THE VOW

CHAPTER FOUR

Malik, who was 10 years old and a good boy who took his academics seriously, aspires to play professional baseball and basketball when he grows up. He was four years old and mature for his years.

He was raised amidst a loving community. When Malik was seven years old, his mentor and grandfather died. A year later, his grandma died of a heart attack. Even though they were not related by blood, they loved and guarded Malik and his mother till the day they passed away during those difficult times.

Malik loved the Yusufs more than anything since they were the only family he had ever known. He and Jawad, his uncle, did a lot of things together and were close. Malik was cared for by Jawad when his mother had a late shift. The only time Irene was present was when he enjoyed spending time with Uncle Amin. She didn't seem very friendly to Malik, and he couldn't figure out why she didn't like him. When she was present, he experienced an odd sense. She gave him the chills and couldn't figure out why his uncle liked her, but it wasn't his concern.

Finally, Friday arrived, and Malik was happy. He had been chatting with Sam, his best friend, about how he and his mother were going on a weekend trip. He waited at his desk for the bell to sound, and when it did, the entire class poured out of the building.

Malik got his things together and left the space. Because his mother worked a longer shift every Friday, Uncle Amin would be taking him up. He put on his sweater before leaving the building since he knew his mother would like it.

He was happy to have his sweatshirt on as he went outside. It was chilly and appeared as though it might rain. Sam went up, and the two of them proceeded to the front of the school.

When do you leave tomorrow morning?

"My mom said early, maybe like five in the morning," Malik shrugged.

Sam expanded his blue eyes. Holy crap! That is too soon.

I'm aware, right? I'll need to get some rest before bed tonight.

They said their goodbyes and parted ways since Sam walked home.

He was aware that Uncle Amin would be waiting in the same location in the park across the street. For the past two years, he had been doing it every Friday (when he wasn't on the road, that is).

Malik pushed through the group of children, some of them were getting into their parents' cars or making their way home while others were just standing there.

Along with a dozen other kids, he awaited the cross guard's approval before crossing the street. When he went in search of his uncle, he found him sitting at the customary bench, but something wasn't right.

He became aware of a companion. At first, he didn't know her and was concerned that she may be Oma, but she had red hair, and he only knew one other person who had red hair.

He was glad to see Nadia and his uncle waiting for him. He reasoned that she might be there to take him to his mother so they could travel to Reno on the same day as opposed to the following.

He started to grow excited about the trip and considered inviting Nadia along. He liked hanging out with Nadia because her husband kept amazing motorcycles in their garage, and she was a lot of fun.

The moment he learned Nadia was crying, he raced to meet them since he could no longer resist his joy. He then surprised them by approaching from behind. He circled the bench and looked around to see what was going on. Nadia grinned when she saw him, but it was an odd smile.

Malik greeted Nadia, unsure of whether to smile back.

She got up to hug him and said, "Hey, little man. How are you doing?"

When his uncle joined in, Malik realized something wasn't right because usually his uncle was animated and cracking jokes, but not that day.

There was unquestionably a problem.

Hello, friend. Ready to go?

Malik wasn't sure what was happening, but he was prepared nonetheless. Yes, I must prepare for tomorrow.

He observed his uncle and Nadia exchanging looks.

Taking a position in front of Malik, Uncle Amin moved closer and put his hands on Malik's shoulders. Malik observed sadness in his eyes, and he had seen the same expression twice before.

Uncle Amin said, "Listen, buddy," and took a deep breath. "I need to share something with you.

Malik's heart started to beat. Malik ignored the children who were laughing and yelling while running around. He was certain that something terrible had occurred, but what? Given that he had been working nights, he suspected Jawad would be injured. He wondered whether perhaps something negative had occurred to him.

The question "What is it?"

He observed Nadia crying once more. Why will she not confront Malik?

Why was she even there? Uncle Amin caught his attention once more.

I want you to have courage, promise?" Malik, who nodded but seemed perplexed, was questioned. His uncle hesitated before saying, "It's." "It's your mother," Her heart attack occurred this morning.

Malik felt the weakness in his legs.

Will she be alright, I wonder?

His uncle gave him a bear hug and squeezed him tightly. Malik, she's not doing well. She's, um, she's... There was a pause when his voice broke.

Malik watched as his surroundings slowly turned. The kids' giggling grew louder, and the surrounding noises became unbearable. He desired to stow his ears. What's with the clamour? He pondered. They should have known Malik required silence. Did they not notice that he had recently lost his mother? Tears started to flow. He tried to talk, but nothing came out. How is this possible? She left him off at school one morning after they had breakfast together and said, "See you later." How is she no longer there? There were so many questions that he was aware had no answers. Nadia watched as Uncle Amin tightly gripped Malik, fearing the boy might escape from his grasp. Breathing was difficult, but Malik was also reluctant to let go. As she sobbed, Nadia stroked Malik's hair.

Uncle Amin lost a sister, Malik lost his mother, and Nadia lost her dearest friend. Although they were older than he was at the time, all three of them were equally frail and shattered. Why had life been so unjust?

Malik closed his eyes in an attempt to awaken from the nightmare, but the children and Nadia's sobs continued to be heard, and his uncle wouldn't let go. As the children started to disperse, the noise gradually decreased, but the sound of the wind in the trees persisted. Everything else came to a stop. Malik's experience of life has changed forever.