Survival

Chapter 1

19 Days Before...

The wind howled and the sky turned black. I walked faster - more like running. The sky looked like it was two in the early morning when it was actually eight in the morning. I didn't want to get caught in the storm. These days, out of nowhere there would be a heavy downpour of rain. In my little town of Skybay, storms are a constant thing. I crossed the street one more time and entered a shop. The sounds of horns desperately wanting to get home faded away when I walked in. A bell rang as I made my way inside.

"Hello, Mr. Mival." I beamed at the owner of the shop who was sitting in the counter. He was a stout looking man, with a mustache that went up and down anytime he spoke. Kids made fun of him because of his figure, but one thing I knew about him, was that he was a very nice man. He and his wife had been in our neighborhood for 28 years.

"Hello, Jameela. How are you? A storm is coming. Why are you outside?" He asked bewildered.

I stood there thinking of what to say. How do you tell a sixty five year old man that you rushed to his bookshop in the middle of an upcoming storm just to buy a new book called 'I AM A FEMINIST. SO WHAT?' I thought desperately of what to say, but I couldn't.

"Um, there is a really important new book that I need to buy. So I am just going to quickly check it and leave." I hurriedly looked through the shelves.

"The new books are on the third shelves," He explained.

I went through them and luckily for me, there it was. I felt like jumping. I had been excited to buy the book since it was published. I snatched it from its shelf and dropped it on the counter.

"How much?" By now, lightening was striking fast and the weather was much cooler.

"It's 2 dollars, fifty cents." He looked at me and continued, "You came only to buy this book? You and Nina are one of a kind." He smiled. Nina was his daughter and also my best friend. We grew up together, and practically did everything together. We were more like sisters.

"Here, Mr. Mival. Can't really explain now. See you later." I fled out of the shop and heard his voice telling me to be careful, as I crossed the busy street. On arriving home, rain flooded like there was no tomorrow. I was drenched by the time I reached the porch. Mom flew the door open looking surprised.

"SubhanAllah! Jameela! Hurry inside. What were you doing for so long?"

"Guess what Mom. I got it." I screamed and hugged her.

"Really? Let me see it." I gave her the book I bought. My mom, was a very easy-going lady, and so I was quite close to her.

"Wow. You really have something to read now. Haha. Nice. Go and change. You will catch a cold if you remain in those clothes dear."

I changed into some casual wears since I wasn't going anywhere and fell on my bed. I couldn't sleep because I woke up few hours ago. Instead, I tossed and turned on my bed. One thing was on my mind - my sleep-away camp in two days. Camping in a faraway place at first freaked me out, but now I'm just so excited. My mind drifted to when I first went camping. I kept nagging and crying, not wanting to leave my parents. Even at the camp, I was so angry at everything that crossed my way. This time, it will be different. I hope to have a real change there, I thought. I cuddled in my blanket when thunder and lightning struck, scared of the sound it made and the light that pierced through my window. After having a rough year at school and also in my life, all I wanted was to rest now. No drama, no worries.

The rain seemed to stop after a while, and I jumped out of bed and went straight to the family room where everyone was getting prepared to eat breakfast. After greeting everyone, I sat on my usual chair, trying to pile food on my plate when mom interrupted me.