Episode 7

Yasmin

Since I arrived at the Harmud's house, every detail enchants me.

The place is immense, and I was happy to see that it has a beautiful garden... I love plants and flowers.

When I arrived, Mrs. Zaira, my future mother-in-law, greeted me affectionately and led me to one of the rooms, and I was enchanted because it was not damp or dark, but clear, clean, and had a large window from which I could see the garden.

"Welcome, my new daughter," she said, affectionately, and I was puzzled.

"Why do you call me that? The arrangement was for my older sister to get married, not me... so, how do you know?" I say, confused.

She smiled and lightly patted my hand.

"Even if that were the arrangement, I prayed to God that my son would marry the daughter of my dearest friend, and here you are, and from what your father briefly discussed with my husband in our living room, I understood that my prayers were heard, little ray of sunshine," she looks at me affectionately, and my eyes fill with tears.

"Only my... my mother used to call me that," I say, touched.

"I know, my dear, and believe me, I truly feel sorry for losing your mother, who was, in fact, a great and dear friend," she sighs. "I am so sorry that I couldn't bring you close to me when she passed away. I tried, but your father didn't allow it, forgive me, my dear," she caresses my hair. "You are exactly like your mother when she was young. Beautiful, sweet, and shy... a ray of sunshine!"

"Don't apologize," I weakly smile. "So, you knew my mother?"

"Yes," she smiled. "Despite the age difference, Zípora and I were very good friends. She was like a younger sister whom I deeply loved. I was very saddened when Omar married for the second time, and I cried for days and days when you moved to Brazil, and your father distanced her from everyone," she says, bitterly. "I tried to contact her several times, but Ursula always answered the calls and said she would pass on my messages, but I believe they never reached your mother," she sighs. "But what about the gifts I sent you a few days ago, did you bring them with you?" she looks at my small suitcase. "There's no way all those clothes and scarves would fit in that small suitcase," she pouts.

"I didn't receive any gifts, ma'am," I look at her, confused.

She shakes her head, visibly displeased.

"Is it possible?!" she huffs. "Answer me one thing, I sent you clothes, fabrics, scarves, and accessories for years, and you didn't receive any of those gifts, right?" I just nod my head and deny it. "But for God's sake!" she says, angrily. "Well, for now, I want you to get settled, do you like this room? If you want, we can choose a bigger one."

"No!" I quickly say. "Believe me, this room is perfect!" I smile. "Thank you for welcoming me and treating me with kindness. This is the first friendly and affectionate gesture I've received in years, ma'am."

She looks at me and I see her eyes filled with tears.

"Ah, my little ray of sunshine," I am surprised by a loving hug, which I reciprocate, and I feel as if I am in the arms of my mother... I miss a hug like this so much!

Mrs. Zaira steps back and caresses my face.

"I held you in my arms when you were born, Yasmin," I look at her, surprised. "I witnessed your mother's joy when she saw you for the first time, and from now on, I want you to see me as a second mother, because I will take care of you from now on, my little child," she smiles.