The Truest Soldier-Islamic Life Story

Chapter Two

"You're going to kill this family, Asima," her older sister, Nakia, said.

Asima frowned. "How?"

"Because you're being selfish, that's why." Before Asima could reply to her, Nakia went on. "You think the world's all about you; what you want to do, what think you need to do. Ever think about us?"

Asima clenched her hands into fists. How could her sister say that? If anything, they were the ones not thinking of her. Everything Asima did was to make up for her mistakes so she could be the perfect daughter and sister her family demanded of her.

"Well what do you care about what mom and dad say?" she retorted. "You're always fighting them not to get married. Ever think that was selfish?"

"Ugh, you're not even thinking about what life would be like there," Nakia replied back, brushing off Asima's words, her voice now rising. "You think it's some great place. The Military." She scoffed. "Well, it's not, Asima. Bad things happen to Muslims there. Especially since your a girl." Asima could only roll her eyes at the statement.

"Well aware of that," she muttered. Asima was a citizen like the rest of them would be. What difference would it make with her being Muslim?

"Then you'll know not to even think of signing up!"

"Whatever," Asima shrugged, "It's not like I need mom and dad's written permission to join." Asima clamped her mouth shut, realizing she'd said too much. Nakia's eyes narrowed before she stood up from Asima's bed and walked out the door.

Asima sighed and shook her head. It didn't matter what they said. She was signing up tomorrow.

****

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Zaen?"

He looked over at his father with a smile and nodded. "Yes, I think I am."

"Because it will not be easy, son," Zaen's father said, his voice low. "I know you love this country and I know you love Islam, but please think about this, Zaen. I don't want you hurt."

"Don't worry father. If God wills, everything will be fine." Zaen's father didn't reply back, only watched as Zaen continued to pack his belongings in his suitcase. Their cat, Sassy, was laying on Zaen's bed, eyeing him lazily.

Zaen knew how much his father loved him, but how could he live with himself if he let others endanger themselves when he had every chance to be there with them? Zaen had passed the physical exam, and now all he needed to do was finish up some paperwork, swear in his oath, and ship off to training.

Sighing, Zaen walked over to his father and hugged him.

"You mother won't like what I have to say," his father said, patting the boy's back.

"I can tell her," Zaen offered, stepping away, but his father shook his head.

"Just promise me you won't forget us and everything you are, Zaen. I know you mean well by joining the Americans, but," his father paused, letting the sentence hang.

"I promise."