{ No matter how much time passes, we will be waiting for you }
Both Rina and Mayar headed outside. The weather was beautiful, perfect for a walk.
They began their tour around the area. It was clear to Rina that the people here were wealthy; that was her first impression of the neighborhood. The shops, the people...
It was a world completely different from the one we were used to.
Even though my father was a policeman, he never spent on us the way other fathers did.
Honestly, I don't care about all that for myself.
But... when I see my little sister living in these conditions, so different from most children her age, I feel a pang of pain.
After a few minutes of walking down the street, the garden appeared in the distance.
"Mayar, we're almost there!"
• "Hurry! I want to play there!"
"Slow down."
The garden was somewhat quiet, with only a few children around, likely because it was school hours.
"I'll sit on that bench over there. Go play as much as you want."
• "Yay!"
Mayar started playing on her own, and moments later, she joined the other children.
The joy was evident on her face. I hope she makes some friends here, and at school tomorrow as well.
Rina was contemplating how beautiful the place was until someone caught her eye from the other side... a woman stood carrying some groceries next to a bench where a girl sat, someone around Rina's age or perhaps slightly older.
The woman was gesturing toward Rina.
Rina stood up and walked toward them.
"Hello."
~ "Hello, how are you?"
° "Welcome."
"I'm fine, and you?" [Rina spoke to them with obvious shyness.]
~ "We are fine. You're our new neighbor, right?"
"I think so. Do you live in the residence near the bakery?"
° "Yes, I saw you yesterday. I wanted to say hello, but you seemed busy from what I saw."
~ "It's okay, she's our neighbor now and will become our friend."
"I don't know what to say, honestly."
° "Don't worry about it. My name is Yara, I'm a medical student. It's a pleasure to meet you."
~ "I'm Fatima, I own a clothing shop nearby."
"Pleasure to meet you both. My name is Rina, and that over there is my little sister, Mayar."
~ "Do you live here with your family?"
"In fact... in a way, you could say that."
° "I work too, but only on certain occasions and holidays. Do you work as well, or are you just studying?"
"..."
"I was working until recently, but not anymore."
About an hour and twenty minutes passed.
It was all conversation between them. Rina kept trying not to give clear answers, fearing it might cause trouble as it had before. However, the kindness on their faces was unmistakable. For the first time in a long while, she engaged in a normal discussion without contempt or problems—just women talking about how their days go.
Mayar returned to Rina, exhausted from playing.
• "Rina, let's go home and eat, I'm hungry."
"First, say hello to Auntie Fatima and Auntie Yara."
~ "So this is little Mayar. She really looks like you."
° "How are you, Mayar? My name is Yara. I hope you like it here."
"We'll take our leave now; we're heading home."
° "I'll come with you both."
~ "As for me, I'm going to visit my sister. Goodbye!"
"Safe travels."
Mayar, Rina, and Yara walked together toward the house. Mayar was tired from playing, so Yara carried her on her back the whole way.
They reached the residence and climbed the stairs.
To their surprise, they lived on the same floor.
° "Let's continue our chat soon, Rina."
"Of course, come visit anytime."
° "It's a deal. I'll try to visit when your husband isn't home so I don't disturb him. Bye!"
[....Husband....?....Wait...Does she mean...]
"How happy I am that someone as beautiful as you is Kenjin's wife."
"Who are you, Ma'am?"
• "Auntie Maria!"
Mayar rushed toward her and gave her a hug.
"How are you, Mayar? I missed you."
• "Me too! Did you come with Uncle Kenjin?"
"I'm alone. I came to visit. It seems you two were out."
• "Yes! I was playing in the garden."
"You are Mrs. Maria, right?"
"Yes. I know you're wondering how I found the address; I'll answer everything you want inside."
"Fair enough. Let's go in."