Epiphany

33:

- Hadia -

I quickly ran in my heels as I properly wore my blazer. "I'm late." I kept repeating as I got off the bus.

"I'm so dead. Alex is going to kill me." I kept telling myself as I ran towards the building.

I continued running to the lecturers' offices, passing the confused students watching me run past them.

I ran towards Adam's office, just as I was about to knock on the door, short of breath. The door swung open. "Hadia, you're on time." He said, looking at me gasping for air.

I looked at him, wondering if he's being sarcastic. He narrowed down at me, "I'm not being sarcastic." He said, he handed me a water bottle.

"Apparently, the board members and investors are all stuck because of the heavy rain, so we have time." He said.

"Great." I sighed in relief. "I really need to sit down." I said, still trying to make my breathing normal after running.

A sharp pain coursed through me. I winced as I quickly sat down. "Are you alright?" Adam asked. "Just a long day." I replied.

"Where's Zaki?" Adam asked. "He's at preschool, but Sara is gonna drop him off here in around an hour." I replied.

"I think we should give the board members the presentation. The investor is running late." Adam said, looking at his laptop.

"Let's go." I agreed.

-
"And through this, it gives children a more positive exposure to technology, where they learn and engage rather than doom scrolling, while also hopefully encouraging future computer scientists and students." I smiled.

"This is a very positive experience and idea. This definitely should be more available in other places." A members spoke. I nodded, agreeing with them.

"Our data on this slide shows how the children improved before and after they started this club. It has not one but many positive outcomes. Parents have also vouched, as children are improving in maths too." I added.

They nodded, talking between themselves. The side door opened, maybe indicating that the late investor finally made it.

"Feel free to ask any questions." I spoke, my eyes drifting from the board members to the late investor.

I froze as he stared back. This can't be, after four years. He's here? Now?

He stood back in a drenched coat, staring back at me. He looked older, sharper, but also somehow the same as he looked four years ago. But also, he looked as if he went through hell and back, but that's not any of my business.

Somehow, in that moment, I forgot how to breathe. I could hear footsteps approaching behind me as Adam called out my name. I blinked, quickly composing myself and looking away from him. "And that is all from my side. Adam will go through any financial queries. Thank you." I quickly said and turned to escape.

Without waiting for anyone to respond, I closed the file on the laptop and stepped back. My heart thundered in my chest as I turned around and walked. No, more like rushing out the side door, keeping my eyes low. I didn't dare look back. I didn't want to see him.

I had left the building as if it were on fire. I finally thought I could breathe as I stood outside. I needed to leave here as soon as possible.

I quickly walked out of the building, somehow still managing to walk on my two feet. I got to the all playground around the building, where I saw Zaki and Sara waving to me.

My heart swelled as soon as I saw Zaki, holding Sara,s hand, his dinosaur hood up and little bag on his back.

"You look like you saw a ghost, was the meeting that bad?" Sara asked. I sighed, what was I gonna tell her, that my son's father appeared out of no where, but I was too exhausted to say anything.

"You can say that." I said. She gave me a sad smile, "tell me all about it l later when I drop by." She said, patting Zaki's head. As I held Zaki up, we both waved to Sana.

As we walked down the bus stop, the buses had cancelled for the day because of the heavy rain in the area. "I guess mommy and Zaki will have to walk home today." I said to Zaki.

My poor baby smiled back, knowing that meant he was gonna get to play in all the puddles he sees. We started walked our way home, but as luck has it, it started raining again, each passing minute, the rain got heavier.

"Zaki, come under my umbrella." I said, trying to shelter from the rain as much as possible. My other shoulder soaking, but at least Zaki is covered and dry.

After finally making it home, I had quickly forgotten everything that had happened earlier in the day. It was probably just a bad nightmare, but now I'm awake with my Zaki, I thought as I quickly gave him a warm bath after our cold walk.

"Let's have dinner and put you to bed". I said, as I set Zaki's favorite pasta. Helping Zaki eat his dinner, looking at him kept reminding of him. I shook my head, "Why am I thinking of him right now?" I thought to myself out loud. 

We were almost done dinner, when I heard the doorbell ring, I peeked at the clock, it was almost eight in the evening, who would be here at this hour, I thought. Grabbing a shawl, I wrapped it around my head before opening the door. 

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Hey guys, It's been a whileee since I last posted, but I really missed writing. *Sigh* uni's like a full time job at this point :(