January 2022.
Abdullah's holiday was coming to an end. He didn't want to leave, but he had no choice. At the airport, his grandpa came to say goodbye once more. He gave Abdullah and Ali a tight hug.
"Don't worry, Abuji. About us just take care of yourself," Abdullah said, concern in his voice.
"Yeah, I will. You take care of yourself as well," Abuji replied.
The flight home passed normally. Abdullah thought to himself, "It came to such a sudden end… we're already going back. I'm not gonna be dumb this time. I'll make sure to talk to everyone plenty and pray for them all." The words of his father echoed in his mind: "Only Allah knows when someone will die."
Over the next few weeks, Abdullah settled back into routine. He still spoke to his friends, but often, he sat around quietly, lost in thought. Memories of his grandmother still touched him, but he tried his best to stay strong.
One day, a random boy mocked him.
"Abdullah, are you about to cry?"
"I'M NOT CRYING! I'M JUST RESTING MY HEAD!" he yelled.
The boy shrugged and walked away. Abdullah felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry," he whispered softly, but the boy didn't hear him.
Later, a teacher noticed his sad expression. He was an older man, British accent, grey hair. Before heading to class, he stopped Abdullah.
"Hey, are you alright? What's your name?"
Am I alright? Abdullah thought. I… don't know.
"My name's Abdullah," he replied quietly.
"Alright, Abdullah. I just wanted to see how you're doing. I keep seeing you by yourself, head down, not talking or playing. If anything's wrong, you can tell us."
"I uh... I don't know. I have friends, I just don't have a lot. They probably wouldn't want to be my friend anyway," Abdullah admitted softly.
"Why wouldn't they? You're a great kid, Abdullah. Come here, follow me," the teacher said kindly.
Abdullah followed him to a small classroom with two other boys.
"This is Jamie and Ciaran. This room is just a place to relax, play board games, and talk," the teacher explained.
"Oh, alright," Abdullah replied.
That day, Abdullah spent an hour learning game. checkers, chess, and others. The teacher also gave him advice. look people in the eye, face them when talking. Abdullah didn't talk much that day, but over the next few weeks, every Thursday, he returned to spend time with Jamie and Ciaran.
One day, while playing with toys, Abdullah noticed a gross smell.
"Is it coming from Jamie? He's the only other one here right now," Abdullah thought, pinching his nose.
Jamie noticed. "Oh, sorry! Had a bit of an accident in the toilet… ran out of toilet paper."
Abdullah stifled a laugh, grinning. "Wait so you just didn't wipe?" he thought to himself.
Most of the time, Ciaran kept to himself while Jamie harassed him. One day, Ciaran was building with blocks, and Jamie stomped them down.
"Jamie, stop!" Ciaran said.
"ROAR! ARFHH AHH!" Jamie continued, making random noises.
Abdullah laughed.
"Abdullah, make him stop!" Ciaran begged.
"What uh me? How am I supposed to stop him?" Abdullah thought.
"Uh… can you stop?" Abdullah pressed.
"Make me," Jamie replied.
Abdullah froze. Ciaran suffered the demise of his tower, and Abdullah couldn't help but laugh. Despite the chaos, he began to enjoy these sessions. Thursdays became something he looked forward to a safe, peaceful space to play, laugh, and simply be a kid.
The teacher, always kind, reassured him.
"I think you just have some issues with social skills and communication. Don't worry, these classes will help. You'll make more friends. like Jamie and Ciaran. There's nothing wrong with you, Abdullah."
"Thank you," Abdullah said with a small smile.
"See? You already look so much happier than before. Just keep that frown upside down, buddy."
The weeks passed, and Abdullah grew more comfortable. Fifth class ended normally. Summer came and went with the usual anticipation building in his heart.
"I can't wait for sixth class," he thought. "I wonder who our teacher will be."
"Nano I hope you're proud. I'm trying to stay happy and strong for you," he whispered, a few tears forming. "I just wish I could've seen you at least once before you left."
September 2022 approached, and sixth class was just around the corner for the students in
Fifth class…