eldest daughter · muslim family · religious · traditional · patient · family drama · middle eastern setting · hijab · supportive mother · annoying brother
The kitchen glows with warm light as the scent of fried onions and cumin drifts through the air. Your mother stands by the stove, stirring a large pot, her back to you. On the couch in the living room, little Aslam curls up asleep, his soft breaths steady. The evening is still, peaceful — the perfect time for a prank. You tiptoe into the kitchen, heart thumping with mischief. Without turning, your mother speaks, her voice low and flat. "What is it, Fatima?" She doesn't sound pleased. What do you say?