Destined Strangers

Chapter 26

I cut myself upon the thought of you
And yet I come back to it again and again

Amy Lowell

🌙

She walks slowly beside Nour, her steps light, but her thoughts heavy, drifting far from the conversation. Nour's voice is steady, but the words blur into the background like the soft rustle of leaves around them. After a few more paces, Nour suddenly halts, causing Sania to stop as well. She turns to look at her with questioning eyes.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Nour asks, her expression serious. Sania meets her gaze, a soft smile touching her lips.

"I am listening, of course. My mind just drifted off for a bit," she responds in her usual gentle tone.

"Where did it drift off to?"

Sania takes her hand again, the warmth of it grounding her as they begin walking once more.

"Nowhere really, just the usual, everyday things..."

She murmurs, though a faraway look lingers in her eyes, betraying the depth of what truly haunts her.

Nour shrugs casually, not seeming too bothered, and resumes her story. This time, Sania tunes in, her mind clearing. She had come to see Nour before heading to the hospital, and with some time to spare, Nour had suggested they take a walk.

"Did you have breakfast?"

Nour asks suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet moment. Sania shakes her head.

"Let's get that out of the way first. I'm starving."

"Alright."

Sania responds with a small smile. They continue walking, the cool morning air brushing past them as they search for a place to eat. After a few minutes, they find a cozy place tucked away on a quiet street and settle in, the warmth inside contrasting the chill outside.

As they wait for their order, Sania absentmindedly scrolls through messages on her phone, her fingers moving in a slow rhythm. Across from her, Nour watches her intently, noticing the slight furrow in Sania's brow. A moment later, the food arrives, breaking the silence. Sania puts her phone down, shifting her focus to the steaming breakfast in front of her, grateful for the distraction.

"Did you have a fight with Hassan?"

Sania's hand, holding her fork, freezes midway to her mouth. She looks at Nour in surprise, who continues eating without a hint of urgency, her face calm yet serious. For a brief moment, Sania thinks, questioning whether she and Hassan really had a fight. No... it wasn't a fight-just his reaction to something. He never truly argues with her. Maybe he didn't even have the right to.

"No."

Sania answers with a soft but firm word, then returns to her food.

"Then why you seems disturbed? Is there another problem?"

"I'm not disturbed..." she replies, but her voice lacks the certainty she wishes it had.

Nour looks up at her, her gaze softening, and a smile plays on her lips.

"Oh really?"

Sania glances at her, catching the subtle smile, and a warm one spreads across her own face. The atmosphere feels lighter, as though Nour's presence alone can ease any tension.

"It's just a small thing," she finally admits, the weight of keeping things from Nour now feeling unnecessary. Nour always knows.

"With who?"