet, working on a puzzle. Kulthum sat nearby with her laptop open, scrolling through news updates from Daura.

The headlines were impossible to ignore:

"Prince Abdullah Crushes Treasonous Plot in the Royal Court"

"Daura’s Crown Prince Solidifies Leadership Amidst Chaos"

"Hanifah Bint Maleek Under Arrest: A Kingdom Saved?"

Kulthum leaned back in her chair, her fingers rubbing her temples. It had been days since Abdullah returned to Daura, and though they had spoken briefly over the phone, the details of what he was dealing with remained scarce.

Jenna looked up from the puzzle, her eyes sparkling.

"Mommy, did you see the news about Daddy?" she asked, beaming. "He’s so brave! Like a real superhero!"

Kulthum smiled faintly, her heart softening at Jenna’s enthusiasm. Her daughter’s bond with Abdullah had grown stronger in the weeks leading up to his departure, and it seemed his absence hadn’t dampened her affection.

"Yes, sweetheart," Kulthum replied. "He’s working very hard to keep Daura safe."

Jenna’s smile widened. "I want to tell him! Can we call him, Mommy? Please?"

Hudayfah, however, remained quiet, his focus fixed on the puzzle. His reserved nature had only deepened since Abdullah’s departure. While Jenna was quick to embrace her father, Hudayfah still struggled with his feelings.

"Hudayfah, what do you think about all this?" Kulthum asked gently.

He shrugged, not looking up. "He’s just doing his job, right?"

Kulthum’s heart ached at his guarded response. "It’s more than that, sweetie," she said softly. "He’s doing it for all of us—for the family and the people of Daura."

Hudayfah glanced at her briefly before returning to his puzzle. "I guess."

Later that evening, after the children had gone to bed, Kulthum sat alone with her thoughts. Abdullah’s leadership in Daura had always been a source of pride, but it also brought back the complexities of their estranged relationship.

She thought about how Jenna’s unconditional love for her father seemed to brighten their lives, while Hudayfah’s reticence served as a reminder of the wounds that still needed healing.

"I need to do more," Kulthum whispered to herself. "For the children—and for him."

The next morning, Kulthum decided to write a letter to Abdullah. Though they had spoken on the phone, she felt that putting her thoughts on paper would convey her emotions more clearly.

"Dear Abdullah,

I saw the news today and felt both proud and worried. Proud of the strength and resolve you’ve shown in Daura, and worried about the toll it must be taking on you. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to navigate all of this while thinking about us here in Minnesota.

Jenna misses you terribly. She talks about you every day, calling you her superhero. Hudayfah, on the other hand, is still finding it hard to open up. I know he needs time, but I also know he needs you.

We’re all trying to adjust to this new reality, but I want you to know that I’m here—for the children, and in some way, for you too. No matter what challenges you face in Daura, remember that you’re not alone. We are still a family, even if the pieces don’t quite fit together perfectly yet.