serenity | bentaleb ✓

stronger +

Before Nabil could utter a word, Erin turned to him. He could tell she was trying not to choke on her words. ❝Maybe that's why my parents left me,❞ she said, her voice barely above a whisper, ❝they knew my life would be a joke.❞

Nabil was shocked. He never knew anything about her being orphaned. But he didn't feel like it was the appropriate time to ask.

❝That isn't true,❞ he immediately sounded. He hated seeing her in this state. The once bubbly, outgoing Erin had been reduced to a mere ghost of what she was. And he didn't like it one bit.

❝Why did they leave Nabil?❞ She croaked, ❝am I worth nothing?❞

You are, Erin, you're worth something to me. That thought came out of nowhere, and Nabil was taken aback. But, he didn't find himself denying it. ❝Hey,❞ he said gently. ❝You're worth everything, Erin.❞

She didn't know how, but those four simple words seemed to appease her in a way no other words had. ❝You know there's a verse from the Quran that I always stand by,❞ he said as she looked up at him, ❝it goes: He does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.❞

❝You're much stronger than you think, Erin.❞ Their eyes met once again, and for the first time that day, Erin felt a sense of serenity wash over her.

❝You are very much capable of more,❞ he stated, ❝all you have to do is trust yourself.❞

Erin inhaled deeply, slowly regaining her composure. He's right. ❝And you're not alone in this.❞ He flashed her a small comforting smile, ❝I'm right here with you.❞

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The verse was taken from surah (or chapter) al-Baqarah 2:286. 

and thank you for reading as always! ❤ :)