Two Weeks later "Gabby, are you sure you packed enough socks?" Maria, my little sister, chirped from the floor of my bedroom, surrounded by an explosion of clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials. I chuckled, glancing around my room which was lit by the soft glow of the setting sun. The air was filled with the comforting scent of mom's cooking from the kitchen, mixed with the distinctive aroma of newly purchased luggage. Outside, the usual evening chorus of our small Mexican town commenced - children playing, the distant chatter of neighbors, dogs barking, and the faint rhythm of a mariachi band practicing somewhere. The familiar sounds were comforting, a reminder of home that I would soon leave behind. "I think three pairs should be enough, don't you?" I shot back, folding another shirt into the suitcase. At the side of the room, Mom was sitting on the bed, watching us with a soft smile. I could see the lines of pain etched around her eyes, but she was trying to hide it with h

"Gabby," he breathed my name like a sacred prayer, His hands were a symphony of sensation against my skin, every touch lighting up my nerves like fireworks. As he trailed kisses along my neck, I shivered, feeling an intensity I'd never known before. His touch was like a spark igniting my desire, a flame I yearned to surrender to. His breath against my skin was sweet torture, sending chills running down my spine. I wanted him, more than I'd ever wanted anyone else. The pull was magnetic, but he held back, restrained. The silk of his robe against my skin sent shivers down my spine. The warmth of his breath on my neck made my heartbeat erratic. I couldn’t help but lean back into his chest as his lips traced the curve of my neck, each kiss leaving a scorching imprint. "Aasif," I whispered, my voice shaky with desire. He didn't reply. He only held me tighter, his strong arms a band around my waist. His kisses grew more intense, searing a trail down to my collarbone. I was becoming a

"Gabby, it's your mom... She's been taken to the hospital."Kes' words pierced through the humdrum of my day like a lightning bolt. The hospital phone I held against my ear seemed to grow heavier with each passing second, threatening to slip from my trembling hands."What? How?" I managed to stutter out, my mind a whirl of panic and confusion."She collapsed, Gabby. Just... fell over. They said she needs immediate surgery to take care of the tumor, if not it will advance..." Kes' voice broke, sounding as fragile as I felt.I have never felt this much pain, my dad died when I was 14 years old but ever since all I have known is my mother's love, but even she started going in and out of the hospital like it was a second home...A sinking feeling swamped me as I heard Kes trying to hold back her tears. Even through the miles separating us, I could feel the tangible dread and worry in her voice. My mom, my backbone, my everything, was now fighting for her life, and here I was, thousands of

Stepping inside the Sheikh's room, a heavy silence surrounded me. The smell of antiseptic and sterility hung in the air, so different from the vibrant, rich scents I associated with him. He lay there, quiet and still, but alive. A hint of his strength peeked through the pallor of his skin. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself. Picking up the newspaper from the table beside his bed, I started to read it aloud, keeping my voice steady and my eyes focused on the printed words. "In international news today, the global economic forum has announced..." I paused, watching him. There was no response, no flicker of interest in his eyes. He stared at me blankly, a look I wasn't used to from him. Feeling a lump in my throat, I carried on reading, determined to keep things as normal as possible for him. Occasionally, I'd ask him about a certain article, or joke about a funny comic strip, hoping it would jog his memory. The room filled with the sound of my voice, but the Sheikh remained