Aisha Comes Home
Chapter 13 - Aisha Comes Home
Aisha returned under federal protection.
At the airport, reporters shouted questions.
She walked past them and knelt in front of Malik.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Malik asked the question he had carried since Meridian.
“Did you think I was dead?”
“Yes.”
“Did you stop looking?”
“No.”
He hugged her.
Daniel arrived hours later after medical treatment.
Malik did not run to him.
A father he had never known required a different kind of reunion.
Daniel understood.
“Can I sit here?” he asked.
Malik nodded.
They sat beside the black Bugatti in a secure hangar.
Daniel explained engines because feelings were harder.
Malik interrupted.
“You don’t have to impress me.”
Daniel smiled sadly.
“I know. I just don’t know how to be your father yet.”
“Neither do I.”
It was the first honest place to begin.
Aisha met Vanessa the next day.
Vanessa apologized.
Aisha listened.
“My son should never have needed to unlock a car before you treated him as human.”
“I know.”
“What will you do with knowing?”
May you like
Vanessa had no quick answer.
Aisha preferred that.
