THE RISING SUN

CHAPTER SIX

As the days went by, Zainab began to discover her true self. She finally became strong to make certain decisions. Upon returning home that day, she quickly grabbed her school bag, search for a pen and jotter. In her recliner, she began to put down her thoughts. After that, she started to critically think about them.

"What should I choose now? Should I further my education or get married?"

She kept asking herself critical questions about her life. So, suddenly, a question crept into her mind, which made her to wonder the possibility of going further academically.

"How can I even further my education when my brother has not yet finished schooling? How sure am I that my parents would be able to train him at the university?"

She had a deep breath, and hissed.

"Finally, I would end up as a wife, huh?"

She shook her head and sighed. Then she left the recliner and fell into the bed. There in the bed, she began to pay attention to choosing between the two suitors.

'Why should I accept any of them? They're all Christians, and I'm a Muslim.'

Again, she found another reason not to accept marriage. Her feelings tended to be surreal, she could not make any choice immediately. She had a deep breath again, and then she felt it would be better if she informed her mother about her situation. While she was still busy meditating, the door creaked open, thus, she dissembled immediately.

It was of course her father, who was always the second person to return home ever since Zainab started hawking some loaves of bread for the family.

"Welcome daddy! How's work today?"

"Work was fine as always."

Both of them grinned and hugged each other.

She quickly left in order to go and arrange some water in order to have his bath. After that, she obtained some permission to go into the kitchen.

"Daddy, your water is ready, may I go and prepare some food?"

"Sure, you may go ahead, my daughter."

Ahmed decided to go and have his bath immediately so that he would not be keeping her waiting when the food would be ready.

He stealthily walked towards the kitchen, peeped to see her position. As soon as he saw that Zainab was backing him, he swiftly moved to her and startled her. So, her spoon fell and clattered on the floor.

"Ah! You frightened me", she said as she struggled to tap him.

"I'm so, so sorry", he said with a sense of laughter. He continued: I never knew you could be this frightened.

"You would have been more frightened if you were the one, because I was never expecting anyone to do that to me here. By the way, why did you return now?"

"I can see you really want me to sleep at school."

"Oh! You've already finished today's paper? That's great!"

As they were discussing, their father came out of his room, and welcomed him as well.

"So, how's today's paper?"

"Fine, dad!"

"Alright! Go inside, change up, then come out for lunch. I believe your sister might have finished cooking by now."

"Oh yes, dad!" she replied with a smile on her face.