017

Climbing into Khadijah's car, a wave of exhaustion crashed over Zynah. She couldn't help, but wonder if this was truly the freedom she yearned for? Was she finally going to be happy away from Bilal while a part of him was growing in her stomach? Indubitably, the child would always remind her of him no matter how hard she wanted to forget every single thing that had to do with him. Fresh tears welled up in her eyes at the thoughts.

Zynah felt Khadijah's gaze on her, followed by a reassuring hand on hers. No words spoken, but a message was conveyed.

Zynah nodded. "I will be alright."

"Where should I take drop you off?"

"At the garage," Zynah responded. "I will find my way home."

Khadijah's lips curved into a sad smile. "I would have taken you all the way to your destination, but unfortunately, my husband didn't allow it. I'm really sorry, Zynah. This is all I can do for you."

"What do you mean sorry? You don't have to be," Zynah smiled reassuringly at her. "You've done a lot