Midnight call - The Caller

I was about to sleep thirty minutes ago but my cell phone rang...I didn't recognize the number so i didn't answer the late call...it kept ringing so i answered eventually.

- Alo

- salamo 3aleeko ya madam

- 3alekom elsalam...who's calling?

- I'm mahmoud...i'm ****'s brother...you're maid.

- kheir Inshallah

- Inshallah...I need to know when have you last seen her?

- Why? kheir inshallah....is anything wrong?

- No everything is fine we want to make sure she's OK cause she's a bit late.

I looked at the clock and i can't imagine she returned home that late especially that she no longer works for me so i said:

- I'm sure she's fine.

- So ya madam when have you last seen her?

I considered hiding the truth as i feared they'd harm her noting that she's a villager somehow but she hangs around the city all the time...she's about 20 and soon to be married as she's maktoob ketabha...but i just had to tell the truth...

- I saw her last Saturday for a couple of hours.

- and?

- listen ya mahmoud...why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'll be able to help as she's like my younger sister.

- Nothing is wrong ya madam we just wanna make sure she's OK...so when have you seen her after Saturday and when did she leave work today?

- I haven't...she no longer works for me.

There was no response then he thanked me and wanted to hang up but i insisted on talking some sense out of him.

- Ya mahmoud...she probably went to work at some new place or was with her mom.

- she said she was late working for YOU.

- tayeb ya ma7moud...notice she's a young girl and you have to be wise and calm and ask her...I'm sure she's a good girl and from a good home.

- Allah yekrem aslek ya fandem.

- Please call me if you need me to talk to her or if you need anything.

- da el3asham bardo ya fandem.

- salamo 3aleekom

- motshakereen awi ya fandem...salamo 3aleekom

I lost sleep...calmness and feared something i couldn't identify.

I wondered why didn't i keep my mouth shut...i would've spared her a potential 3al2a or at least getting grounded for life!

I know i always cared for her and i did notice some worrying signs which made me try to reach out to her but she always denied...

I wondered and asked her if she was forced to marry that guy she's engaged to and she insisted on him being a great guy who loves her...she's supposed to get married in a month or so.

I also wonder how can someone who is attached to someone even consider another?!!

I know I can't even SEE another even if he was no longer there for years!

I- by the way- discovered something about me...I believe in the old saying: 3ala albaghy tadoor aldwa2er...that's why i can't afford to slightly harm anyone...i instantly think about my kids...and i instantly fear for me.

I believe I've done the right thing and maybe i - by telling the truth- protected her from substantial damage as i once before did!

but i can't help feeling anxious.

as i write this i noticed my dad's name on the titles - as the music composer- of an old movie...it's great seeing his name...a totally irrelevant point!

good night.