(Khaled strides from the dining room, leaving Asrar sobbing and Elara to clear the table. His retreating footsteps echo in the silence.)
Asrar: (Whimpering) But... Papa... I'm still hungry...
(Elara approaches Asrar, kneeling beside her chair. She gently wipes Asrar's tears with a soft napkin.)
Elara: Shhh, habibti (my dear). It's alright. Let's get
you cleaned up. I'll bring you a small bowl of fruit and some milk to your room, okay?
(Elara takes Asrar's hand and leads her from the dining room. She casts a disapproving glance in the direction Khaled disappeared.)
Elara continued walking
Elara walked with a determined stride, lost in thought. She was contemplating Asrar, reflecting on the harshness everyone seemed to direct at her. I've even been harsh myself, hoping to make her stronger, maybe I am doing it the wrong way. I need to be kinder.
Lost in thought, Elara momentarily forgot about the presence of little Asrar beside her.
Asrar was trying to keep up walking with Elara But she couldn't and stumbled.Elara noticed Asrar falling and
bent down and caught her.
Asrar's heart leaped with a jolt, and her face betrayed her fear.
Elara: habibti darling, are you ok?
Asrar : ye yeah ImIm ok
Elara: habibti darling I am sorry are you really ok
Asrar : y yeah I m ok let's continue walking
Elara continued Walking with asrar
Asrar, her small hand clasped in Elara's hand, shuffles along the hallway. Her sobs have quieted to occasional sniffles, but her shoulders still tremble. Elara can feel the residual tension in her grip. The hallway is lined with expensive artwork, but Asrar doesn't even glance at it. She's lost in her own world of hurt .
Elara gently squeeze her hand. Elara: "There, there, habibti. Almost there. Let’s get you into your pajamas, alright?"
Elara lead her into her room, a large space filled with toys that seem barely touched. A grand dollhouse sits in one corner, meticulously furnished, but lifeless.
(Elara has just tucked Asrar into her bed Elara smooths the covers, her touch gentle.)
(Asrar is lying in bed, still sniffling. Elara sits beside her, holding her hand. A small bowl of cut fruit and a glass of milk sit on the bedside table.)
Elara: (Softly) Eat something, habibti. It will make you feel better.
(Asrar shakes her head, tears welling up again.)
Asrar: Papa's angry.
Elara: (Sighing inwardly) Your papa... he just doesn't know how to... how to be a papa. It's not your fault, Asrar. You are a good girl.
(Elara strokes Asrar's hair. She doesn't look at the door, knowing Khaled is probably wallowing in self-pity instead of apologizing to his daughter.)
(It is the next morning. The sun streams in through the window. Asrar is already awake, sitting quietly at the edge of her bed, clutching a small stuffed bear. Elara is in the kitchen, making breakfast. The sounds of sizzling egg and gentle clatter of dishes fill the air.)
Elara (Calling out from the kitchen): Asrar, darling? Are you awake? Breakfast will be ready soon.
(Asrar doesn't reply immediately. She looks down at her bear, then slowly gets off the bed and shuffles toward the kitchen. Her eyes are still a little puffy from crying the night before.)
(Meanwhile, Khaled is still asleep in the master bedroom. He lies on his back, his face etched with a subtle unease,
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Comments
Aini Nurcynkdzaclluew
Great work! Can't wait to read more from you.
2025-06-16
1