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My mother approached me with a smile on her face. “Are you happy, my daughter?”
I nodded, my eyes shining. “Yes, mama. I’m thrilled.”
It touched me that so many people were here. It meant a lot to me. They had come to see me off. It meant even more to me that my mother wanted to send me off with this special blessing.
“I want you to remember this day,” she said. “Remember the people who love you, and who are wishing you luck on your journey.”
Then she leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Be safe, my daughter. And come back to us soon.”
I nodded.
I was going to enjoy this day.
Only one person didn’t take part in the festivities. In the room’s corner, Souhir was sitting by herself. She looked lost and alone. I felt a sudden surge of compassion for her and went over to sit with her.
“Why aren’t you dancing?” I asked.
Souhir shrugged. “I don’t know. I just don’t feel like it.”
“What’s wrong? You’ve been ignoring me.”
Things had been awkward between us since she found out I had been chosen. I tried to talk to her about it, but she brushed me off.
She forced a smile onto her face. “Nothing.”
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Come on, tell me.”
Souhir sighed. “It’s just… Why are we celebrating that you are leaving? It’s not fair.”
We sat in silence for a while, watching the others dance and laugh.
“It’s not. But we are not celebrating that. We are celebrating our last moments together, with our family and friends. We are celebrating life, and that we have each other.” I put my arm around her, and she leaned her head on my shoulder. “We have to cherish these moments because we don’t know what the future holds.”
Souhir nodded, understanding what I meant. “You’re right. I’m sorry for ruining everything. You are being brave, while I can’t even do the same for you.”
She was so young.
I squeezed her hand. “It’s okay. I know how you feel. I’m scared too. But we have to be strong. I don’t want to look back and be sad in my last moments together.”
Her face softened. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am,” I teased her. “Now come, let’s enjoy our party. Tilila is.”
Dressed up like a miniature version of myself, white kaftan and green henna included, Tilila animatedly talked and preened in front of her friends. I didn’t think she fully understood what was happening, but she was excited about the party.
I was glad that my little sister was here to enjoy this day with me. It meant a lot to me to have her by my side. She was almost my child. I had helped raise her since she was born, and I loved her dearly.
Even though I knew I had to be strong, it was hard to keep the tears from my eyes. This might be the last time I saw her. The thought was too much to bear, and I had to push it away.
I refused to let myself be sad. This day was special, and I was going to savor every moment.
She waved at us when she saw us looking at her, and we waved back.
My mother came over to us and sat down. “I’m glad you girls are friends again. It wouldn’t have been the same without you both talking.”
Souhir and I exchanged a glance and smiled.
“We’re glad to be here, mama,” I said. “We’re friends.”
