Jannah. [SEQUEL TO DAWUD]

Chapter 20: 4 Years is A Long Time

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

If the time of prayer has been called and you haven't prayed before reading this, please do so.

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Dawud's P.O.V

It began snowing as I waited outside the door. Thick flakes began decorating my shoulders as feet could be heard shuffling towards me. Within seconds, the lock was turned and there he stood. The same wavy hair, the same pale skin, and height. It seemed like I hadn't gotten a proper look at him in a long time. Ever since the incident at my last basketball game, I refused to be anywhere he was. I could now see his beard, trimmed and cut with precision. He was a handsome guy. I hoped that he was better now. Outer appearances mean nothing if your personality is terrible. I could hear his mother behind him, humming to herself as she walked past the doorway. 'Who is it?' She asked, before tossing on a headscarf and returning to the front door. 'Dawud?' She exclaimed, smiling brightly. 'Ya, Dawud! You've grown so much!' She whispered in disbelief, holding back tears. She pushed her son to the side and made space for me to enter. 'Why are you letting the boy stand in the cold? Invite him in!' She scolded.

'I just wanted to speak to him for a while.' I explained, politely shaking my head.

He stood in the doorway, not sure what to do. I could tell he was angry and confused. He hadn't even said a word. In a swift motion, he grabbed his coat off the rack to his right and slipped on his boots. His mother, now understanding that it was her son's business and not her own, sighed and gave me one last smile before disappearing. I stepped back as he left the house, shutting the door behind him. We began walking side-by-side, both aware of where our feet were taking us. The silence was tranquil and bearable, signifying the level maturity we've achieved after so many years. After around five minutes, we reached our destination. He sat at the bench just off the familiar basketball court we would visit every day as teenagers. I sat some distance away from him.

'Laith, I've spent these last four years making sure to stay away from you.' I admitted, not sure if that was the best way to open the conversation.

'And I've spent them trying to ruin everything you love.' He said quietly. My head shot up, taken aback by his brutal honesty. He was leaning back with his legs stretched out in front of him. 'Ever since that day four years ago when you left the boys and I, the hate I had for you was like a fire. It burned me from my insides.' He explained with his hands. 'And... I'm not sure if that feeling has changed.'

I took a deep breath. 'I never bothered to explain my actions that night. I didn't think you would understand.'

'Try me.' He demanded. His voice was both chilling yet relaxed. I could tell he was holding himself back.

Jannah's P.O.V

I stepped out of the black Jeep Wrangler and grabbed my suitcase from the back. 'Thanks, Maddie!' I called out to the driver sitting up front. She waved at me and returned back to the train station to grab a few more guests. I took the private lodge into view. It was built from fresh wood and you could smell the strong scent of pine in the air. Lights were placed in rows attached by a thick wire on the walls. It was beautiful. I was so far from home and I felt so comfortable. The stars in the sky were so close. They spread across the horizon, some bright, some dim due to distance. It was breathtaking. 'Subhan'Allah.' I said to myself.

I continued to trek up the thin path that lead up the mountain. There was a slight incline which made it hard to walk but I had to fasten my pace as the sky grew dark. I wanted to make it in time for maghrib. When I found my name engraved in metal and hung over the door of a cabin a little distance away I jumped up in excitement, nearly knocking my suitcase all the way down the hill.