"Rehema, when was the last time you did something just for yourself?"
The question from Aunt Laila hung in the air like a lifeline, pulling Rehema from the haze of her morning routine. She paused mid-sentence, staring at the flour-covered countertop.
"I don't have time for myself, Auntie," Rehema said, sighing into the phone. "There's always something. The baby, the house, Ali—"
"Ali can wait," Laila interrupted, her tone sharp but full of concern. "You've been running on empty for too long. If you keep this up, there'll be nothing left of you to give."
---
A Call to Action
Rehema wiped her hands on her apron, glancing at the mirror across the room. Her reflection stared back at her, tired and lifeless. She hated what she saw.
"What do you suggest I do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Laila's voice softened. "Start small. Do one thing today just for you. Call an old friend, read a book, put on some makeup—anything that reminds you of the woman you used to be."
Rehema swallowed hard. She didn't even remember who that woman was anymore.
---
A New Routine
Later that afternoon, as the baby napped, Rehema hesitated in front of her wardrobe. She rifled through the clothes, most of which she hadn't worn in months, until her fingers brushed against a deep red dress.
She pulled it out, holding it against herself in the mirror. It still fit.
"Why not?" she whispered, stepping into the dress.
By the time she finished applying a light layer of makeup and styling her hair, her phone buzzed.
---
Friends Reconnect
"Wow, look who finally remembered she owns a phone!" The voice on the other end was warm and teasing. It belonged to Mariam, an old friend Rehema hadn't spoken to in over a year.
"Mariam," Rehema said, her voice breaking into a smile. "It's been too long."
"Too long is an understatement," Mariam replied. "You vanished. No calls, no texts. What's going on with you?"
Rehema hesitated. "Life, I guess. Marriage, a baby—it's been... complicated."
"Complicated doesn't mean you disappear," Mariam said firmly. "I'm glad you called, though. Let's catch up properly. Are you free tomorrow for coffee?"
Rehema blinked in surprise. She couldn't remember the last time someone invited her out. "I... I think I can make that work."
"Great. I'll text you the details. And Rehema?"
"Yes?"
"Wear that red dress. You sound like you need a reminder of how fabulous you are."
---
Therapy Unfolds
That evening, Rehema scrolled through her phone, searching for local therapists. Her thumb hovered over the number of a counseling center, her heart pounding.
"What are you so scared of?" she muttered to herself.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed the call button.
"Good evening," a calm voice answered on the other end. "This is Serenity Counseling. How can I help you?"
Rehema hesitated, her throat tightening. "I... I think I need to talk to someone. About everything."
"You've come to the right place," the voice assured her. "We can schedule an initial session to get started. Does tomorrow at noon work for you?"
"Yes," Rehema said quickly, relief washing over her. "Thank you."
---
Ali's Reaction
When Ali came home that night, he barely noticed the subtle changes in Rehema's appearance.
"You're late again," she said, keeping her tone even.
"I told you not to wait up," Ali replied, dropping his keys on the table.
Rehema didn't argue. Instead, she walked past him, her head held high.
"Where are you going?" Ali called after her.
"To bed," she said without looking back. "I have plans tomorrow."
"Plans?" His tone was skeptical.
"Yes," she said simply. For once, she didn't feel the need to explain herself.
---
Life Lesson:
"Rebuilding yourself starts with the smallest steps—choosing yourself in a world that often asks you to forget who you are."