In the heart of Wales, behind the walls of the grandest estate in the city, lies a hidden gem: sixteen-year-old Anna Hussain. With her mother as serene as the morning mist and her father a vibrant burst of color, Anna grapples with her identity-caug...
Happy Thursday folks, hope you are enjoying your week so far and gearing up for the weekend. I am going to do crocheting and soak in some sunlight after I publish this chapter for you bcs jeez, I had an anxiety attack last night.
Enjoy xoxox
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"This might sting a bit, but it'll help with the swelling," the nurse's voice cut through the silence as she carefully placed an ice pack against my throbbing cheek. I remained still, unable to move, as Rim offered to assist.
"Ouch!"
I winced as Rim pressed the ice pack firmly against my cheek, the pain shooting through me like a jolt of electricity.
Despite my discomfort, I couldn't bring myself to stop her, my body feeling numb and immovable.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of Mariam, my childhood best friend, lying in the hospital fighting for her life. While she struggled to survive, I was confined to my room, being tended to by doctors and nurses. The uncertainty gnawed at me, leaving me desperate for answers.
"Don't cry, Appi. You'll be okay."
Rim's voice broke through my thoughts, her use of the Urdu term for older sister a surprising reminder of our shared heritage. Despite my numbness, her presence offered a sliver of comfort, a small beacon of light in the darkness that surrounded me.
As the nurse finished suturing my forehead, Rim returned to my bedside, her expression grave and serious.
A knot formed in my stomach as I tried to meet her gaze, my eyes drifting to Nancy, who stood nearby, waiting for a sign.
"I'll leave you two alone." Nancy murmured before slipping out of the room, leaving Rim and me in tense silence.
Rim wasted no time in locking the door and fetching a glass of water, her movements hurried and frantic. I frowned at her agitation, but she offered me a small smile as she helped me drink.
Once settled, I couldn't ignore the seriousness in Rim's expression any longer.
"What is it, Rim? What's on your mind?" I asked, my voice tinged with apprehension.
"It's about Tamimi." Rim began, her voice barely above a whisper, her face pale with worry.
Before she could continue, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting our conversation. With a resigned sigh, Rim rose to answer it, returning moments later with a glass of water and a furrowed brow.
"Where were we?"
I asked, trying to lighten the mood as she settled back beside me.
"Tamimi went back to the hospital to check on your friend."
Rim revealed, her words sending a jolt of surprise through me.
"When?" I asked, bewildered by the news.
"After you were brought home. Your head was bleeding badly, and he went to fetch help."
Rim explained, her words filling in the gaps in my memory.
As Rim continued, I felt a sense of unease creeping over me.
"Did a nurse call out to you?" she asked, her tone cautious.
I nodded slowly, the memory of the nurse's voice echoing in my mind.
"So, Tamimi went back to find out what the nurse wanted to tell you about your friend."
Rim concluded, her words hanging heavy in the air.
Fear gripped me as I realized the implications of Tamimi's actions.
"Tell me, what does he know!?"
I demanded, my voice trembling with apprehension.
"He knows."
Rim confessed softly, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. A surge of pain shot through me, causing me to clench my teeth in distress.
"He knows what?"
I asked, my voice barely a whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.
"She's... gone." Rim replied solemnly. "Mariam... she's dead."
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Thought to leave you to a cliffhanger but then I decided not to. What ya think is next in store for Anna, how is she going to take this news about her best friend?
