ALONGSIDE YOU

41| Love and Hate

Jaxton Kincaids Pov

A few days earlier...

I entered my father's work study after we had finished our celebratory dinner. Sammy, my little sister, was in the living room engrossed in a series called "Paw Patrol." With her distracted, I decided to pay my dad a visit in his study.

There was a time when I used to knock before entering, but now it felt like my dad and I were on better terms. He had become more present in our lives, more understanding of our behavior.

I pushed the door open and found my father engrossed in reading the Quran. It warmed my heart to see him like this. Since his conversion along with me, he had grown more conscientious.

"Hello, pops!" I greeted him with a chuckle.

"To what honor do I owe the privilege of being called 'pops'?" my dad replied, looking up from the Quran and closing it.

"Nothing much. So, what's up?" I asked as I sat down and placed my cane beside the chair.

"Jaxton, the only thing 'up' is that I am incredibly proud and happy," my dad said with a smile spreading across his face.

"I'm happy to hear that, Dad," I replied.

"You and your mother, Jaxton, you look so much alike," he continued. "She would have been proud of you today. After everything you've been through with the accident and your journey in Islam, you are the very definition of strength, son."

My dad stood up and moved closer to me, leaning on the desk. His words meant the world to me, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the support and understanding he had shown throughout my journey.

This moment, in his study, was a testament to the bond we had developed, a bond built on love, respect, and shared experiences. A bound I actually never got to have.

I noticed my dad briefly looked away, a distant expression on his face. I couldn't help but ask, "What's happening, Dad?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze returning to mine. "Jaxton, there's something I've wanted to share with you for a long time."

I leaned forward, curious and a little anxious. "What is it?"

My dad hesitated for a moment, and then he began to speak, his voice tinged with regret. "It was one day before your mother passed away. We were alone, and she told me something that has haunted me ever since."

My eyes widened with surprise. "What did she tell you?"

"She said, 'I have converted to Islam,'" my dad revealed, his voice barely above a whisper.

I sat there in shock, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what he had just disclosed. "What?"

My dad continued, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I didn't know how to respond, Jaxton. I was speechless. But your mother, she said, 'I'll give you time to process this.'"

She became muslim.

She became muslim.

She has a chance at eternal pleasure.

Allahmdulliah.

Tears welled up in my own eyes as I realized the weight of those unspoken words. My mother had taken a profound step in her life, one that had deep significance to her, and my dad had been left unable to bridge the gap that had suddenly opened between them in those final hours.

"Is it true?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My dad met my gaze and nodded, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Yes, Jaxton. Your mother embraced Islam."