Return

She did come back about two weeks later. ahmad had been coupled up in his office most of the day doing paperwork. He decided to get up and stretch his legs. He found her solah and pray again.

“Ahhhh, Miss zara.” He smiles and heads over to her.

“Good afternoon imam.” She nods.

“How has everything been going?” He asks politely.

“Im doing alright.”

“Just alright?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Would you walk with me please?” She nods and follows him to a nice garden at the back of the mosque. “Still having trouble with things?”

“Yes, I’ve just been feeling so tired lately. Sunday I barely got out of bed.” She says sadly.

“Sometimes that’s what people need to do. After all Sunday is a day of rest.” He says trying to get her to laugh. It does make her chuckle. “Do you have anyone else?”

“No, I haven’t had a relationship in a long time. What about you if I may ask…or are you…you know?” She blushes.

“I have had relationships in the past, yes.” He smirks in understanding. “Some people choose to follow those commitments and others don’t. There are many imam who are married and have families. I, myself haven’t had a relationship for many years.” He says.

“How do you handle the loneliness?”

“Mostly through my work here at the mosque. I take great pride in my work.” He says proudly.

“I’m not handling it well. Sure I have a few friends but it’s just…not enough I think. I get nervous about dating too. I just don’t feel like I’m enough.” She admits.

“My dear you are enough and anyone who doesn’t think so is an idiot.” He winks and it makes her giggle again.

“I do like coming here. It helps me clear my head. It helps me focus again.”

“I am very glad to hear that. I’ve come to learn that while many people come here for answers sometimes they just need someone to listen.” He says kindly. zara blinks back a few tears as she smiles. “I would like you to do something for me.”

“Sure.”

“When you have time make a list of all your accomplishments, big or small. Take as much time as you need with it. When you’re done I would like to read it.”

“A list…hmmmm.” She thinks for a moment. “I think I can do that.” She nods.

“You just might be surprised at how long it gets.”

Xxxxxxxx

zara came back the next week all excited. The imam was talking with some people so she waited patiently. He soon came over to her and was happy to see that she was smiling.

“I did my list!” She said proudly.

“Wonderful! Come on, let’s go to my office.” He says. He closes the door to give them privacy as she hands him the paper.

“Hmmm let’s see…” He playfully puts on some glasses and it makes her laugh. “You own a house!” He gasps immediately. “How old are you." “23…I got it three years ago.” She blushes.

“Miss zara that is truly amazing. I really mean that.” He insists.

“Thank you imam.”

“Oh and look you even painted it and decorated it yourself.” He adds excitedly.

“The magic stuff doesn’t bother you?”

“My dear I would like to think my views don’t date back to the old ages.” He jokes.

“Sorry.” She squirms slightly.

“Own a car…good…work full time…such a pain isn’t it.” He teases making her laugh again. “A four year degree, that’s excellent!” He says. He compliments almost everything on the list and it means so much to her. She really needed to hear this.

“I was surprised at how much I came up with.”

“I understand. You never really see it until it’s written right in front of you.” The imam smiles. “I love it feel free to add more as time goes on.” He says giving it back to her.

“You really helped me a lot…I can’t thank you enough.” She admits.

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