trip to the middle east 2

The world around Aaliyah felt like fragments of a dream slowly turning into reality, The hustle and bustle of students in the corridors, the sound of footsteps on marble floors, and the warm air carrying the scent of agarwood welcomed her at King Abdulaziz University

It felt like just yesterday she had struggled to get here, yet now, with a new identity, everything felt very different

Because of side effects, including the alteration of their reality, they were relocated to join the Arab community

Kareem who was once known as Marcus let out a long sigh beside her.

"I still can't believe we're really here" he said softly, his eyes fixed on the grand university buildings

Aaliyah nodded, her lips covered by the niqab she had started wearing a few days ago

At first, a sense of awkwardness surrounded her, every movement felt unfamiliar, The niqab was not just a new symbol for her, but a reminder of the significant changes in her life,

However, as she gazed at her reflection in the window, an odd sense of peace began to creep into her

Campus life demanded that they adapt quickly

Every day, Aaliyah and Kareem attended classes, met respected professors, and engaged in intense group discussions

Aaliyah started to admire the depth of the knowledge being taught, especially when the topics of Islamic history and philosophy were discussed

There was something in the stories of the prophets and their struggles that slowly seeped into her, giving new meaning to her life

One afternoon, Aaliyah sat alone in the campus garden, watching the sun begin to set on the horizon

The laughter of a group of female students caught her attention

They sat together, chatting and sharing stories

Layla, the girl who had first greeted her, waved at her

"Aaliyah, come here! Join us!" Layla called, inviting Aaliyah to join them

With some hesitation, Aaliyah stood and walked toward them

Each step felt heavy, not because of fear, but because of the lingering unfamiliarity in her heart

When she sat beside Layla, they began to talk, The topics were light, about homework, favorite professors, and good places to eat around the campus.

"Aaliyah, I've noticed you always wear the niqab, Can you tell me why?" one of the girls gently asked, her eyes filled with curiosity

Aaliyah paused for a moment, She wasn't sure how to answer,

Should she tell them the long journey that brought her here?

"At first, I didn’t really understand it, But now… it feels like a part of my new self" she chose to speak honestly

The conversation flowed naturally, and Aaliyah felt the burden she had been carrying begin to lighten

That evening, when she returned to the dormitory, she stood in front of the mirror. The black niqab covered most of her face, leaving only her eyes, which now shone with new determination

"Am I really starting to accept all of this?" she whispered to herself

In the distance, the call to prayer echoed, Aaliyah felt a tremor in her chest, like a soft call inviting her closer,

Unconsciously, she walked toward the ablution area, feeling the cool water soothe her, then prostrated in prayer for the first time, not out of obligation, but from the urging of her heart

Kareem watched her from afar, his eyes filled with both astonishment and pride.

Their journey was still long, and new challenges would surely come, However, in that moment, they knew that Makkah had changed them more than they could ever have imagined