The Hall of Brave

Marwah smiled softly.

The breeze carried the tale to birds far away,

the waves whispered it to the last island of the East.

The sky sighed.

The earth stilled in pride—

and carved his name

into the quiet hall of the brave.

She hugged him once more, inhaling the scent of citrus that clung to him. She felt his heartbeat, his warmth, and etched it deep into her heart.

Her eyes strayed to Aminah and Amal, who gazed at her tearfully—yet gentle smiles bloomed on their lips.

Aminah saw a reflection of Arish in Yusuf. Her beloved son—hadn’t he too made a choice that cost him dearly?

She remembered the day as if it had unfolded just yesterday: a bright morning when Arish left for his college trip. He had hugged her warmly, smiled, and asked her to pass on his words to Amal, who was still asleep.

The morning light had witnessed that moment.

And that was the last time she saw him breathing.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

He had saved a little girl—but lost his life. Did he think of Amal when he saw her? They were said to be of similar age.

Even before the war, Telarim had ripped her heart apart—had taken her life once.

A call for Dr. Marwah cut short the farewell. She gently placed Yusuf back on his feet, adjusted his clothes, and leaned close to whisper in his ear:

"My son, you are the most beloved to me—apart from the ones whose names are always remembered. I’m proud of you... always have been. If the Heavens will it, we shall meet again on earth."

"Or we will meet as the Children of the Sky," Yusuf replied softly.

She nodded, pressing a kiss to his forehead before nudging him gently towards Aminah.

Marwah embraced Amal and Aminah one last time. With her son entrusted in their care, she turned and walked steadily toward the voice that had called her name.

Amal whispered to the sky as the car rolled down what felt like an endless road.

She spoke to him—of the day’s tales, her fears, her flickering hopes.

The car trembled as the tremors from the earth were passed on to it.

She gazed outside and crimson painted the sky.

The sky no longer veiled it. It showed it to Amal as his reply to her.

And so began the days when the world stopped feeling the need to pretend.