> Derb Sultan: One Step In, No Way Out
1402 Words
She stood there, waiting for her friends—those same friends she had waited so long to meet in real life. For years, their connection existed only through their phones. Each one hidden behind her own screen, just voices and texts linking them. But fate had different plans.
Now, here they were, stepping off the train and taking their first breath of Casablanca air, a city none of them had ever visited before. Overwhelmed with emotion, they suddenly collapsed into a heap of laughter and tears.
Salima: “My wild girls, my sweethearts! I missed you so much!”
Nadia: “We missed you too, you little shorty!”
Noor: “Our tiny troublemaker!”
She said this as they all embraced tightly. Then they paused to fix their clothes, still laughing.
Salima: “So, how do you like Casablanca?”
Noor: “I don’t like it. Take me back to Marrakech, please.”
Nadia: “What’s wrong with you? The world is so beautiful, enjoy it!”
She chuckled as she finished her sentence.
Salima: “Let’s go. Hamza should be here soon to take us to the house we rented.”
Noor: “I’m only going to see my future brother-in-law!”
Nadia: “Let’s hope these boys don’t start spreading rumors. Marry them and they’ll start planning your funeral!”
They walked together to Salima’s house. Her mom and sisters greeted them with warmth and joy, filling the house with laughter and chatter. It felt like they were surrounded by family.
Hamza: “You don’t look impressed. Come on, get out and go to your own place. Let me enjoy my peace now that I’ve finally gotten rid of your annoying friend.”
Salima: “I’m not even going to answer you. I’m just so happy!”
Noor: “Oh, he is cute, though!”
Salima: “Wait till you see him again—he’s not that charming up close.”
They all laughed, said goodbye to Salima’s family, and left for their new place. When they arrived, a woman was waiting for them—clearly a rough type. Her bright red lipstick stretched from ear to ear, thick drawn eyebrows nearly reaching her temples, and a flashy outfit that screamed drama. She eyed them suspiciously as they approached.
Agent: “You need a place?”
Hamza: “Yes, we’re looking to rent a house.”
She stared at them for a long moment, then nodded.
Agent: “There’s only one house in this alley—‘Al-3arj Lane’ they call it.”
They followed her, her colorful clothes swishing with every step. The alley felt deserted, almost eerie.
Noor: “Why does this place look haunted?”
Salima: “I don’t know. Is it always this empty?”
Nadia: “Can you two stop jumping to conclusions?”
Salima: “Fine, we’ll shut up.”
They reached the house, signed the agreement, paid her, and just like that, the woman disappeared.
Nadia: “What’s with her?”
Noor: “She looked like a fortune teller. Something’s off about this place.”
Hamza: “Remember what the agent said—stay indoors unless the alley seems busy. If anything happens, call me.”
Salima: “Okay, go on.”
Hamza: “I’m out.”
The house was relatively spacious: three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a decent living room. They explored happily, joking and laughing. Soon, the truck with their belongings arrived. Salima went down to open the door while Noor and Nadia helped carry things upstairs, under the watchful eyes of nosy neighbors peeking through their windows.
Salima: “Why are they looking at us like we’re opening a brothel?”
Noor: “Creepy.”
Nadia: “I hate to admit it, but there’s something wrong about this alley.”
After settling in, they were exhausted.
Noor: “Salima, go get us something to eat. We’re starving.”
Salima: “Why don’t you go? You have legs, right?”
Noor: “Nah, I’ll sit here and die of hunger.”
Nadia: “Fine, I’ll go.”
She grabbed her money and left. Moments later, they heard a commotion outside.
Noor: “Is someone fighting?”
Salima: “Let’s not poke our noses in.”
They peeked through the window—Nadia was in a heated argument with another woman.
Salima: “Nadia’s in a fight? I’m going down!”
She rushed down in her pajamas while Noor wrapped a scarf around her head and followed. Salima grabbed the woman by the arm, trying to separate them, only to be shoved.
Salima: “What the hell is going on?”
Radhia: “Do you own this alley now? You don’t get to parade around like it’s yours.”
Salima: “And what? Is it yours?”
Radhia: “You clearly don’t know who I am.”
Salima: “Minister of filth?”
They lunged at each other. Another woman grabbed Salima’s hair. Chaos erupted until—
Voice: “What’s going on here?”
Everyone froze. The moment they heard his voice, the entire alley went silent. Radhia let go and ran, stumbling to the feet of the man who had spoken.
Radhia (crying): “I was just doing my job, telling them not to loiter around. But they attacked me!”
He looked at Salima, eyes scanning her with mocking interest.
Salima: “Why, she wasn’t good enough for you?”
He smirked, then suddenly grabbed the woman who had attacked Salima by the hair and pulled her up.
Leader: “You don’t belong here. None of you do. But since you're here, you’d better learn to respect my rules before I make you disappear. Got it?”
Salima was about to respond, but Noor and Nadia dragged her inside.
Noor: “We can’t stay here. This is crazy!”
Nadia: “What do we do now?”
Salima: “You’re overreacting.”
Noor: “You must have a death wish.”
Salima: “I’m just hungry.”
They kept laughing despite the fear.
---
Elsewhere…
Leader: “What did you do to her?”
Ber9ou9a: “Don’t worry, boss. That sharp tongue won’t be talking trash around here anymore.”
Al-Moallem: “Good job. And what about the six billion plan?”
Leader: “It’s happening.”
Ber9ou9a: “And those new girls in the alley?”
Leader: “They’ll live like the rest—quiet, low, and invisible. Unless they want this alley to be renamed in their honor.”
Al-Moallem (laughing): “Remember that guy who got stomped on and limped forever after? That’s how this alley got its name—‘Al-3arj’!”
Ber9ou9a: “Unforgettable.”
---
Back with the girls…
Noor: “We need to register at school.”
Salima: “I found one, but it’s a bit far.”
Nadia: “Where is it?”
Salima: “In the city center.”
Noor: “Too far. I need one nearby—this mafia might block the roads.”
Nadia: “Right? Say it louder.”
Salima: “I’m going for a walk. Who’s coming?”
Noor: “I’m sleeping.”
Nadia: “Say it again.”
Salima: “Stay here, cowards.”
She got dressed—black wide-leg jeans, light green tee, white sneakers—and headed out. As she walked through the alley, someone was watching her from a window, cigarette in hand. He saw her laughing at something on her phone.
Without knowing why, he walked out and stopped in front of her.
Salima: “Yes?”
Leader: “You seem very comfortable here.”
Salima: “What’s wrong? The circus ended and now the monkey showed up?”
Her sarcasm hit him like a slap. Who was she to speak to him like that? He grabbed her wrist, pulling her close.
Leader: “I’m not one of your silly little girlfriends. Watch your mouth before I shut it for good.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She was fierce, yes—but sensitive. Words hit her like bullets. She yanked her hand free and walked away, silently cursing everything: the alley, the people, herself.
He turned to go back. As he walked, he stepped on something. Looking down, he picked up a necklace with a red butterfly pendant. Her necklace. The same red as her hair—something he couldn’t forget. He slipped it into his pocket and walked home.
- Writer
