Elaf stepped out of the bathroom, still fixing her hair, her movements slightly heavy with sleep. She walked into the kitchen and found Linda standing by the table, placing dishes down with visible irritation.
"Well… finally you're up." Linda said coldly.
Elaf sat down without replying, simply pulling a chair and taking her place.
Salma walked in right after her, full of energy as always, and sat across from her with a smile.
"Come on… eat something and get dressed, we don't have time."
Elaf raised her eyes to look at her.
"Time for what exactly?"
Salma shrugged carelessly.
"Just going out… change the mood a bit. Nothing big."
Linda cut in quickly,
"What's wrong with that? You're always staying home. Go with her, it'll do you good."
Elaf stayed silent for a moment, then said calmly,
"I didn't say I won't go… I just want to know where."
Salma let out a short laugh.
"You'll see when we get there… let it be a surprise."
Linda tapped the table lightly, annoyed.
"Just eat and stop talking so much! It's always the same thing with you!"
Elaf took a small bite—unlike her usual self—and quickly stopped.
"That's enough… I can't finish."
Linda looked at her with mockery.
"Always the same story… you don't eat, then you say you're tired."
Salma suddenly stood up.
"That's it! Leave her… what matters is she gets dressed and we go."
Elaf stood up quietly without adding a word and left the kitchen, heading back to her room.
A few minutes later, she came out wearing wide pants and a long top, her khimar neatly arranged—simple, modern, and modest.
Salma looked at her and smiled.
"Now that's nice… let's go!"
Linda stood by the door, arms crossed.
"Don't be too late… and you, Salma, take care of her."
Salma laughed lightly.
"Don't worry, Auntie… she's with me."
They stepped out of the house, the sun already up, the day seemingly ordinary…
Elaf followed Salma in silence, not knowing exactly where they were going…
but one thing was clear:
this day was not going to be like any other.