Read Blind to the unasked :: Four-1

Not letting go of the past and being attached to it can sometimes become a part of the present, often delaying the emergence of the future. Holding onto something can sometimes be the only good way to delay your future, but not always. Some things must be let go of and not be attached to, even if they are fragments of memories passing before your eyes like fiery embers. They will burn you if you get too close.

In a small town in the middle of Morocco, boundaries of belonging and perhaps identity were drawn in the form of friendship. In a residential complex with few houses and lots of noise, Hana lived her childhood, perhaps more beautifully than anything that came before. Hana, the eldest and only daughter of her parents, who were delighted to see her and talk to her at the end of each day. From her infancy until these days in middle school, where youth blossoms and feelings scatter everywhere, Hana lives with her parents. Her mother is a housewife, and her father is a contractor who moves from place to place depending on the work he takes on. In front of Hana's house is Anwar's house, who is considered a brother to Hana before being a neighbor. They were born on the same day and almost at the same hour, and coincidence also brought them together in the same place. Since their infancy, they have been inseparable. In addition to Maram, who lives in the alley opposite to the one where Hana and Anwar's house is located. The three of them are best friends. The difference between them and Hana is that both Anwar and Maram have older siblings. Anwar has a sister who is older than him by years, while Maram has a brother who is three years older than her, named Ahmed. He was seen as the older brother to both Hana and Anwar, not just to Maram. The three of them live in comfort and enjoy their time together without any trouble.

It's the final year of middle school for all three friends. Both Hana and Anwar attend a public middle school, while Maram attends a private middle school at the request of her parents, who find it better for her since they are often not at home due to their jobs. Before the start of the school year, Hana's father had already decided to move to another city because his work would extend there. Since Hana's mother was afraid of not being able to communicate well with Hana at the beginning of her teenage years, as it's always challenging at the onset of adolescence, Hana decided to enjoy her time with her friends more before her departure.

At the beginning of the 2013 school year, the autumn rain showers always bring a refreshing atmosphere. As the school season starts, evenings always have a different flavor, reminiscent of the scent of wet earth that is always infused with memories, nostalgia, and longing for the past.

Every day begins for Hana alongside Anwar, as they head to school together, often leaving early for a morning session with Maram to wait for the school bus, which picks her up. Then the two head towards the middle school not far from their neighborhood. With the start of the school year, the story begins, smiles are drawn, and whispers fill the air.

Hana, the bright and cheerful student with enchanting features, always lets her long hair cascade down her back, and she greets others with a radiant smile. She's more into playing cards and basketball than anyone else, despite her average height. Both Hana and Anwar attend different classes, but that's not an issue. At the beginning of the school year, Anwar seems to have changed when he gazes at a tall, blonde girl while standing with Hana in the schoolyard. It's as if he's been struck by lightning, and if Hana hadn't waved her hand in front of his eyes, he might have been lost in staring at her. With a smile, Hana says, "She's my classmate." Anwar seems excited and jumps on his toes, asking Hana to introduce her, but she refuses, saying, "Let me get to know her first, then we'll see."

A few days have passed since the event, and Hana quickly forged a friendship with her classmate, Reem. Consequently, Anwar also became her friend, as he was always hanging around Hana to get to know Reem.

It was evident that Reem, too, was attracted to Anwar. However, they both decided that keeping a distance for now was the best option, at least until the end of the school year so they could get to know each other better. Meanwhile, Hana acted as a mediator between them, always striving to make their relationship healthy and unrestricted. Hana's days were spent studying, playing cards in the garden near her school during her free time, and wandering with Maram, often listening to her stories.

On one rainy night, around 8 o'clock, the doorbell rang at Hana's house. Her mother opened the door to find Maram, who had come to stay overnight. Hana's mother greeted her, mentioning that Hana was studying in her room and saying, "She's buried in her books as usual. It's good to see you."

Maram smiled and entered the house loudly, heading towards Hana while singing loudly and causing quite a commotion. Maram entered Hana's room, where she had closed her books, and stared at Maram sharply, saying, "Aren't you tired of singing?" Maram flopped onto Hana's bed and sighed, saying, "I'm in deep trouble, my friend." Hana jumped up after closing the door and also flopped onto her bed, staring at Maram in astonishment, saying, "What's wrong?" Maram, with a defeated look in her eyes, replied, "I've fallen in love." Hana screamed without realizing it, then quickly covered her mouth and stared at Maram, saying, "It's your brother's friend, right?"

Maram nodded her head and said, "What should I do now?" Then she adjusted her posture and continued, "He doesn't even look at me when he visits my brother. Oh, what should I do? If I tell him, he won't visit my brother again, let alone talk to me!"

The two girls talked for a long time, searching for a solution, until an idea struck Maram. She clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "I've got it!" to which Hana responded in surprise, "What now?"