Elaf got into the car from the other side, closing the door quietly behind her.
Salma sat in the front seat and, without wasting a second, started the engine as if she were in a hurry to leave.
"Just relax… the road's a bit long," she said with a smile.
Elaf frowned slightly.
"Mmm."
Salma didn't answer right away. Instead, she pressed on the gas a little.
"I know you like to know everything in advance… but don't worry, it's just a normal outing. Food, places… nothing serious."
Elaf stayed silent, leaning her head back against the seat, her eyes following the road through the window.
The house faded behind them… and the neighborhood slowly disappeared.
They passed through streets she didn't really recognize, and then the road widened… cars moving faster around them.
After a while, Elaf spoke,
"I can see we've gone far from the places you usually go shopping… does that mean it's a long trip?"
Salma let out a soft laugh.
"Looks like you're starting to get it… we're going a bit far today. I'll take you to places you've never seen."
Elaf looked at her through the mirror.
"A bit far… or very far?"
Salma turned slightly, a hint of challenge in her eyes.
"What do you think about Oran?"
Elaf went quiet for a second, staring at her, then said with a faintly sarcastic tone,
"Changing the subject, huh… as if you didn't already know?"
Salma smirked.
"Yeah, I know… but today, it's a full day—walking around, restaurants, food… you're going to enjoy it a lot."
Elaf leaned back again without replying, her gaze returning to the road.
Minutes passed in silence, broken only by the sound of the car.
Every now and then, Salma would sing or talk to herself, clearly enjoying the moment.
"You're going to like today… trust me," she said, eyes still on the road.
Elaf replied calmly,
"We'll see."
The road stretched on… and soon, the city began to appear in the distance.
Tall buildings, crowds, a different kind of movement from what she was used to.
Salma slowed down slightly.
"We're almost there… get ready."
Elaf adjusted her khimar and looked out the window. Everything felt new.
The car entered the city, then finally stopped in front of a large mall.
Salma stepped out quickly, full of energy.
"Come on! This is where we start the day!"
Elaf got out more slowly, taking a good look at the place before following Salma without a word.
The day had begun…
And she had no idea
that this was only the beginning