Adam, now 28, tall with a sharp diamond-shaped face, a symbol of strength, and an apple-shaped mark on his neck, with wavy long hair reaching his ears and a wild posture.
Adam had devoted his life to raising Radwa, whom he lovingly called his "angel." He had made her aware of everything: her tragic past, her parents' fate, and his own life before she came into it.
Radwa, gentle and caring, had accepted her fate with grace and resilience.
"'Adam!' Radva called out, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
"Yes, my angel?"
Is there another world out there? Beyond our place, where people like us exist? I'm just curious… is it real?
"Is there another world out there? Beyond our place, where people like us exist? I'm just curious… is it real?"
Adam responded, feeling a mix of love and fear. He was responsible."There is, angel. There is another world where people like us exist, but there's one thing… it's too crowded and noisy out there. I don't like all the pollution either. That's why I took you and came here—to live peacefully. Their lives are very busy, and most of them are depressed, not really living. They don't know anything about nature and its beauty and benefits like we do," he said, pointing at her nose to assure her not to worry.
He felt a heaviness on his chest, like a burden he was carrying. Radwa just listened quietly, then hugged him from the shoulder. Without saying anything, she went inside the house.
Adam, always carried a deep-seated worry that Radwa might one day disappear from his life.
He often had nightmares about losing her, yet her comforting words and warm hugs always eased his fears.
Time flew by swiftly. Radwa blossomed into a beautiful young woman, with long, radiant hair, a captivating face, and skin as fair as milk.
Today was her 18th birthday, and Adam celebrated it in a simple yet special way, reflecting their humble yet loving life together.
"Happy birthday, my angel," Adam said, handing her a small, hand-carved wooden box. Inside was a delicate necklace, which he had also made with his own hands. He had carved the Peristeria elata flower onto it with incredible detail—a token of his love and care.
"Thank you, Adam," Radwa replied, her eyes shining with gratitude. She looked at the necklace and praised Adam, telling him how much she loved it, then asked the meaning of Peristeria elata.
He replied, sitting beside her, "It symbolizes peace and love. Do you like it?"
"Of course I like it," she said. "And I know you have great knowledge about nature."
She embraced him tightly, sensing his unspoken worries.
Radwa was exceptionally talented and sharp-minded. She yearned to explore the world beyond their home, to witness other people's lives and experiences. But Adam, protective and cautious, had always kept her within the confines of their private refuge.
"Adam, I wish I could see more of the world," Radwa said one evening, her eyes gazing wistfully at the horizon.
Adam sighed, knowing this day would come. "I understand, Radwa . It's not that I don't trust you; it's the world I worry about."
"I know, Adam. But I'm not a child anymore. I want to experience life, to meet people, and to learn more about the world. You've taught me so much, and I'm grateful. But I need to see it for myself."
Adam looked into her eyes, filled with determination and longing. They spent a moment in silence before he postponed the conversation, saying, "We'll talk another time," choosing to avoid the topic for now.