Zuhra entered the house quietly. Her face was full of worry and fatigue, her schoolbag clutched in one hand. She wiped the sweat from her forehead. At the gate, John and Usman stopped to glance up and down the street, then turned and left like soldiers who had just completed their mission.
She opened the door gently and stepped inside. In the living room, her mother was sitting on the couch, watching an Indian TV drama. One hand held an apple, the other was flipping channels with the remote. A soft breeze from the ceiling fan stirred a scarf hanging from the side of the chair.
Mummy (smiling):
"Zuhra? You're back?"
Zuhra rubbed her eyes a little and sighed.
Zuhra:
"Yes, Mummy. I'm back."
She dropped her bag and sat on the floor near her mother's feet.
Mummy (taking a bite of apple, watching her):
"You're back early today. Was it a test or just a lecture?"
Zuhra (bowing her head):
"It wasn't a test… I went to the Biology lab, and I saw everyone submitting the assignment to the lecturer. But, Mummy… I didn't even know today was the deadline. I just stood aside. I don't think anyone even noticed me."
Mummy lowered the TV volume.
Mummy:
"Subhanallah, Zuhra. Didn't they announce it?"
Zuhra:
"I haven't attended lectures in a while… ever since Daddy's issue. Right now, I don't even know where to start. I feel completely lost."
Mummy:
"Zuhra… listen to me. Life doesn't stop because of one thing. Everything takes effort. If you want to return to school seriously, gather yourself. Ask your friends. Go meet your lecturers. Don't just sit around like you don't belong there."
Zuhra (quietly):
"Everyone's ahead of me… I feel like I don't fit in anymore. They all seem to understand school better than I do. I just focused too much on singing… not on studying."
She closed her eyes, heart heavy. Then she pulled out her phone from her schoolbag. As she checked her messages, she noticed a text from an unknown number:
"I was happy to see you today. If you ever need help, I'm willing to offer it."
She stared at the message for a long time. The number wasn't saved. She had no idea who it was. Then, without replying, she simply switched off her phone.
Zuhra (in her thoughts):
"Oh God… who is this? And why does it feel like they truly mean it?"
She stood slowly, walked to her room, and leaned against the door after closing it behind her. A heavy sigh escaped her lips.
Her life was starting to take a new turn. School now felt like a burden. And today, she noticed a young man — someone whose gaze was different. It seemed to carry something… something deep inside. But she couldn't tell if it was concern or desire. She didn't know his name. She didn't have his number.
But… it felt like a light — a faint glow moving through the darkness. If she didn't reach for it soon, it might vanish forever.