HE WASN’T THE MONSTER BUT CAME FROM ONE

“Delicate Silence”

The dining room was warm with soft lighting, the gentle clink of cutlery on plates mixing with quiet conversation. Mrs. Abdul and Mrs.

William sat across from each other, finishing their dinner.

"I still don't know much about this girl," Mrs.

Abdul said, swirling the last drops of her wine in the glass. "Ismail followed her on i********:, but that's about it. I haven't seen any pictures, don't know her family... nothing."

Mrs. William nodded slowly, leaning back in her chair.

"Hm. That's always the way with boys, isn't it?

Following someone, thinking it's nothing, but somehow it becomes a story for the whole house."

Mrs. Abdul smiled taintly.

"Exactly. And I just want to make sure my son is not... getting himself into trouble. It's a bit strange, but curious. I want to know more, just in case."

"I really hope these two can get along," Mrs. William said, swirling her glass. "They're good kids, but you know... if they marry, the bond between our families will be even stronger."

Mrs. Abdul nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"Yes. but Faridah and Ibrahim... that's a ditterent story. Faridah is so independent - and Ibrahim is... well, Ibrahim."

Mrs. William laughed lightly.

"Independent, yes, but he's a patient boy.! think she'll warm up eventually. You know, friendship first. Marriage later. If the friendship lasts, the bond will be strong forever."

Just then, Ibrahim, who had been sitting quietly at the other end of the dining table, leaned slightly forward, curiosity shining in his eyes.

"Mom, have you seen Faridah tonight?" he asked, half-teasing.

Mrs. Abdul smiled.

"If you want to find her, go check around the compound. Sir, she's probably somewhere outside - she likes her privacy.

Ibrahim grinned and stood up, straightening his jacket.

"Alright. Thank you, ma," he said politely, already walking toward the door.

Mrs. William smirked.

"Don't be too formal with me. Just go see her

— and remember, you're here to be kind, not to argue with her."

Ibrahim laughed softly.

"Yes, ma. I'll behave," he replied, though his eyes held amusement.

With that, he stepped out into the compound, heading toward the quiet corner where Faridah often found her solitude.

Faridah sit alone in the quiet of the compound, a cigarette in her hand. No noise, no interruptions — just her and the gentle evening breeze. She took a slow drag, letting the smoke curl into the air as her eyes traced the subtle movements of the trees and the fading sunlight.

For a moment, the world felt still. Nothing demanded her attention. Nothing expected her to perform.

Then, footsteps approached. She didn't turn immediately, but when she finally glanced up, she saw Ibrahim walking toward her.

"Hi, Faridah," he said casually.

Faridah turned her head slightly, not meeting his eyes fully.

"Hi," she replied, then looked away again.

Ibrahim gestured toward the empty chair beside her.

"Mind if I sit?"

Her tone was flat, cool.

"It's your choice. If your leg isn't tired, you can stand. If you feel like sitting, go ahead. I don't care either way."

Ibrahim smiled, unfazed.

"Don't be too cold on me. Your choice is my choice. Look... if you don't want to marry me, that's okay. We can just be friends... or, I don't know….. star friends?"

Faridah raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming despite herself.

"Friend of a star? Who told you I'm a star?

You're really off track," she said, mockingly.

"Maybe I should give you my brother's number instead - that'll suit you better."

Ibrahim laughed softly, shook his head, and stood up.

"Just wanted to say hi... and see you're doing well. Bye, then."

Ibrahim walked past her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Cute," he muttered under his breath, though he didn't expect her to ever be his.

I respect any decision she makes, he told himself quietly, stepping away, leaving Faridah to her solitude.

Faridah watched him walk away without a word, barely acknowledging his presence.

After a moment, she rolled her eyes subtly, muttered something under her breath about his dramatic exit, and took another slow drag of her cigarette, feeling no lighter, only more amused at the ridiculousness of it all.