Knock! Knock! Knock!
From the window side, there was a small knocking sound. She opened her eyes wide with fear as she became curious about who was knocking at the window, and she continued to lie in bed observing the window for signs of a cat outside. As soon as she ignored the situation and tried to close her eyes, a white shining, magical glittering light appeared inside the room near the window, Omg! Haya exclaimed as she freaked out and jumped out of bed. With the blink of an eye, the light vanished. She looked around, breathing heavily, quivering with fear, and shocked. She had no idea what it was. She quickly covered her face with a blanket and tried to sleep. She does not tell her parents about her situation. She became intrigued and terrified as she tried to figure out what it was all about. However, it did not happen again for a few days, and she stopped thinking about it.
Haya and her family lived in a building, and her apartment was on the roof. They had complete control of the building's roof.
After a few days, she was preparing to sleep when she noticed that strange-looking light appeared again and in a brighter version as she began to untie her French braid, sitting on her bed, and she jumped out of bed shockingly. The light moved quickly from her room to the main door of the roof/ terrace, and she followed it because she was curious and wanted to find out what it was.
Hey! Hey! Stop! Listen to me! What is your name? What exactly do you expect from me? Haya inquired, bravely but fearfully following it! She dashed to the roof and found nothing; she scoured the area for it but came up empty-handed; she sat on the chair, breathing heavily.
She closed her eyes, trying to catch her breath, wiped the sweat from her brow, and immediately felt someone fixing her hair from behind while hearing someone breathing right next to her ear. Haya is still paralyzed and unable to move a muscle. "Remember me yet?" someone asked in her ear. Nothing was visible when she turned around. She yelled at the top of her lungs and fell unconscious.
Hearing the loud, intense scream, her parents rushed to her room, only to discover that the door to the terrace was wide open. Her father rushed to the terrace and discovered his daughter lying on the floor. As her mother approached, she screamed even louder, Haya! "Wake up my child!" Her father carried her back to the room in his arms. Get her some water right away! Father expressed his concern, trembling.
We have to take her to the hospital because she isn't responding at all, sobs her mother. Doctors declared that she had suffered a shock as they rushed her to the hospital! What exactly happened? Inquired the doctors.
We rushed to her room after hearing a scream while sleeping and discovered her lying on the floor on the terrace. Oh, I see, she shouldn't have gone to the terrace at this hour, the doctor said. Haya regained consciousness a few moments later. Her mother cried out, "Oh my darling, you're fine, thanks to God," as she smiled. Her father walks in and kisses his daughter on the cheek. What happened to my princess? The father, too, wept.
Haya stated, "I'm fine now, I feel better." What exactly occurred? What were you doing up so late on the terrace?! Mother inquired. Haya revealed the entire situation while the parents remained shaken and looked at each other with concern.
How can this be, said the terrified mother? How can this be avoided, Ali? She sobbed. When he noticed Haya nodding off again, he asked his wife to keep quiet and come outside the room.
They walked out of the room, Haya's father said, we have to take a quick decision to protect her from being victimized by the other creature or whatever she has been attacked by. We're not sure what it was. A spirit or a ghost! We have to call the Imam (the Scholar) from the mosque, earliest by tomorrow to figure out the matter and help to guide us on what to do next.
Don't worry just look after her and make sure to not let her sleep alone, says Haya's father. I won't but yet I'm frightened, Ali. Why would anyone or anything bother us? Said, Mother.
Pull yourself together. We need to focus on making Haya feel better, Akeelah. And believe me, I'll have a solution before the sun rises tomorrow. God bless us! Amen! Haya's mother stated. Come on back to the ward, she's all alone in there, and I'll take care of the discharge formalities, said Ali.
She gently opened the door and noticed Haya was already awake. Haya asked, "Where were you mother, I was afraid?" Oh, I'm so sorry, honey. I was talking with your father outside the ward, and we didn't want to wake you up while you were sleeping. Your father has left to pick up the discharge papers. We'll be back home soon! You know, mother, I saw nothing, but I could hear it breathing! It was terrifying because they also touched my hair. Fearful mother, regaining control and attempting to calm Haya, asked her to avoid thinking about it. It could be a nightmare, honey. Try to divert your attention elsewhere and avoid thinking about it at all. She hugged her and assured her that she had nothing to worry about. We're here for you, and I'm not going to abandon you.
So, shall we return home? Her father enters with a box of chocolates for Haya. She was overjoyed to see the chocolates, which she declared to be her first love. Thank you very much, Dad! Haya sobbed, "I love you so much." I adore you even more, my darling. Please get well soon for us. And I'm not going to let anyone or anything intrude on my daughter's life or privacy! Haya and her mother took a deep breath and thanked Ali for all the support.
Come on, sweetheart, let's get home. The mother and daughter were both terrified to enter the house the moment they arrived. Be strong and recite the necessary prayers for protection from evil, and nothing will harm us, Haya's father said.
They all walked to the lounge after reciting the prayers. Mother said, I'll make something good for dinner. Haya began to shiver in fear as she awkwardly looked at the house. Her mother hugged her tightly and told her to stay calm as she looked at her husband, desperate for assistance. Ali realized his wife was even more terrified when he noticed her hands shivering constantly.
I believe we should spend the weekend at my brother Yousef's house, as he immediately calls his brother for confirmation. Pack your essentials, and we'll be on our way in an hour. Akeelah exhaled a sigh of relief.
Haya complained of a severe headache as she walked out of the house. Do not be concerned, darling; it is because you are restless and overthinking. Calm down, relax, and everything will be fine, Haya's parents assured her. We'll stay at my brother's house until you feel better and until I find a permanent solution to this problem. They are aware of our situation because I have already discussed it with Yousef. According to Ali.
When the family arrived, Yousef and his wife Saba greeted them warmly. Haya, how are you doing? Saba inquired politely while hugging Haya. You're going to do great! Her heart wrenched as she noticed Akeelah with teary eyes. Everything will be alright, Akeelah. Don't be concerned. You must remain strong for the sake of your daughter. Saba, I'm so scared, cried Akeelah. Oh! Don't worry, Saba said as she led them to the guest room and asked them to rest; I'll serve the dinner as soon as it's ready. The tea is ready to serve. Is it okay if I bring it into the room? Saba inquired.
I'm sorry to burden you, darling Saba, said Akeelah. Haya was simply drowsy and quiet. Oh, you're making me look bad by saying that. You're more to me than just my sister. How can I ever forget the kindnesses you showed me while I was having a miscarriage and had no one to look after me? Saba sobbed, "I feel blessed to serve you guys." Saba, may God bless you, said Akeelah.
Saba murmured, "I think Haya has fallen asleep." Allow her to rest and let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Thank you so much, Saba, Akeelah said. Oh, don't bring it up, Saba said as she walked away, smiling.