Transcendence (A Muslim-Christian Story)

Chapter 21: Call

Two weeks had passed since our visit to Sebastian's home.

He had joined us several times at the park in between this period. Almost always he brought a new gift for Isa, no matter how hard we tried to convince him not to do so.

At work, we kept our conversation professional. We didn't talk much to each other either. Whenever he came, he conversed more with mama or busied himself with Isa. He'd discuss about Islam frequently with mama.

It was just another usual day when we received a call from my uncle. He informed us that dad was admitted to the hospital because of pneumonia. It was decided that mama would return back to India to take care of dad while Isa would stay with me.

Mama left the very next day, early morning and I took Isa with me to the hospital. I went to the daycare in the hospital campus and enrolled Isa. The staff literally gasped when I told them Isa was my son.

"But you look so young!" They all chimed. It was true that I appeared much younger because of my petite frame. I barely stood at 5'1.

It was so difficult saying goodbye and he kept crying. It broke my heart to leave him so.

After my shift ended, I went to pick Isa. As soon as I entered he ran into my arms. The staff informed me that though initially reluctant, he made new friends pretty fast.

Isa waved a bye to his new friends and holding Isa's hand on my right, we headed towards the park. We were still inside the hospital campus when a car stopped beside us and I immediately recognized it as Sebastian's. 

He rolled down the window. "Hi, Amy! Can I drop you both to your home or are you headed towards the park?"

Hearing Sebastian's voice, Isa started grinning and shouting, "Bash-bash! Bash-bash!"

"We were planning to visit the park." I said with both of us chuckling at Isa's reaction.

As soon as I sat down, Isa leapt from my lap into Sebastian's.

I shook my head and Sebastian gestured me that it was okay with him.

"So will Aunty be joining us at the park today?"

"Actually, mama left for India today morning. Dad isn't well and has been admitted for pneumonia. So I enrolled Isa in the daycare center here in our campus."

"Oh! I hope your father recovers soon. Do convey both of them my regards. If you require any assistance, don't hesitate to reach me, okay?" He said wearing a worried expression.

"He'll be fine in sha Allah. He's very strong alhamdulillah. Thank you for your concern, Sebastian. I really appreciate it." And I gave him a reassuring smile.

We reached the park and played for a while. Then, Isa became busy with his colouring book while Sebastian and I sat on each of his side.

"Amy, since you'd be walking with Isa everyday, you can take my car if you require."

"Oh no, no! It won't be necessary. I'm sure I'll be able to manage."

"No, Amy. I insist!"

"Well, even if I wanted to, I couldn't drive. I don't have a license. Besides, I can always take a cab. Thank you, though, really!" I lowered my head in embarrassment.  

"How about I pick and drop you both on the days our shifts match? I promise I won't be going out of my way. Cabs can be difficult to find every morning and walking with a toddler can get tough. Please Amy, at least do take my offer into consideration."

I remained silent. If he picked and dropped us everyday, sooner or later people would find out about our friendship at work and I wanted to avoid that at all costs.

"Okay, give me some time to think about it. And thank you, Sebastian."

"It's really no big deal, Amy." 

We spent an hour more together and after buying ice creams for each of us, Sebastian dropped us home and we said our goodbyes. 

I called mama and she informed me that dad was doing well and was stable. I told her about Sebastian's offer. 

"Amy, I think I agree with him." Mama said.

"Mama, I can't take any more of his help. I already feel indebted to him for how much he cares for Isa. It's too much for me to handle and I can't pay him back in any way. It's eating away at my conscience, mama!"

"Okay, my dear. It's for you to decide. Sometimes people help you with no expectations, Amy. Sebastian is one of those people, Amy."

"Mama, nothing in this world is free."

"Really, Amy? So do you expect something in return after you help someone?"

"Yes, I expect my return, but only from Allah, not from humans."

"And Sebastian is just like you, my dear. You know how strongly he believes in God, don't you?"

"I do, mama. But I just can't keep accepting help when I'm quite able to manage things on my own. I'd prefer struggling a little more on my own than freeloading off others." 

"Okay, my dear. I'll always support whatever decisions you take, you know that, don't you, sweetie?"

"I do, mama. I love you. Convey my love to baba as well! Massalam!"

"Massalam, my Amy! Take care dear."

"I will, mama. in sha Allah. You take care of the both of you as well!" And with that the call ended.