The morning sun bathed New Jersey in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the church's grounds. It was Christmas Day, and the festive cheer was palpable. The nuns, along with Robert and Kate, had spent the morning attending mass and exchanging greetings with the congregation. After a hearty breakfast, Robert gathered everyone in the common room.
"We're going on a trip today," Robert announced, his voice carrying excitement. "It's a day to celebrate and explore the beauty of New Jersey. I've arranged a visit to some iconic places, including an amusement park."
The nuns exchanged excited glances, their spirits lifting.
Erika clapped her hands. "It sounds wonderful, Father! A perfect way to celebrate Christmas."
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Scene 1: The Amusement Park
By noon, the group had arrived at a bustling amusement park. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the hum of rides in motion. Families moved about, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Maria walked alongside Catherine, her scarf neatly draped over her head, observing the vibrant surroundings.
"Look at the carousel!" Catherine exclaimed. "It's so beautiful."
Maria smiled faintly, her mind elsewhere. As they strolled past a quiet corner of the park, Maria's gaze fell upon a young woman sitting on a bench. She wore a delicate hijab and an elegant dress, her demeanor calm and focused. A Quran lay open in her lap as she recited verses to her two children seated beside her.
Maria stopped abruptly. "Catherine, wait."
Catherine turned. "What is it?"
Maria pointed. "That woman... she looks familiar."
Catherine followed Maria's gaze. "Do you know her?"
Maria nodded slowly, her heart racing. Memories from her college days surfaced, and a name floated to her mind. Sadia.
"I think I do," Maria murmured, stepping closer.
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Scene 2: The Reunion
Maria hesitated for a moment, then approached the woman. "Excuse me," she said softly.
The woman looked up, her warm brown eyes meeting Maria's. "Yes?"
Maria studied her face closely. "You must be Sadia."
The woman blinked in surprise. "I am... but I'm sorry, I don't recognize you."
Maria smiled, her fingers tugging lightly at her scarf to reveal more of her face. "It's me, Maria. We were batch mates in college."
Recognition dawned on Sadia's face, and her lips parted in delight. "Maria? Oh my goodness, it's been so long!"
The two women embraced warmly, their laughter bubbling up in disbelief at the coincidence.
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Scene 3: Catching Up
They sat down together on the bench, with Catherine standing nearby, watching the reunion with curiosity.
"I can't believe it," Sadia said, shaking her head. "How have you been, Maria? It's been years!"
Maria chuckled. "Life has taken me down some unexpected paths. And you? You look so serene and content."
Sadia gestured to her children. "This is Aisha, and this little troublemaker is Zaid."
Maria smiled at the children, who greeted her shyly. "They're beautiful, Sadia. You've done well."
Sadia nodded. "Alhamdulillah, I've been blessed. And you? What brings you here today?"
Maria hesitated. "It's... complicated. I've found myself in a different world than I ever imagined. But seeing you here, teaching your children, brought back memories."
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Scene 4: Questions of Faith
As their conversation continued, Maria leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Sadia, I saw you reciting the Quran. Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Of course, Maria," Sadia replied warmly.
Maria clasped her hands together. "What does the Quran say about Jesus?"
Sadia smiled gently. "Jesus, or Isa (peace be upon him), is one of the greatest prophets in Islam. He is mentioned many times in the Quran. For example, in Surah Maryam, it speaks of his miraculous birth, his miracles, and his message of monotheism."
Maria's eyes widened. "He's acknowledged as a prophet?"
"Not just acknowledged," Sadia explained. "He's revered. Muslims believe he was born to Maryam, a virgin, by the will of Allah. We also believe he performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by Allah's permission."
Maria absorbed the information, her mind racing. "And what about his crucifixion?"
Sadia's expression turned thoughtful. "The Quran says that he was not crucified, but it appeared so to the people. Instead, Allah raised him up, and we believe he will return one day."
Maria nodded slowly, her thoughts a whirlwind.
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Scene 5: Meeting Ubaid
As they spoke, a man approached, his presence commanding yet kind. Sadia turned and smiled. "Maria, this is my husband, Ubaid."
Maria stood and extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ubaid."
He shook her hand warmly. "Likewise. Sadia has told me many stories about her college days. It's good to meet an old friend."
Maria chuckled. "We had our share of adventures."
After exchanging pleasantries, Maria glanced at the time. "I should get back to my group. It was wonderful seeing you again, Sadia. And meeting you, Ubaid."
Sadia embraced her. "Take care, Maria. May Allah guide you."
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Scene 6: Evening Reflection
That evening, Maria sat alone in her room at the church, staring out at the twinkling city lights. Sadia's words echoed in her mind, intertwining with her own beliefs and questions.
She opened her Bible, flipping to the nativity story. The parallels and differences between what she knew and what she had learned weighed heavily on her.
"Who are You truly, Lord?" she whispered. "Show me the truth."
Her heart ached with the desire to understand, and she resolved to seek clarity in the days to come.
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