When we were done and everything was washed and put away, Abdul's mother smiled at me. "You look tired, my child. Would you like to rest now?" she asked politely.
I was very tired, and I nodded my head. "Thank you kindly. Yes, I am tired, and I would like to rest."
Immediately, Abdul stood. "Nadia, you can sleep on my bed. I can sleep on the floor by the fireplace," he chimed happily.
His mother quickly added, "Son, get the pillow from my bed and give it to Nadia. I do not need it tonight." And she turned with a smile and looked at me sweetly. "We are happy you have come to our humble home. Sleep now, my child. Rest your body, and God be with you," she said sincerely and hugged me. Then she turned, walked to the other corner of the room, and lay in her bed.
Abdul gave me his mother's only pillow and bid me good night, and he walked over to the fireplace, dropped on the floor, and slept on some blankets. I was feeling uncomfortable that I had the only pillow of the house, but I had no other choice. I did not want to disrespect them by not accepting their hospitality. So I lay in the bed, and I fell asleep almost immediately.
Early in the morning, I awoke to find the brilliant sunlight shining its way through the window. I looked around the room and noticed I was all alone. I got out of bed, walked over to the door, and swung it open. I found Abdul and his mother doing the outdoor chores, and when they noticed that I was looking at them, they smiled and waved. These people didn't have much material stuff, but they were loaded with other things that were more important, like love and kindness.
The day wore on. I helped Abdul with the rest of the chores, and his mother went inside to prepare something for us to eat. I was happy and felt serenity here. My mind relaxed, and I was at peace with myself. Thoughts of Nidal crept into my mind, but I quickly pushed them away.
Today, we had fried eggs, fried potatoes, and fresh bread. I was famished and sat down eagerly to eat. Abdul placed a glass of milk in front of me, sat down with his mother, and joined us. The conversation went smoothly at the table, and I was beginning to feel at home. But I knew that I had to pull my weight if I stayed here another day. After much deliberation, they finally agreed with me and gave me a task that I thought was easy enough. Abdul showed me the garden in the back of their home, and I was to fill up the basket I was given with vegetables. I plucked all the ripe veggies and skipped back inside the shack to show Abdul's mother. She told me to wash them and place them on the table, where she had placed a clean cloth napkin.
"This, my dear child, is our meal for tomorrow," she said cheerfully. And then her eyes filled with tears as she stared at me. "Nadia, forgive me. I do not mean to cry, but you remind me of my daughter. She died of the plague many years ago," she said sadly. "The same disease claimed my husband as well and left Abdul and me to fend for ourselves. We do not have much, but at least we have each other. Abdul is a good boy, and he provides for me. I just love him so much." She wiped her tears with her apron.
I walked up to her and gave her a bear hug. I felt sorry for her. She was a good person, and life was not fair to her. Thus, our relationship started and blossomed into a beautiful friendship.
***
As the days flew by, thoughts of Nidal were torturing my heart. I missed him tremendously and knew not what to do. On the one hand, I felt comfortable around these people who already felt like family to me, but at night when I lay myself down to sleep, my mind wandered to Nidal, and my heart broke in two. I cried myself to sleep every night and prayed I would be in his arms once again one day. But I knew it was too soon. Only time would heal our wounds and allow for us to start over again.
