Adam awoke to the comforting scent of breakfast. His wife had prepared it early, and the kitchen was filled with the gentle warmth of a new day. Sunlight spilled softly through the windows, golden and tender, not the harsh heat of noon, but the embrace of morning. A light breeze played across his face like a mother's hand, soft and soothing.
He finished his meal and readied himself for the day. Before stepping out, he turned to his wife with a smile and said,
"Goodbye, Sarah. I'll be back tomorrow. I'm staying the night with my family."
With that, he left their home and made his way toward the towering building that housed his workplace. As he reached the entrance, he glanced at the watch on his wrist, a gift from his friend Walid. His heart skipped a beat.
12:05 p.m.
He was already five minutes late.
Rushing inside, Adam took the elevator to the ninth floor. As the doors slid open, he was met with a tense scene. Walid stood frozen, being sternly reprimanded by the company's director. Adam's steps slowed, anxiety tightening his chest. His gaze flicked to the director's face, then back down in hesitation. He drew a shaky breath and stepped forward.
"Mr. Murad, I'm truly sorry for being late today."
But to his surprise, the director offered him a faint, understanding smile.
"Don't worry, Adam. Just make sure it doesn't happen again. We need you these days, son."
In that moment, all of Adam's fears melted away. Perhaps the beauty of the morning had decided to follow him, after all.
He soon found Walid, who greeted him with a weary smile.
"Man, I was so scared of the director today. He looked furious."
But Walid's face told a different story. Beneath the surface was sorrow, raw and lingering.
"Adam… he deducted part of my salary because of my lateness," Walid confessed, voice low and distant.
Adam placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, offering silent support.
Walid had once been married to a kind, beautiful woman. Her heart had suddenly stopped one day after a terrible shock. He had rushed her to the hospital, desperate, but it was too late. She was gone. The news had shattered him, a bolt of lightning tearing through his soul. She had been his world.
And though life had taken her, fate had sent Adam in return, a friend so genuine and warm, always there to comfort him in sorrow, always ready to lend a hand when Walid stumbled. In time, they had become more than colleagues. They were brothers in everything but blood.
After work, Adam didn't return to his own home. Instead, he headed to his family's house. Night had fallen by the time he arrived. His mother welcomed him with open arms, her joy bright as ever. It was dinner time, and the table was already set. They ate together, the meal rich not only in flavor but in the quiet love that bound them.
When the meal was done, Adam retired to bed. Peace settled over him like a blanket.
And thus ended a day that had begun with light, and somehow, held onto it until the night.