They were happy that morning... she and her family. The sun was bright, and the air was moist as though Allah had just kissed them on the cheek. The warmth and dew from his lips lingered.
She was young to have so much responsibility, but she felt blessed. This day, the sun held high in the sky, qualifying its position adamantly. The sky was white with wisps of gold. The air was dry, so breathing was short and purposeful. Wasting time and breath was not wise these days. She had just taken the morning wash down from the lines. The market would be opening soon, and she needed to get the essentials for dinner. It would be a long walk today, but she felt strong. Today was to be a good day. She could feel it. She stole a precious deep breath and slowly inhaled particles of the desert into her lungs. She loves the smell of fresh clothing. This was not an option not long ago, but times were changing. The world was getting better. She hoped. After returning from the market, she began her preparations. She would soon need to cook dinner as night began to fall and the sun hid itself from sight. The little one was being bathed by her sister, and one could hear her squealing with joy down the road. They were happy. She was happy, and that was good.
Happy is good.
After dinner and well into the night, when everyone was in bed, she finally began to rest. Staring at the stars and listening to the silence, she started her night prayers when she heard a sound. Her heart missed the next beat. She jolted in bed. *snap* She heard the noise again, and breath escaped her body with labor as though the tension were strangling her. She strained to hear, but she knew. The day she thought had passed them was here.
They'd come again.
Like a thief in the night, they raided her village swiftly and with great purpose. She was terrified as she sprang from her pallet and ran to her children. She stopped cold when she entered the room. She watched one of them holding her little Mina by one foot - dangling upside down. Laughter now tears. Joy now fear. In moments... long, excruciating moments... it was silent. She sat still on the ground. Numb. Only her heartbeat survived as the lone harmony. One tear moving slowly down her face was her only company. That day, she heard her heartbreak. It was softer than she expected. She had no words for the brutality. Yes. She was alive but... was not spared. They had destroyed everything.
Now... Now, she walks.
She walks because the stillness invites pain. She walks to find the sun to implore it to melt her heart again one day.
Allah had just kissed them that morning. That afternoon, he turned his back on them.
She walks because she has faith that Allah will smile on her again.
He must.
