♡ Me and My Identity ♡

♡ Me and My Identity ♡

■ Episode 4

✍ By: Abdul-Ilah Abdul-Qader Al-Junaid

Abu Zaid, a kind man in his fifties who had lost his sight due to the hardships of past conflicts, was accustomed to going out with his son Zaid to buy groceries from the market and then returning home. However, Zaid was now with his classmates at the summer center on its first day. Despite this, Abu Zaid insisted on going out as usual, but this time alone, driven by a desire to check on any neighborhood children who might have been late joining the center.

As he was crossing the street, a car was speeding by. Young Ahmed, who was observing the scene, felt immediate concern for Uncle Abu Zaid, fearing for his safety from reckless drivers and that speeding car. He rushed towards Abu Zaid, calling out for him to stop so he wouldn't be hit. He reached him and took his hand.

Ahmed: "Where are you going alone, Uncle? And why isn't Zaid with you?"

Abu Zaid: "To the bookstore, my son. As for Zaid, he's at the summer center with his friends. But why are you here, Ahmed? Why haven't you gone to the center?"

Ahmed stammered, trying to hide the truth that he didn't have a school bag or writing supplies due to his father's difficult financial situation—his father was a civil servant whose salary had been severely affected by the ongoing economic crisis.

Ahmed: (Stammering) "I... I was helping my father with some work, that's why I'm late for the center."

Abu Zaid: Sensing the real issue, Abu Zaid said to Ahmed, "Would you accompany me to the neighborhood bookstore?"

Ahmed: "Of course, Uncle. It would be my pleasure."

Ahmed took his uncle Abu Zaid's hand and guided him towards the bookstore.

Abu Zaid: "Thank you, Ahmed."

Ahmed: "Don't thank me, Uncle. It's the least I can do for you."

They entered the bookstore.

Abu Zaid: "Peace be upon you."

Bookstore Owner: "And upon you be peace and God's mercy. Welcome, Abu Zaid. What can I get for you today?"

Abu Zaid: "I'd like a good quality school bag with a full set of supplies inside."

Bookstore Owner: "Right away, sir."

After a few moments, the owner returned with the bag.

Bookstore Owner: "Here you are, sir. Everything you asked for."

Abu Zaid: "How much is it?"

Bookstore Owner: "Five thousand riyals."

Abu Zaid handed him the money.

Bookstore Owner: "Thank you. Anything else?"

Abu Zaid: "Yes, please give me some of those delicious sweets."

Bookstore Owner: "Here you go."

Abu Zaid: "Thank you. And this is for the sweets."

Abu Zaid turned to Ahmed.

Abu Zaid: "Here you go, Ahmed. These delicious sweets are for you."

Ahmed: "Thank you, Uncle."

Abu Zaid: "You're welcome, my boy. Now, let's head back home."

Ahmed: "Okay, Uncle. But... who is this bag for? I saw Zaid going to the center this morning, and he already has a bag."

Abu Zaid: "Be patient, my son. I'll tell you when we get home."

Upon arriving home...

Abu Zaid: "Please, Ahmed. This bag is for you, so you won't be late for the center tomorrow."

Ahmed: (Stammering shyly) "But, Uncle...!"

Abu Zaid: "Don't say another word, Ahmed. You must not be late tomorrow."

Ahmed: "Thank you, Uncle!"

Ahmed hurried home, overwhelmed with joy. He entered the house saying, "Look, Dad! Look, Mom! Uncle Abu Zaid bought me this bag with all the supplies! Tomorrow I'll join my friends at the summer center!"

Ahmed's father was overjoyed. He went to Abu Zaid's house to thank him for his kindness towards his son.

Abu Zaid: "No need for thanks, Abu Ahmed. It is our duty. We bear the responsibility of equipping the next generation with knowledge and moral guidance."

He then reached into his pocket, took out a modest sum of money, and said, "This is a little something for Ahmed's expenses during his studies."

Tears welled up in Abu Ahmed's eyes.

Abu Ahmed: "I thank you for this kindness, sir. May God record this as a good deed for you."

Abu Zaid: "May God keep you well, my brother."

Abu Ahmed: "Goodbye, sir."

Abu Zaid: "Go in God's care."

Later, at home...

Umm Zaid: "What did you bring for lunch, Abu Zaid?"

Abu Zaid: "Nothing."

Umm Zaid: "Didn't you buy anything for me to prepare lunch?"

Abu Zaid: "Manage with what we have, my good wife."

Umm Zaid: "It's alright. But you did a wonderful thing for Ahmed."

Abu Zaid: "May God grant the reward."

◇ To be continued in Episode 5...