Arriella hesitated to call her uncle; she wasn't ready just yet.
Instead, she stepped outside and made her way to the small wooden bench by the gate. The night breeze felt distinct tonight—cooler and softer, as if the universe understood her need for clarity.
Her phone buzzed in her hand.
It was Khalid.
He was the one person who always inquired, "Are you okay?" with genuine concern.
She answered the call.
His voice came through, low and warm. "Ella… talk to me. What happened?"
Hearing him eased the tightness in her chest. Though her eyes burned with unshed tears, she blinked resolutely, determined not to break.
"My mom used the money," she whispered. "The money my uncle sent for me… she spent it on a new phone for my brother."
Silence enveloped them.
But it was a silence filled with understanding.
Khalid sighed softly. "I'm really sorry. I can only imagine how that must feel."
"It did hurt," she confessed. "Not just because of the phone, but because they dismissed me so easily."
She anticipated a quick, comforting response from him. But he didn't rush her.
"What else happened?" he asked gently.
"She didn't even let me speak. She said she was in a good mood and didn't want me to spoil it." Arriella's voice trembled. "It feels like nothing I feel matters to them."
This time, Khalid allowed his frustration to surface.
"That's completely unfair to you, Ella. You deserve better than that."
After a moment, his voice softened.
"But listen carefully… there's no need to react immediately."
Arriella furrowed her brow. "Why is that?"
"Because you're upset right now. When emotions run high, they might not truly hear you. They could twist your words, argue, or even blame you. You don't deserve any of that."
She leaned against the wall, allowing his words to settle within her.
"So what should I do?" she asked.
"When you go home for your visit," he suggested gently, "speak to them face-to-face. Not over the phone, where they can just hang up. Share with them the purpose of the money. Explain how it made you feel."
Arriella took a moment to reflect.
He was absolutely right.
At home, they would have to listen.
In person, she would stand strong—not emotional, not shaken, but clear in her intentions.
"Take your time," Khalid encouraged. "You've grown, Ella. You're stronger now. Don't let one moment pull you back."
A warmth spread through her chest.
Khalid had a unique way of grounding her.
He wasn't controlling her.
He wasn't speaking over her.
He simply understood her in a way that felt safe.
"I'll wait," she said finally. "When I go home for my visit, I'll share everything myself."
"Good," he replied. "And remember, whatever happens, you're not alone in this."
A small, relieved smile graced her lips, a quiet expression meant only for the night.
"Thank you, Khalid."
"Always," he replied.
When the call ended, she felt lighter—not because the issue was resolved, but because she finally had clarity.
She wasn't avoiding the problem.
She wasn't swallowing her feelings.
She was choosing the right moment to express her truth.
And for Arriella, that sense of control…
that kind of maturity…
It was another step toward becoming the woman she aspired to be.