Shattered illusions

7: celebrating success

Manchester, England.

Hanan woke up early in her apartment, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the moot court competition. She had spent countless hours preparing, researching, and rehearsing her arguments, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty.

As she got out of bed, Hanan took a deep breath and began her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and styled her long, dark hair into a neat ponytail. She then headed to the kitchen for breakfast.

Upon entering the kitchen she met Hooriya, who had spent the night at Hanan's apartment, considering her free lecture day.

Hooriya passed her a plate of pancakes with scrambled eggs and a hot cup of tea.
And Hanan settled on the table with hooriya.

"You're going to do great today, Hanan," Hooriya said, smiling encouragingly.

Hanan smiled back, feeling grateful for her friend's support. "Thanks, Hooriya. I'm just trying to stay focused."

After finishing her breakfast, Hanan headed back to her room to finish getting ready. She slipped on a pair of elegant black heels and a crisp white blouse, paired with a fitted black skirt that fell just above her knees. A simple silver necklace and a pair of stud earrings completed her outfit.

Feeling more confident and composed, Hanan grabbed her bag and headed out the door with Hooriya. They made their way to the law school faculty, where Hanan's teammates were waiting for her.

••••••••

Before the competition began, Hanan took a moment to video call her family from the faculty's courtyard. She sat down on a bench, took a deep breath, and dialed the number. After a few rings, her father's face appeared on the screen.

"Assalamualaikum, baba," Hanan said, smiling.

"Wa alaikum salam, my dear," her father replied, smiling back. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm feeling a bit nervous, but I'll be okay," Hanan said.

Her mother's face appeared on the screen next to her father's. "Hanan, don't be nervous," she said. "You've prepared well, and you'll do great. Just remember to breathe and speak clearly."

Hanan smiled, feeling reassured by her mother's words. "I will, mamah ." she said.

Just then, Ashraf's face appeared on the screen, . " ya Hanan, good luck," he said quietly.

Hanan smiled at her brother. "Thanks, Ashraf," she said. "I'll try my best."

Her father spoke up again. "We're all very proud of you, Hanan," he said. "No matter what happens today, you've already made us proud."

Hanan felt a surge of gratitude and love for her family. "Thank you, baba," she said. "I love you all."

"We love you too, " her mother replied. "Go out there and make us proud."

Hanan smiled, feeling more confident and focused. "I will, mama," she said. "Assalamualaikum."

"Waalaikumu salam." " her family replied in unison, before the call ended.

As Hanan ended the video call with her family, she felt a surge of determination and focus. She took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and joined her teammates outside the faculty's main auditorium, where the moot court competition was being held.

The auditorium was a grand, high-ceilinged hall with a large stage at the front. The walls were lined with rows of seats, which were rapidly filling up with students, faculty members, and guests. Hanan's teammates were already seated, dressed in their formal attire and looking confident.