Short Story: A Parent to Cherish
As I walked down the streets with that inerasable frown, I wished they had never existed. I was in a detestable mood after that huge and loud fight with my parents. My mind was literally getting invaded by hateful thoughts, why do they always disregard my wants? Does ‘no’ have to be the only response? Why don’t I have the freedom to do what I please? Why do they always stand in the way? Tears were already wetting my hijab as I blew my nose in that napkin I had and walked aimlessly in the streets. I felt nothing but agony; it was as if I was degraded from all means of living that breathing became a hard task for my tight lungs. My eyes couldn’t see all those people in the streets, and my ears became deaf to all the noise; I could only think of how much I hate my parents for forbidding me from sleeping over at my best friend’s.
Even though I gathered my courage and power altogether in order to seek their acceptance, they rejected me with that disgusting and repulsive ‘no’. I knew that my parents wouldn’t allow sleepovers or spending nights outside alone, but can I not try it out just once? Will I stay for the rest of my life bounded to my parents’ rules? Why don’t they let me live like all my friends and enjoy life? Oh, how I wish to have my best friend’s parents! They would agree to whatever I ask with a wide smile on their faces. A wish I can’t attain.
Before realizing it, I was already taking a seat in my favorite coffee shop and choosing a drink that can help me swallow away my grief. While I was focusing on choosing the most refreshing drink in the menu, my cell phone’s vibrations forced me to cut it short and go with my usual coffee.
“Juuuuude” I said as I picked up the phone.
“Did they say yes?” she asked first thing.
“No” I moaned.
“No way! Oh God. Can’t you try again?”
“Nothing will pay off. I even begged.”
“But Nadia, this is like the last sleepover in secondary school”
“I know. I know.” Tears started filling my eyes.
“Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you use another technique?”
“I’m all ears”
“Show them the stubborn side of you. Make them feel how upset and dissatisfied you are.”
“Will that work out?”
“I know a friend who did that before. You know, mothers can’t stand our sadness.”
“Aha. Okay, I’ll try that out”
As I hung up, all I could think of was possible outcomes of being a rebellious daughter; it didn’t sound so bad.
The moment I reached home, I carried out my plan. I turned into an ugly daughter; I rejected all offers and requests. I treated my mother as if she didn’t exist and ignored my father to my heart’s content. Even though this method might work, I felt my insides burning somehow. I felt guilty and mean. How can I treat my parents this way?
But I have to attend that sleepover! It’s definitely worth it.
As I carried on with my ugly treatment, I could see how hurt my mum was. As I continued disregarding their requests, I could see how exhausted they were without my help. Nevertheless, I went on with my disobedient attitude hoping that this will force them to change their minds, and it did.
“You can sleepover at Jude’s if you want. But know that we are not satisfied with your attitude.” My mum said while standing at my room’s door on my third rebellious day.
I was literally speechless. Finally, I was free.
Anticipating the night and planning for it was all I had been doing till the day arrived. And when it did, I prayed to Allah for the night to go as planned. Nonetheless, it turned out to be unexpected with everything going in the opposite direction. Instead of having fun with my friends, I was left out and isolated. Instead of enjoying a good dance, I had foot-cramps. Instead of sharing bed stories together before sleeping, I was lying on a bed all alone thinking of how miserable my night turned out to be.
[pullquote_left]Allah has created my mum and dad in order to guide me through life; I should have cherished them more.[/pullquote_left]For a moment there, I felt betrayed by my friends; I hated my ‘fake’ presence amongst them. Was that the night I was waiting anxiously for? Wasn’t it supposed to be one of my best nights? Why was I not enjoying any second of it? Laying my head on that pillow on someone else’s bed wasn’t exciting at all; it was uncomfortable and insecure. I wasn’t having that wide smile; instead I couldn’t hold my tears from flowing endlessly. I felt so lonely; even with my ‘best friend’ next to me, loneliness was getting the best of me. I, then, remembered my mum and her strict refusal concerning this sleepover; I wished I obeyed what she said. At such dreadful moments, I could only regret clinging to sleeping over at Jude’s. This stubbornness lead me nowhere; it just caused me to cry through the night and realize the bitter reality of my life.
This ‘best friend’ happens to be a ‘fake’ friend who guided me to disobey my parents. I would give anything to be next to my mum at this moment; how I wish to apologize and ask her for forgiveness! How I wish to wash all the dishes and do all the chores to just gain her acceptance! She only cared for me, and she probably predicted the outcome; that’s why she prevented me from going. I should have realized that sooner; Allah has created my mum and dad in order to guide me through life; I should have cherished them more. I’ve wronged.
Soumaia Hashad
An Egyptian by origin and Palestinian by heart. Soumaia is an Actuarial Science undergraduate who’s known as a bookworm and a blogging maniac. She dreams of changing the world into a better place with Islam rising up high.