, a reminder of his struggle to provide for his children. The bills piled up, casting a shadow over his once hopeful outlook. Hakimi was almost turning to a shadow of his old sel

***

, a girl in her class, harbored envy towards her. The tension simme

voice hauled her from going to take a sit. You think you're so spe

tried to diffuse the situation, "Layla, c

ursed at her you have!

anyone?" Amira shot back wit

n class 11 you bloody liar. Stay

what you're t

oing and chanting 'fight'. Most of the kids were su

ood tray at Amira, the contents splattering across her clothes and fac

d with her eye, sending a sharp pain through her head. Amira fell flat on the floor. Her eyebrows etched as she whimpe

and long dark wavy hair with the most beautiful eyes she had seen in a man. He pulled her closer to himself and

la pointed at Amira who wa

er than taking matters up yourself. What if you got hurt. He looked

t..

what happened, he helped her to her feet. Don't mind Layla, she's a bully. Amira was in too much pain to care about what he said. The impact left a

ld her shoulders firmly. "You should try as much to ignore her when she she says mean

Amira finally spoke releas

re you

conceal the black eye. She took off her tiny make up purse and applied some foundation on her eyes. Ouch! The wound stung her. Who was she fooling, this is was the third time something like this has happ

ne suddenly rushed out of the students bathroom and bumped into him. He held the

ack trash bag. Frowning a little, he peer

Hakimi, who also taught at the school, sensed something amiss when Amira returned with a swollen eye

ownplayed the incident, "It's not

ise. The worry lingered in his eyes, a

routine to help his sisters with their homework. "Alright Dija, here . He handed her

y at him. "Coming right u

n, I'm done with

over her head. She held a pile of books on her hand which she placed noisily in front of her brother. There

. All would be four dollars." He

ave only two dollars

them yo

ked in with a plate of mod

anded him the plate

elp me with my homework." S

ra's bruised eye. Concern etched her fa

, Amira?" Khadijat asked,

and noticed "Did some

nd bumped my

when you lie.

ullying incident, the pain and hum

....

f anger and protectiveness, Aka

in class 11?" He

nted to a group of gir

He confronted her in a tense excha

" He asked the

foolishly. Delusional about the h

Akashi's voice carried a fierce in

wavering gaze and question, stuttered

you ever lay a hand on my si

ormed off. Leaving

~~

rejection letter served as a bitter r

a mix of hope and disappointment. Determined to provide for his family, he embarked on a series

ing across from the interviewer, he exuded professionalism and eagerness, "I understand the res

cal experience but lacked formal education credentials. With a polite smile, he said, "We appreciate your enth

g for a manager. Hakimi, buttoned his suit coat and wore a large smile. He greeted the owner with a warm smile, "I have manage

mi. We're seeking someone with more formal management training. Your ex

kimi's age as a concern, while others emphasized the need for specific qualifica

tive, glanced skeptically at Hakimi's resume, "Your background is impressive, Mr. Hakimi, but we'

latest certifications, but I have a proven track record of adapting to new technologies q

rsuasive arguments, the interviewer remained firm in their decision. As Hakimi left the office, he c

for the day. He felt a sinking feeling in his heart. His stomach roared, a reminder to him that a cup of coffee was the only th

had to purchase bread and beverages for his family. As the head of the family, he would do every

the sky. With unsteady steps and a broken heart, Hakimi w