Freedom again: under this sky it all began

nyone dull y

nkn

I found myself in a vulnerable sta

ed myself, but now everyone had witnesse

een kind to others, helping anyone

orly, to rise above their level; it was the most painful trial. Yet, all p

rotection? Or was it all

her friends beat me up. Not even when I saw my childhood f

ent to

went t

my puffy red eyes and my soiled headscarf. I looked dreadfu

ng down, I wondered if it would have turned

isdainful look. All because they feared my father. No one judged me, or my faith

se someone is different, because their faith differs? T

ul life would be if he were here, and we co

dad,

missed my morning classes. Silence enveloped e

r to the bathroom. It ceased at the door. The door pushed open, and I

tire—a white blouse and a black knee-le

r graceful form, settlin

sense of mystery. Dark, straight hair cascaded down to her waist. She was

he? A new

at I had been studying her and yet said nothi

ox in the bathroom stall before drawing nearer to m

ng, leaving me stunned and motionless, my eyes glued to the box as if it contained some tickin

headscarf that looked expensive, along with a velvet

, I'll come to

Could it be

carf, adjusting my hair. As I looked at my reflection, this time I felt better. Deciding to head hom

home. Mom likely wouldn't be home, and my stepfath

Walking silently, head lowered, I couldn't shake the thought that ever

ondered, trying to push away the negative feelings. I entered, heading directly to the stair

he bullying that began. I hadn't even reached the middle of

our. Being the coward I am, I considered fleeing to my room

make me tremble in fe

ome at this time?" he s

was home, an