They were walking on the road as storm clouds were gathering. Three girls, each wearing an atamfa with matching scarves, were in a hurry to get home before the impending storm. However, the strong wind made it difficult for them to move quickly. Zee, one of the girls, struggled the most as she couldn't walk fast, and you could tell from her demeanor that she was worried about the storm. She feared rain more than the others because it often made her sick.
Raliya urged Zee, "Please, Zee, do whatever you can to hurry up so we can get home before the rain starts. You know you'll be the one affected if it starts raining."
Fatima chimed in, "Oh Raliya, you know it's not her fault. That's just how she is. Remember how Zee used to get scolded by her mom during the rainy season if she took too long to return home. It wasn't because she wanted to take long; she just can't walk fast. Our only solution is to find a place to take shelter until the rain stops."
Raliya disagreed, "That's not a good idea because we don't know when it will stop. We should just pray that a napep comes by before it starts raining."
While they were talking, Zee remained silent, which didn't bother them because they were used to her quiet nature. Sometimes she would be very talkative, and other times, she wouldn't say a word, regardless of how much they teased her. They had been together since they were children.
By Allah's grace, a napep appeared. They were lucky and immediately flagged it down without asking the fare. They just told the driver where they were going and got in. He dropped them off in their neighborhood, and they paid him. Raliya's house was next to Zee's, and Fatima's was two houses away from Zee's. They said their goodbyes and each headed home just as the wind picked up and it started to rain.
Back at home, Zee's mother was in the kitchen when Zee entered the house and greeted her.
"Zainab, what took you so long? You know the rain is bad for you," her mother asked.
"Mama, the transport was difficult to find, so we started walking. We walked quite a distance before we found a napep to bring us home."
"Well, I'm just glad you're home safely. Your father will be back soon, and you know how he worries and asks about you. Where's Khalid?" she asked.
"He's in his room doing his homework," Zee replied. "That's why it's so quiet. Mama, let me go change and pray."
"Alright, but hurry and come eat. I know you. You haven't eaten anything," her mother said.
"Mama, I'll be quick. I don't want my brother to scold me again for not having a phone. All my friends have one except me."
Her mother smiled, "You’ll get one soon enough, now that you've finished your studies and your brother promised to get you one."
"That's true, Mama," Zee said as she went to her room.