Starting From The End

"Fayaz uncle!"

Fayaz looked up from his conversation with Zaid and grinned broadly. "There's my little friend!" He opened his arms, and Safwan ran into them, giggling as Fayaz lifted him up and spun him around. "How's my favorite buddy doing today?"

"I'm good," Safwan replied, settling into Fayaz's lap. His tone shifted to a more serious one. "But Anu Khala (aunty) is crying."

Fayaz's smile faded instantly. He had seen it just few minutes before, the sorrow in her eyes, the way she broke down. But he had no clue what had happened. He exchanged a quick glance with Zaid before turning his attention back to Safwan. "Why is Anu Khala crying, buddy? Did something happen?"

Safwan nodded solemnly. "She's sad. Mama said she's going through a tough time. Can you make her happy, Fayaz uncle?"

The question was innocent. A plea from a young boy to his favorite uncle, hoping for some magic. To make things right for his beloved khala.

Fayaz's heart ached at the sincerity in Safwan's eyes. He couldn't say no, nor could he explain how complicated things were. To cheer the little child, Fayaz ruffled the boy's hair gently, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "I'll try."

It was a simple request from a child. The one Fayaz didn't even take seriously. He didn't believe it was possible, nor did he think it was his place to make Safwan's khala happy. But life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways. The day wasn't far off when the walls of his heart would start to crumble, when the fortress he had built around his emotions would begin to fall, brick by brick. The day when spring would again enter his garden.

But was it possible for Anaya? Could a shattered person truly start from the end?