You Took My Soul

Blogger’s challenge #14 – A short sad story

“UFF, I wonder who are the ones who’ll marry the both of you.” That’s what mum always said when Hamad and I played Call of Duty. He used to yell all the time, “MAYOOD! You’re playing like grandma, zombies will have our brains for dinner because of you.” And I kept on reminding him that it’s just a video game. He was the loud one, the criminal that dragged me with him to everywhere. We’ve never cared about what our uncles and aunts said because they don’t understand us, they just keep on restating “Hamad and Mayed need to grow up, their childish behavior will destroy their lives.” Hamad was older than me that’s why they criticized him more.. Childish, moronic and reckless; that’s what they always said about him but I saw loving, artful and intelligent, I saw what their sightless souls failed to see in him. He was nice and gentle; kids loved him and loathed me because I hated them. “Mayed join us.” He’d say.

“Ew no Hamad, they cry easily.” I left him with them.

He was a writer too! But he hid that fact because he thought that it’s ‘girly.’ Once I was so envious, I wanted to write so bad so I paraphrased one of Hannah Montana’s songs. He read it and analyzed it with me but at the end he said, “You could have chosen one of Jonas Borthers songs, they can sing better.” He teased me. We laughed about it for almost a month, I still laugh about it but sadly he’s not here to harass me.

…..

Saturday, 22^nd of May 2010, at 7am.

That’s the last time I heard his voice. “Mayed listen, I have to go to Fuj because my stupid professor needs his assignment by Sunday morning, I’ll be back on Monday enshAllah. Don’t miss me okay? Okay? Okay?”

“I won’t miss you okay? Okay? Okay?” I laughed at his enthusiasm not knowing that I’ll actually miss him.

I texted him at 3pm but he didn’t reply to my text, I thought that he was driving. At 6pm my sister’s phone rang, her face turned red then she covered her eyes, “Mama are you sure? Please tell me that you misheard them!” she said.

At that moment I knew something was wrong but I didn’t want start assuming things, I waited for her explanation. She placed her hands on her lap; her eyes were red and teary. Her husband was horrified by her looks, he asked her about what’s going on. She started sobbing, she tried to catch her breath and said “Mama said that Hamad passed away..”

I didn’t cry because I thought they misunderstood the entire thing. “How can he die? I saw him few hours ago!” I barked at them.

My brother’s in law phone rang. My uncle was on the phone, “Khalid, I saw a horrible accident on the route to Fuj. I hope that the driver is okay. I bet that the stupid truck driver didn’t see that black car! God’s will man.”

“Bu Ali, does this car look like Hamad’s.” Khaild asked.

My uncle remained silent for few moments then he said, “Ya Allah, please no.” Then he hanged up

After struggling for almost thirty minutes, my uncle ‘Bu Hamad’ confirmed his son’s death.

…..

Sunday, 23^rd of May 2010, 9am.

I saw Hamad for the last time. This time he looked handsome, covered in a white sheet that suited him and I wondered if it’ll look that good on me when it’s my turn.

Everyone that was related to us walked in to cry and shout but I had the yearning to shout at them! Why are you crying? Why are you shouting? You always said that he’s careless and useless and guess what? He won’t be here anymore to bother you. My best friend won’t be there to bother me anymore.

After burying him, all of them came home. I saw his father on the corner sitting alone. I went to console him, he smiled and patted my back, “Hamad loved you Mayed; you were the only one who made him feel happy, you saw his true colors while we were busy..” he cried.

“I miss him already.” My tears joined his.

“We all do son.” He smiled and joined the others.

…..

Wednesday, 22^nd of May 2013, 12am.

Hamad,

You left me four years ago, I miss you buddy. I miss your laughter, your horrible rapping songs, your pointless conversations about how college is a waste of time, your midnight calls were you’d tell me that there’s a beautiful girl at your English class.. I miss you.

I stopped writing soon after your death, I stopped for three years because I thought that no one would read the shit that I wrote. But a year ago I had the courage to hold my pen again, do you want to know why? Because I want others to see what you saw, I want to teach them what you taught me about love. But deep down I’m dead like you; I died the day they shoved sand over your body, I died when you took my soul with you..

_____

We still miss you

Hope and Love

Maitha the Parrot

  

I Breathe You

The alarm wanted to breathe but Mona turned it off before Salem wakes up. She sneaked out of the bed to freshen up but five minutes later she heard Salem’s sleepy voice, “Monmon he’s crying!” Mona rushed out of the toilet; water droplets were still on her face.

“Sweetie, will it kill you to pick your son up?” she talked quietly as she held baby Fahad.

“Well darling, he’ll keep on crying and I’ll call you at the end.” Salem gave Mona a warm smile. She starred into his eyes and gave him a half smile.

“You know Fahoody, those huge chocolaty eyes always charm me no matter how hard I try to stay mad at your daddy.” She whispered to her son. Fahad fell back to sleep once he rested his head on Mona’s chest, like he wanted to smell her hair to feel safe.

“Moony, he’s already sleeping and why you’re up so early? The shuttle will arrive at 9AM and it’s.. OH MY, IT’S 6AM!” He said.

“I don’t want to miss a moment of Fahoody’s first birthday with us.” She exclaimed.

“He’s sleeping.” Salem pointed at the mini version of him. Mona didn’t care to what he said. She went to pick an outfit for her and her birthday boy...

Mona and Salem fell in love four years ago; two years ago they announced their love by getting married. After a short while Fahad came to complete their fantasy.

They decided to spend Fahad’s first birthday at Disney's Magical Kingdom in Orlando. Mona had being planning for this day since her baby arrived to the world.

…..

Mona came out of the dressing room wearing navy blue floral pants, white shirt, an unbuttoned denim shirt an a black scarf.

“Beautiful my love.” Salem walked forward to kiss her forehead. Mona blushed, her rosy cheeks matched her coral pink lipstick. Fahad followed his mommy wearing navy blue short and a white shirt.

“Family going BLUE.” Mona giggled.

“C’mon let's go, we barely have time to eat and the shuttle is arriving soon.” Salem lifted baby Fahad, while Mona moved Fahad’s stroller.

Thankfully there’s Starbucks at their hotel, which made their lives easier! The next thing the small family saw was Disney’s entrance gate. They walked in to scan their tickets; the employee scanned Fahad’s ticket and then he started singing “Happy Birthday” like Donald Duck. Fahad started clapping and laughing out of joy, he was so happy that his cute teeth showed up.

“Donald Duck is his favorite character, thank you sir.” Salem nodded gratefully to the man who made his baby laugh.

“My pleasure, as long as the birthday boy is happy.” The employee waved at them as they started walking.

Fahad refused to sit in his stroller. He kept on running between people's feet and jumping around the balloon's man happily; he kinda felt that it’s a special day.

“Oh meet and greet Disney characters.” Mona jumped excitedly while reading the sign.

“Relax mother, we’ll take you.” Salem laughed at his wife’s excitement.

“Shut up, I meant we should take Fahoody there.” She explained after realizing how silly he looked.

“Yeah right Fahoody, c’mon baby boy mommy want you to meet Mickey.” He laughed.

They walked in this building that looked like a studio, red carpets made the floor look classier and the chandeliers was hanging adding a beautiful majestic sight. Fahad started running around from his parents who couldn’t hold their kid in one place. They suffered just to make him stand in one position. “He gets the enthusiasm from you.” Salem sighed. Mona gave him the “don’t push it” stare.

After waiting for almost twenty minute, their turn finally came. They walked into the meet and greet room. Salem stood in surprise “What the..”

Mona interrupted, “Awww look Fahoody! Disney’s princesses.” She clapped again.

“Princesses? Seriously Mona? You can’t let Fahoody take photos with princesses, he’ll hate us when he grows up.. UH-OH wait, you WANT to meet the princesses.”

Mona smiled cunningly, “Fahoody and I will meet the princesses and you take the photos unless you want to join us?”

“No thank you, I enjoy being the camera man.” He whined. “Traveled all the way from Dubai to meet the princesses.” He continued.

“What are you saying?” Mona asked.

“Nothing dear, just smile.” He turned on the camera.

Cinderella and her lovely dress, Aurora and her cute accent, and Rapunzel with her bold attitude were pleased to meet Fahad but Fahad faced their happiness by pulling their wigs.

Later on they met the other Disney heroes Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Fahad’s most loved hero Donald Duck. Time passed by so fast, it was spent between watching parades, and rides that Salem enjoyed more than anyone. Salem and Mona relived their childhood with their baby.

The sun kissed the magical kingdom good bye and the small family were seated in front of Belle’s castle waiting for the final fireworks.

Mona ignored the fireworks show, she was lost gazing at her husband resting on the ground hugging that little piece of love. She was lost remembering how this man filled every part of her heart with love and passion, how he fought for her, how he defended his love by defying norms, how he ended up sharing his last name with her..

“Come closer.” Salem hugged Mona.

She sat closer to him clinging to his shirt then muttered, “I love you.”

Salem looked down at her, “I breathe you.” He hugged her and Fahad tight.

“One more thing.” Mona shouted.

“What?” Salem looked confused.

“A new member will arrive soon to this family.” She said.

“You’re kidding?!!” Salem sat straight.

“Why would I joke about such thing?” She laughed

“You hear that Fahoody, you’re going to be a brother!” he hugged Mona,  “I know I said this about a million time but Mona I love you so much, you’re my air!” Then he kissed her cheeks as she closed her eyes thanking god for having him.

_____

Hope and Love

Maitha the Parrot

The Birthmark Analysis

Since I reached Virginia I decided to focus more on my writing since I got nothing to do and I’m against the idea of joining universities in here (I’m a loyal KUer). Luckily I have an amazing mentor who happens to be a writer, her name is Shahd Thani (@Rambling_Sha) the author of “Emirati Kinda Love Story.” You can find her story here > http://www.shahoodeh.blogspot.com

To be quiet honest I brag about her A LOT because I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without her. She’s the only one who offered her hand to help and I’m really thankful for having her as my mentor, sister and mommy (yes I’m her baby.)

My last assignment was about analyzing a short story which happens to be “The Birthmark” you can find it in this link > http://www.online-literature.com/poe/125/

_____

The Birthmark is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story discussed human against nature and religion or science. The main character is Aylmer a scientist who leaves his glory behind him once he gets married to a beautiful bride Georgiana. Soon after their marriage Aylmer noticed a mark on his beautiful bride’s face –it was a small birthmark in the shape of a hand- later on he became obsessed with this mark that he started to have nightmares about it; that saddened his wife, she went to him and asked him to remove this mark and she didn’t care about the consequences. Aylmer took her to the apartment where he has his laboratory, he showed her his inventions then he left her for a while.  Later Georgiana realized that he’d bee examining her but she didn’t care. She also found a book where he keeps a record of what he had been doing; she figured that all of his work failed at some point but that doesn’t shake her beloved husband’s picture in fact she worships him more. At the end Aylmer made his wife drink a potion that will remove the mark that cursed their life. The mark disappeared and Aylmer’s happiness is restored but Georgiana said, “You have rejected the best the earth could offer.” Then she passed away. I’ll discuss the characters and my point of view in the upcoming paragraphs.    

Aylmer represents the “science” side of the story, the side that defies all the rules. After reading Pygmalion (mythology), Aylmer’s and Pygmalion’s thoughts are similar where both of them want what they can create, in other words what they desire. Pygmalion wanted to marry what he sculptured (his creation) and Aylmer is already in love but he wants it to be perfect, he’s unable to gaze at the flawless parts of his love. He’s ready to do anything so just to remove the mark even if it’s going to hurt which it doesn’t but it leads to the end of her life. Aylmer is the human’s mind that can be viperous when it runs after mortal matters. We see that part through Aylmer’s nightmare “He had fancied himself with his servant Aminadab, attempting an operation for the removal of the birthmark; but the deeper went the knife, the deeper sank the hand, until at length its tiny grasp appeared to have caught hold of Georgiana's heart.” He didn’t worry about her life, he targeted the mark and the price was her life.

Georgian represents the “Nature” side of the story. The side that always ends as the victim of the science (at least that’s what Hawthorne’s showed us in the story.) Georgiana grew up believing that the mark is a charm, “To tell you the truth it has been so often called a charm that I was simple enough to imagine it might be so.”  And lot of her admirers wanted to rest their lips on that part of her but she was left in shock when she knew that her husband abhors that “charm”

Georgiana isn’t the typical obedient wife, she’s smart, and she appreciates him because she has the picture of “smart perfect husband” in her mind. Georgiana chose to believe what she saw in front of her everyday just like Plato’s theory; you get used to and believe that what’s represented in front of your eyes whether it’s real or not. Georgiana’s blind love made her believe that this mark is ugly and disgustful, and that is exactly what her dear Aylmer saw. Then finally we got to witness what happened to the beautiful side of the story that was ruined by the hands of monstrous science.

Hawthorne wrote this story demonstrating the nineteenth century. He didn’t focus on Aylmer that much other than the side of showing his disgusting part, the writer chose to do that because that’s how shallow humans think. They refuse to discover beauty and what it holds, their entire focus surrounds the defect; just like how Aylmer was dedicated on removing the mark and turned his back to the other picturesque parts of Georgiana’s like her eyes or lips (not that it’s mentioned)

The bitter part of the entire story is that we get to see it every single day. Some people are ready to do anything such as sacrificing beliefs just to fit in or be loved more by a certain person. It’s not related to women only because we can see men go through the same pressure that’s called “Seeking perfection.” I can go on saying that no one should ever feel that way about him/herself because all of us want to be perfect for someone. I’m shocked from the conclusion that I came to, at least now I believe and agree with what I’m saying. I’m with the idea of making a change to reach a point of satisfaction but I’m against changing what’s in because when that happens change becomes an act of hypocrisy.

Georgiana agreed with an action that cost her life but I believe deep down in her she realized that she was wrong but it didn’t matter because she wanted to be perfect for her husband “You have rejected the best the earth could offer.”

____

Hope and Love 

Maitha the Parrot

Shahd, I can't thank you enough for everything you offered me. All I can do is try my best to make you proud. I'm grateful for having you around.

Left With No Regrets

Blogger’s challenge #13 – Listen to ‘Shadows and Regrets’ by Yellowcard & interpret/perceive it whichever way you’d prefer. It's a short story.

I don’t remember how her face was at that moment because I was standing behind her; she didn’t know that I was there. She chose to be the last person to enter that room. She walked in slowly, she didn’t cry or scream like everyone else; she sat quietly on her knees close to his head.

The room was purple, it used to be light purple but that day it was very obscure. The only bright thing was the white sheet that covered his body. Whoever walked in this room wept or yelled but not her, she sat there observing his face for couple of minutes then she placed her dim face between her hands, she looked like a toddler starring at her favorite cartoons. I wanted to see her cry, I wanted to know how she felt but there was nothing but silence. Then she moved her hands closer to his face but she didn’t touch him. He was whiter the snow and his cheeks were pink like a freshly picked pink rose.

“I miss you already.” She said. I raised my head muttering to myself “Finally something..” I moved and sat where she can see me. She looked at me and then she went back to her conversation, as if he’s listening to her..

“I recall how you used to take me to school on your rusted bike.. I don’t know how it handled both of us but at the end I reached school and you went to your work.” She giggled a bit. “Then we grew up; I joined university, left our small town and went far away. I thought that’s how I’ll throw my past behind me but I was wrong. I saw your shadow everywhere. Four years passed then I got married, you were there to share my happiness. A year passed then I had my first baby and you had your fifth baby, we shared our happiness.

You were with me ALL the time, even through my sickness; we consoled each other by sharing the same type of sickness; but I fought! I fought hard because I didn’t want to leave you or anyone.. You didn’t do the same” her voice trembled. “You gave up so easily!” She took a sharp deep breath, while my tears started to stream out of my eyes.

“Look at you now! Here lying helpless” she covered her eyes to hide away her tears. “Uncle, I need you, I want you. I’m still suffering with this kind of illness; you should’ve not left me!” she commanded. “I’m still a kid, I don’t want your shadow to be around! I want you to be around.. To protect me, to tell me that everything is going to be alright, to help me raise my kids and grand kids.

Uncle I want you to open up your eyes right now and say ‘Kid don’t worry, god will help us.’” Then she folded her arms and sat back. I thought she was waiting for something. I kept on staring at her while here eyesight was fixed on his closed eyelids. After a moment she looked up and I can finally see her tears. “Baby he didn’t open his eyes.” She talked quietly while shaking her head.

“Mum he’s dead.” I talked calmly; I didn’t want to freak her out. I closed my mouth regretting those words, then I saw her red face and heard her loud scary sobs. I jumped to hug her, “Mama, it’s okay! We’re here, we won’t leave you alone.” I hugged her tighter.

“I want him.” She gripped my arms and bawled, “I want him to know lot of things! I want him to hold your sister’s baby, I want him to see you graduating, I want him to witness the day where they find cancer’s cure.. Lot of things!” her moans interrupted her words. At that instant I swear I could feel her pain but I refused to weaken. I held her face, “Mama, he gave us a lot to remember, he’ll always live in our beating hearts. Don’t regret anything precious. We’ll meet him someday in a place where pain becomes a myth. You’ll be reunited with your best friend and everything that saddened us one day is going to die and we will live forever.” I smiled to distract her tears.

She wiped away her tears and kissed his emotionless white face. “My daughter said that I’ll meet you in a better place, wait for us there.. We’ll be there as soon as god want us to be.” Then she held my hand and we walked out of the room. We left with no regrets because we shall see him again.

...

"This is our temporary home. 
It's not where we belong. 
Windows and rooms that we're passing through. 
This is just a stop, on the way to where we're going. 
I'm not afraid because I know this is our 
Temporary Home."

_____Hope and LoveMaitha the Parrot