The day started early for Rayyan.
A new day. A small beginning — but a beginning still.
He woke before sunrise, washed up, packed a single piece of bread for breakfast, and slipped out of the hostel while the campus was still quiet.
The morning air was cool, gentle. No rush. No weight pulling him down.
He went to the student lounge and opened his notes. Not forcing himself. Just… learning.
When it was time for class, Rayyan walked in early — earlier than anyone else.
He sat at the front, notebook neatly opened, pen ready.
Sharp at 9:00 AM, Dr. Zai entered.
He stopped for a moment when he saw Rayyan there.
No words. No lecture. Just a small nod.
Acknowledgment.
And sometimes, acknowledgment is louder than praise.
Rayyan returned the nod — quiet, steady.
This time, he did not shrink.
After three hours, class ended. Rayyan packed his things and headed toward the cafeteria.
Lisa came to mind.
His guilty feelings avoiding her yesterday.
He didn't know whether he should avoid her or speak casually. He didn't understand what he felt — only that something inside him moved when he thought of her.
The cafeteria was crowded and loud. Laughter. Voices. Chairs scraping.
And there she was.
Sitting alone.
Rayyan didn't pretend he didn't see her. He couldn't.
So he walked to her table.
They did not plan to sit together. They didn't need permission to share silence.
Sometimes, two people simply… choose the same quiet.
Lisa wore her hair down that day. A few strands fell across her shoulder.
And when she reached up to tuck one behind her ear, Rayyan saw it —
A faint bruise along her neck.
Not obvious. Not dramatic. But unmistakable.
Pain recognizes pain. And Rayyan had learned the shape of wounds long ago.
He looked away instantly — gently — not wanting to invade.
Lisa didn't ask why he hadn't come yesterday. She didn't ask what happened.
Instead, she talked about small things:
Her childhood. Her favorite teacher. A lonely bus stop where she used to sit and read while waiting for her mother.
Her voice was soft. Warm like sunlight through curtains. The kind of warmth that doesn't demand anything — just exists.
Rayyan found himself laughing sometimes — quietly, almost surprised. And Lisa smiled back — small, but real.
But her eyes… carried something else.
Deep. Shadowed. Something held tightly behind ribs and silence.
Rayyan didn't ask.
Not because he didn't care —but because some wounds need patience, not questions.
They spent hours together like that.
Small stories. Small laughter. Two people learning how to breathe again.
Evening came before either of them realized.
That night, Rayyan lay on his bed staring at the ceiling — mind warm with the memory of her voice.
His phone buzzed.
Aydan.
Rayyan answered with a soft "Hello."
"Brooooo," Aydan laughed, dramatic as always. "You sound like someone who found a girlfriend already."
Rayyan felt heat creep up his ears.
"No… I just… met someone. She's… kind."
"Aha! That is exactly how people fall," Aydan teased.
Rayyan laughed — really laughed.
Aydan's tone softened.
"Ray… I'm glad. I was scared you'd end up alone there."
Rayyan's voice lowered, honest and quiet.
"I was. But… it's getting better."
"Good," Aydan said. "Listen — I'm coming this weekend. I want you to meet my girlfriend."
Rayyan smiled.
"That would mean a lot."
The Next Day
After class, Rayyan found Lisa sitting at the courtyard steps, her phone in her hand. Her shoulders were tense. Her hair fell forward again, hiding the bruise.
"I'm going home this weekend," she said softly.
Not excited. Not relieved. Just… tired.
Rayyan nodded slowly.
"Safe journey," he said. "I hope everything's okay."
There was a silence.
She forced a small smile — fragile, like something held together by hope alone.
"I'll be fine."
Rayyan hesitated, then tried to offer warmth in return.
"My best friend is coming this weekend. The one who helped me get here. I'm… really looking forward to it."
Lisa looked at him — something flickering in her eyes.
"I'm glad," she whispered.
She stood. Walked away.
And the bruise disappeared beneath her hair again.
Rayyan watched her leave.
He didn't know why…
But something felt wrong.
Very wrong.
And the feeling stayed. Deep. Certain.
A quiet warning his heart couldn't ignore.