"Saba, dear! Come inside, it's almost dark out there! " I hear my mother call out to me for the third time as the evening goes by and the night takes over. I've been sitting here in our porch for almost an hour, listening music and watching people either walking on their feet or driving their cars or bikes.

I am going to be twenty-two years old a month later but still my mother has made it very clear that I will not stay outside when it's dark. Although the reasons she has are not so obvious, I mean it's not necessary that everytime you stay out late, you will end up being kidnapped. But then again, rule is rule.

And Saba does not break rules.

I pull out the headphones and stand up from the chair, putt on my slippers and step inside the house.

"Ma! I'm just sitting there, I'm not going anywhere. " I say as I walk towards the kitchen where my mom is standing in a navy blue top and white jeans, her hair tied up in a ponytail and a cup of coffee with her name "Sara" written on it is in her hand.

She smiles softly and offers me a plate full of chocolate chip cookies she just made,"Have some."

I sit on a chair beside her and take a bite, the fresh home made chocolate chip cookie tastes a lot better than the one I usually buy from the "Fresco Bakery" at the corner of our street.

"Honestly,  I can say nothing but admire your cooking, mom. " I say with a smile.

"Thanks." she smiles back. "So, when is your friend Haya's wedding? " she asks.

"A week later!" I say out loud and then suddenly I stand up from my chair.
"It's her birthday today! Oh God!  How can I forget such an important day? "

I quickly unlock my phone and begin to dial Haya's number. Unfortunately, she doesn't answer. She must be very angry.  I'm her only best friend and I forgot her birthday!

I pick up the car keys and rush towards the door, "Mom!  I'm going at Haya's house. I'll be back before 11, I promise. "

"Saba, wait! ", my mother shouts and rushes towards the door but before she can say something else, I've already tightened up my seatbelt and started the car.

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