Gomez Qilla
Rahim ran behind Shayla. What did I do now? I don’t understand. He said, “I’m so sorry, Shayla. I don’t want to leave you alone right now. May I walk you back home?”
She turned to face him. Her eyes were moist with tears.
Rahim’s eyes widened. Sweet universe, I’ve really screwed up. She didn’t cry even when we were almost killed—multiple times!
“There’s nothing wrong, Rahim. I am just tired and overwhelmed, and I don’t feel like talking. Is that okay with you?”
“Of course,” he stuttered. He wasn’t sure why he ran after her. I have to make sure she’s okay. I can’t leave her alone now. I’ve never seen her like this.
“May I walk with you? I’ll drop you home safely, and then I’ll get back to Nelson and Roofus. I promise I won’t hound you,” he reiterated. “After all that we’ve
