59. BRAVE DRAGON

Taliya met his gaze, a small, knowing smile on her lips. She nodded slightly, as if to say, "It's okay." It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to Murad. In that brief exchange, he felt a connection, a silent understanding that words were not necessary to communicate.

They walked out of the projection room together, the noise of the school day gradually enveloping them. As they stepped into the bustling hallway, Murad felt a newfound sense of hope. For the first time in a long while, he felt seen, not just as the silent boy in the back of the class, but as someone who mattered. And that, he realized, was more than enough.

With a shared glance, Murad and Taliya parted ways, each heading to their next class. As Murad walked down the corridor, he felt lighter, as if a small piece of the weight he carried had been lifted. The day wasn't over, and there would undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, but he felt ready to face them. After all, he had found a friend in the unlikeliest of places, and that made all the difference.

~☆~

The final bell rang, and the students of Brookfield Middle School poured out into the afternoon sunshine, a river of chatter and laughter flowing through the gates. Murad lingered near the entrance, adjusting the straps of his backpack and scanning the crowd for a familiar figure. His eyes eventually found Taliya, her short hair catching the light as she walked alone along the sidewalk. She moved with a quiet grace, her head slightly bowed, lost in thought.

Murad watched as she weaved through the throngs of students, her presence somehow distinct despite the bustling chaos around her. He felt a pang of curiosity and something deeper—admiration, perhaps. Taliya had stood up for him today, her bravery like a beacon in the murky waters of his anxiety. He wanted to thank her properly, to somehow repay her kindness, but the opportunity had slipped away.

As Taliya disappeared into the crowd, Murad’s uncle, Hashim, pulled up in his black sedan. The car was a sleek, older model, well-maintained and a common sight in the school's pickup lane. Uncle Hashim was a tall man with a warm, gentle demeanor, his beard flecked with grey. He leaned out the window, waving to Murad with a teasing smile. "Hey, Murad! How was school today?"

Murad climbed into the passenger seat, closing the door behind him. He glanced at the retreating figure of Taliya, who was now barely visible amidst the sea of students. An idea sparked in his mind, and he turned to his uncle, a mischievous glint in his eye. He pointed towards the direction Taliya had gone. "Uncle, can we follow that girl?"

Hashim raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh? Who's the lucky lady?" His tone was light, teasing, as he started the car and slowly merged into the traffic. He shot Murad a sidelong glance, waiting for an explanation.

Murad, unable to contain a smile, gestured with his hands, trying to convey the story that was buzzing in his mind. He mimed writing on an imaginary notepad, then pointed to himself and pretended to be silent. He followed this by mimicking a fierce creature, his hands clawed and his expression intense, before pointing back to where Taliya had disappeared.

Hashim chuckled, piecing together the story from Murad's animated gestures. "Ah, so this girl saved you from something, did she? Like a dragon swooping in to rescue you?" His eyes twinkled with curiosity as he navigated the car through the narrow streets.

Murad nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up. He tapped his lips and then gestured around, indicating the school, then pointed towards his uncle and mimed a swooping dragon again. Hashim's smile widened, clearly enjoying the tale unfolding in the car.

"So, let me get this straight," Hashim said, his voice laced with playful intrigue. "You were in trouble, and this girl came to your rescue, like a dragon saving you from a fire?" He glanced at Murad, who nodded again, his eyes shining with excitement.

Hashim laughed softly, a deep, comforting sound. "You've always had a vivid imagination, Murad. But it sounds like she did something really brave for you. What happened?"

Murad took a deep breath, his thoughts racing as he tried to recall the day's events. He wished he could speak, to share the story with the same excitement he felt inside. Instead, he focused on conveying the essence of the moment. He mimed being scolded, his face adopting a stern expression, then pointed to himself, covering his mouth with his hand to signify his muteness. He pointed to Taliya's imagined position, then made a defensive gesture, raising his hands as if shielding something.

Hashim nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "She stood up for you, didn't she? Spoke up when you couldn't. That's pretty incredible." He glanced at Murad with a proud smile. "Sounds like you've found a friend who's as brave as a dragon."

Murad felt a warm flush spread across his cheeks. It was true—Taliya had been his savior, a brave dragon protecting him from the flames of humiliation. In his twelve-year-old mind, the ordinary events of the day had taken on a fantastical sheen. The mundane corridors of the school had become a treacherous lair, the teacher's stern gaze a fiery obstacle, and Taliya, with her quiet strength, had transformed into a noble creature of legend.