## Chapter 1: The Note
The air in the old masjid was still and cool, touched by fading sunlight slipping through the stained glass windows. Hassan sat quietly at the back, the familiar scent of aged wood and old pages filling his senses. His fingers trembled slightly as he opened the dusty Qur'an in front of him — the one he had found on a charity shelf just a few days ago.
His heart was heavy, weighed down by memories that refused to fade. The grief of losing someone so dear felt like a stone lodged deep inside his chest. Every word he read was clouded by sorrow, every prayer tangled with regret.
As he carefully turned the fragile pages, something slipped free and fluttered down onto the cold floor.
Hassan blinked, startled. He picked up the small folded piece of paper, feeling its softness under his fingertips. Unfolding it slowly, his eyes scanned the delicate handwriting:
*"You are not alone. May Allah's mercy find you in the darkest nights."*
The words touched something deep within him — a whisper of hope he thought he had lost forever.
He looked around the empty masjid, imagining the person who had written this note. Who were they? Why leave such a message inside a donated Qur'an?
His chest tightened, a mix of curiosity and unexpected warmth blossoming inside.
Hassan carefully folded the note and slipped it into his pocket. For the first time in weeks, he felt a flicker of peace.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Hassan found himself returning to the masjid. His footsteps were lighter, his heart a little less burdened.
Sitting on the same worn wooden bench, he whispered a quiet prayer, seeking forgiveness for his past mistakes and courage for the future.
Outside, the streets grew dark and silent.
Far away, Aaliyah watched the stars emerge through her bedroom window. Her hands clutched a pen, poised above a fresh sheet of paper. She hesitated, then began to write — a new note, a new hope to leave behind for whoever might need it.
*"When life feels heavy, remember: Allah's light is always near."*
She smiled softly, folding the note carefully before placing it inside a Qur'an she planned to donate the next day.
Little did she know, her words were already weaving a bridge between two broken souls — a bridge that would change both their lives forever.