Karma sat on the bench across from Rahaf, stirring her juice without taking a sip. Rahaf smiled, but it was a pale smile something weighed heavily on her chest.
Rahaf spoke in a low voice, avoiding eye contact: "I'm traveling tonight to the city… I'm going to visit my father."
Karma raised her eyebrows in surprise: "Tonight? But my wedding to Yazan is in a week… and you promised you'd stay by my side."
Rahaf gave a faint smile: "I know… and I truly wanted to. But sometimes, we're forced to disappear."
Karma sensed that there was more behind the words, something unsaid. She gently asked: "Rahaf… is everything okay?"
Rahaf hesitated for a moment, then shook her head softly: "Everything's fine. I just need some time."
She reached out, taking Karma's hand in hers, and said: "Don't worry, I'll be fine. And you… take good care of yourself."
She left quickly after that, while Karma remained in her place, staring at the imprint her friend's footsteps had left behind, whispering to herself: "There's something she's not telling me… and I feel it."
Elsewhere, Yazan was sitting at a rest stop when Anas walked in, his face full of friendliness.
He approached with a wide smile: "Yazan! I'm so happy to see you!"
Yazan stood to greet him and said warmly: "Welcome. It's been a while."
They sat together, and Anas began talking about work, life, and the usual routines. Then he asked casually: "Are you still set on working far from your father?"
Yazan replied simply: "Yes. I don't want to live poor like he did."
Anas nodded with feigned admiration: "Impressive… not many have that kind of drive."
Yazan's family consisted of four: his father, Tarek, a humble farmer; his mother, Farida, a housewife; and the two brothers Yazan and Zeid.
Yazan, the eldest, had studied architectural engineering but couldn't find a suitable job. He dreamed of moving to the city and starting his own firm, but luck wasn't on his side. His father insisted he work with him in farming, something Yazan adamantly refused.
Zeid, the younger brother, was still in high school and hadn't chosen a university yet, though he hoped to follow in his brother's footsteps and study architecture.
Their meeting ended shortly after. Anas left, now aware of Yazan's current plans, and muttered darkly to himself: "First step… the rest will follow."
That night, Rahaf was packing her bag, hot tears burning her cheeks.
She had decided to run away, not stand in the way of her best friend's happiness or the man she loved. She had to sacrifice, for the sake of that friendship.
After finishing her packing, she pulled out her phone and called her sister:
Rahaf: "How are you, Tala? I'm traveling tonight. I'll be in the city tomorrow."
Tala: "Are you joking? You're finally coming to visit? I've missed you so much since your last trip."
Rahaf: "I missed you too, Tala."
Tala: "Is something wrong, Rahaf? You sound upset."
Rahaf: "I can't talk about it over the phone… I'll tell you everything when I get there."
She ended the call and wiped her tears. Then she left her room and approached her mother, who was sitting in the living room reading. Rahaf sat on the floor beside her, resting her head on her mother's knee.
Her mother, Nargis, asked gently: "What's wrong, my daughter? Why do your eyes look so sad?"
Rahaf whispered with a trembling voice: "I'm leaving tonight, Mama… I wanted to say goodbye before I go."
Her mother looked at her with concern: "You're leaving? So suddenly?"
Rahaf nodded: "Yes. I told Tala already… and Dad needs me too. I want to spend some time with him."
Her mother embraced her and whispered in her ear: "Stay safe, Rahaf… And if your heart grows heavy, know that your home's door is always open. So is my heart."
A hot tear fell from Rahaf's eye, and she closed her eyes to hide the pain. After a few moments, she gently pulled away, kissed her mother's hand, and left the room.
On the way to the train station, she took out her phone and called Karma:
Rahaf: "Where are you?"
Karma: "I'm already at the station… standing on the south platform."
Rahaf: "I'll be there in a few minutes. Don't leave."
She ended the call, feeling her heart being pulled with every step. She knew this farewell wouldn't be like any other, and she wouldn't be the same person after this night.
She arrived at the station. Karma was waiting, eyes searching the crowd. When she saw Rahaf, she rushed to her and hugged her tightly.
Karma said in a trembling voice: "You're really leaving?"
Rahaf replied with sorrow: "If it were up to me, I wouldn't leave for a second… but sometimes, we have to go away to keep love alive."
Karma said: "I'll miss you… more than you can imagine."
Rahaf responded quietly: "Me too… Don't forget me."
The train's whistle blew. Rahaf tightened her grip on her suitcase, walked to the carriage door, then turned one last time. She waved… her heart silently screaming goodbye.
Karma stood in place, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. When the train disappeared into the horizon, she returned home, slowly removed her shoes, went into her room, collapsed onto her bed, and closed her eyes hoping sleep would take her to a world where farewells don't exist.
To be continued…