*
"You..." he paused, staring calmly at her. The room suddenly felt too small as he stepped in, his eyes still on her. He looked somewhat less frightening as he leaned on the stick, his eyes tired and strained. His usually firm and straight shoulders drooped as he dragged his right foot across the floor.
Noor said nothing, unable to move a muscle. His presence had taken the wind out of her, leaving her dazed and breathless. Fareed seemed to detect this as well, as the corner of his lips twitched when he sat down slowly. He winced as a sharp pain shot through him, and only then did Noor find the strength to move.
"Are you okay?" she asked, taking a step towards him. She didn't know what to say or do, as she he never found herself in such an awkward situation before.
"Why have you re
