THE DECISION
199 Words
Daniel didn’t come back for 3 days.
Zahra didn’t sleep. She kept seeing his face at the door. The shame. The pain.
On the 4th day, her phone rang. Unknown number.
`Zahra.` It was Daniel. His voice was empty. `We can’t do this.`
Her heart broke. `I know.`
`Then stay away from me.` A pause. `Please.`
He hung up.
Zahra looked at the DNA paper on her table. One choice: Burn it. Pretend none of this happened.
Or keep it… and destroy them both if anyone ever found out.
She picked up the lighter.Zahra stared at her phone. His words echoed. `Stay away from me.`
She wanted to scream. `I never asked for this. I never wanted to hurt you.`
But she couldn’t. Because it was true.
Her hand shook as she held the DNA paper. Her father’s voice was in her head. `Disgrace. Shame. Bury it.`
The lighter sat on the table. One flick and it would be ash. No proof. No son. No sin.
Tears hit the paper, blurring the `99.9% Match.`
Zahra closed her eyes. `I’m sorry, Daniel.`
And she brought the flame close.But she couldn’t light it.Not yet.Her hand trembled. She set the lighter down.
- Writer
