That morning, while drive to training, Nabil decided to play an audio of the Quran. He loved how it made him feel at ease, and turned it on with the press of a button.
As he listened to the melodic recitations, a single verse caught his attention.
"And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination"
For some reason it reminded him of something. But he couldn't recall what it was. As he entered the training ground gates, he spotted Leon emerging from his car. ❝Morning bro,❞ Leon walked over when Nabil had parked.
❝Hey,❞they exchanged a friendly hug. ❝How's the knee?❞ Leon gestured to Nabil's injured limb. And it was then, that Nabil remembered.
The pair strolled in together, as Leon began talking about how bad his dinner had been. ❝Listen, I'll catch you in a bit,❞Leon suddenly nudged him. Nabil nodded, watching as Leon jogged away.
He spun back around, and as if it was fate's will, there was Erin ambling toward him. She hadn't noticed him, for her head was hanging low. She seemed upset. ❝Hey,❞ Nabil said.
When Erin saw Nabil, she couldn't help but smile. ❝Hi,❞ she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. ❝You alright?❞ Nabil asked, concern evident in his voice.
Erin nodded hastily. She didn't want him to worry. ❝Good,❞ he smiled, and suddenly she felt happy again.
❝I figured out what helps me remain calm,❞ he told her. Erin raised her eyebrows, beckoning him to continue. ❝Patience,❞Nabil revealed. ❝One of Islam's core values.❞
And Erin pondered for a second, thinking, maybe that's what I've been missing all this while.
++
The verse was taken from surah (or chapter) ash-Shura 42:43.
Thank you again for reading! ❤️
YOU ARE READING
serenity | bentaleb ✓
Fanfictionnabil bentaleb -- [short story] not freedom from the storm, but peace from within it.
