Where we become

Chapter 1 - A Name in Passing

• RUKAYA

I had been waiting for my semester results for what felt like an eternity.

My portal was supposed to be updated days ago, yet every time I refreshed my page I was met with the same thing.

RESULTS UNAVAILABLE

I sighed and dropped my phone on the bed.

"I don't understand why they are taking so long."I complained to my friend over the phone. " my semestre ended two weeks ago. I have been home for two whole weeks, and all I want is to see my grades."

"You're acting like you're going to fail."
She laughed.

I rolled my eyes.

"That's not funny."

"Rukaya, you have never failed an exam in your life. "

"I know"

"So breathe girl."

I starred at the ceiling, she's actually right but I can't help but think this will be different.

I knew that I had worked hard.

I know I had made dua.

I knew I had done everything I could do.

But knowing that did not stop the fear.

I was in my final year of medical school, and alhamdulilah, it hadn't been easy-but somehow I had made this far without failing an exam.

This semester, however had been different.

There were nights where I genuinely wondered if I would make it.

My family had seen it too.

The early mornings , late nights they'd watched me struggle to keep myself together, watched me study until I couldn't keep my eyes open , they watched me come home exhausted and pretend I was fine.

And perhaps that's why the results matter so much.

It wasn't just a grade.

It felt like proof that all of it had been worth it.

"Omg, Rukaya!"

"What?"

"Check now! I can see mine!"

My heart jumped.

"Wait - what?"

"It's there! It's finally there!"

I immediately sat up
"Hold on"

I ended the call and opened my laptop so quickly that I nearly knocked my water bottle over.

I had just logged into the portal when I heard the front door open.

A few seconds later, my brother walked into the room.

I didn't even notice him.

"Have you seen the news?"

I continued staring at my screen.