The Second Thought... Of Someone Else

There he was. Always in the background.

Rafiq—my childhood friend, tucked away in my homeland, Tehran.

We’d spent years like that; casually checking in, exchanging memes, laughing at the randomness of life. I was always fond of him. He was always fond of me in that sweet, platonic way.

At some point he got married, but he wasn't happy or fullfilled in his marriage. He always used to complain to me and I used to give him hope and advice. I always made dua for his happiness. His soul was so pure, so deserving. He always said this one thing..

"Layla, I just know Allah has a plan for me. I just know it." I didn't really understand it at that point, but I still listened. I was always there for him.

I never gave our friendship a second thought until it became the only thought left... and when it did, it felt like a storm came and hit me.