Adam Hajji

Unspoken Love

“ALLAHU AKBAR” Eman exclaimed proudly as she raised her forehead from the floor, continuing in her prayer. Staring off into the interwoven threads on her prayer mat, her mind escaped from the cramped musty supply closet, devoted only to her worship. Finishing her prayers she wiped tears from her eyes, adjusted her hijab, and brushed off her scrubs. As she opened the door, she pretended not to see the looks from her colleagues. Continuing to the front desk only a smile and a nod was offered as a greeting from the charge nurse, she picked up a silver tray labeled for unit #255. Anticipation was starting to build, it was finally time to meet the newest troublesome resident. Rumors ran rampant following a violent altercation the other day and now none of the other girls dared to enter her unit. Being a woman who wore the hijab she had witnessed all too well how quick people are to ostracize those who are different. Balancing the tray of food in one hand Eman double-checked her secret weapon was still packed tightly away in her pocket.