"And when adversity touches man, he calls upon his Lord, turning to Him (alone); then when He bestows on him a favor from Himself, he forgets Him whom he called upon before , and he attributes to Allah equals to mislead (people) from His way. Say, 'Enjoy your disbelief for a little; indeed, you are of the companions of the Fire."
-Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 8.
...
EMAD
I watch Maria as the color from her face drains.
I frown, unable to understand her reaction.
"Is that not what you've wanted from the very beginning?" I question, my forearms braced on my thighs.
She sniffles and looks down at me. Not quite meeting my eyes. Her eyes are tear-lined and red-rimmed.
My body tightens at its own accord. Guilt and shame thrashing up my throat. It's all my fault. Always my fault.
I rise up from
