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...
I kind of forgot yesterday was Thursday and the episode went amiss. So here's the longer update for you now. I hope you enjoy the episode.
Closures are as important as beginnings. We all deserve closures.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
“Anna?”
“Anna?”
I shook my head, snapping out of my reverie to find Tamimi standing just a few feet away from me. My eyes darted around the room, but it was empty. There was no one else here.
“Are you crying?”
His voice dripped with concern, perhaps a bit too much.
I shook my head in denial and turned to stare out the window.
Tamimi placed the food tray between us and settled on the bed next to me. Without a word, he began preparing toast, spreading cheese with a butter knife.
Watching him work brought back memories of simpler times—of amusement park rides and bicycle lessons shared with a childhood friend.
“Here.”
He offered, handing me a glass of juice.
“Thank you.”
I mumbled, leaving the half-eaten toast untouched as I sipped the juice.
“Do you not like it?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No, it’s just that I’m not hungry anymore.”
I stated flatly, my thoughts still consumed by my earlier confrontation with Olivia. I couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal.
My gaze shifted to Tamimi's face, and he met my eyes with a concerned expression.
“Anna...”
He began, his voice gentle.
I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat growing, but I silently accepted the sandwich he offered, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me.
“Good girl.”
He remarked, attempting to lighten the mood.
I let out a curt laugh.
“I’m not a good girl. I’m a troublemaker, a burden to everyone around me.”
“You’re not that.” He insisted, his tone firm. “And it’s not true that you haven’t done anything to help anyone.”
I took a bite of the bread, avoiding his gaze as I contemplated his words.
Glancing out the window, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the day unfolding before us—the cloudless sky, the birds soaring freely. But Tamimi’s suggestion of going outside brought a wave of apprehension.
“I... you know I can’t.,”
I began, my voice trailing off. He knew the truth—I couldn’t leave the confines of my room, not after what had happened. Mom had forbidden me from attending the funeral, just as she forbade me from leaving the house now.
“Yes, you can.” He insisted, his eyes alight with determination. “It’s time for you to get some fresh air. It’s been over a week since you’ve been anywhere outside of this room.”
Aweek? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
“What are you... saying?” I asked, confusion clouding my thoughts.
“I’m saying let’s take you somewhere.” he replied eagerly.
“But... my mom—”
“She won’t be a problem.” He interrupted. “The doctors told her to let you out once you wake up. She was terrified that you wouldn’t.”
A sudden impulse seized me, and I leaned in close to him, whispering urgently, “Can you take me to the cemetery? I need to see Mary.”
His reaction was immediate, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water before he finally spoke.
“Okay, but...”
“What?”
I pressed, panic rising in my chest.
“You were out for about a week,” he explained, his words sending a shiver down my spine. “The doctors said it was to keep you away from depression. I’m not sure if it’s safe for your health to go there.”
I gasped, my eyes widening in horror.
“A week? Was I taken to the hospital?”
I whispered, the truth dawning on me.
“No, your mother was reluctant to move you.” He replied solemnly. “So they treated you here, keeping your nerves relaxed with medication. Mary’s funeral wasn’t yesterday—it was a week ago.”
I couldn’t believe it. My mother had risked my life just to avoid media attention. The realization left me reeling, a mix of anger and betrayal coursing through me.
“Are we going out then?”
Tamimi asked eagerly.
“Are you taking me to the cemetery?”
I interjected before he could respond.
He paused; his expression conflicted.
“I promise I won’t be in trouble; nothing will happen to me. Please?”
I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.
With a resigned sigh, he relented.
“Fine then but promise me you won’t let anyone know about this, and we’ll go alone.”
I nodded fervently, mimicking Rim’s gesture, “Promise.”
“Okay then, get ready, and... where’s your phone?”
He inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.
I faltered, realizing I didn’t know where my phone was.
“I can’t remember where I put it last time.”
I admitted, rising to my feet to search for it.
Tamimi chuckled softly.
“Find your phone and wait for my text. I’ll message you, then come out. Okay?”
“Okay, but wait... you have my number?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes, your mom gave it to me the other night when we couldn’t find you. Wait. Was your phone with you back then?” He queried; his confusion evident.
“No, I remember not taking it with me to the mall.” I replied.
“Ah, okay. Find it. I’ll be downstairs; come there when I text you.”
He instructed before leaving with the tray.
As he departed, my heart raced with a mixture of emotions. I was both happy and sad—happy for the opportunity to apologize to Mary, yet saddened by the realization that I wouldn’t be able to hear her voice or see her face again.
