Introduction

Welcome to a bright and beautiful morning- one that seems to lead us toward a new and unusual kind of story.

It has always crossed my mind that a single story can be seen through different eyes: some may view it as a simple passing tale, while others may see it as a complete novel. Whether it is read by a casual reader or examined by a professional critic, what truly matters in the end is the enjoyment found within the pages.

So, I will write this story as I see it, without claiming literary mastery or eloquence. I don't know how readers will interpret it, but I hope that through it, you will see the emotions, feel them deeply, and enjoy reading without ever feeling bored.

And so, without keeping you any longer, I leave you to enjoy what comes next.

Chapter One:

Stairs to a New World

The city was called “Sukoon.” Not literally on the map, but it existed in that distant corner where the salty sea met the sweetness of a small lake. Its houses were few and scattered, as if hiding from the noise of the world. And in one of these houses—where the roar of the waves was the daily melody of life—Laila was born.

Laila was not just a child; she was the seed of a dream planted by Khaled and Yasmin in the soil of this world, and she was the beginning that redrew the map of their lives all over again.

After several years…

Khaled stood staring at his wife Yasmin, who was standing by the window as if she were sending off a part of her soul with every wave that touched the shore. He approached her quietly and whispered in her ear, trying to break through the cloud of worry he saw in her eyes.

“Yasmin, we need to register Laila in kindergarten this week. This is her real beginning.”

Yasmin’s heart trembled when she heard those words. She looked at him, her eyes shining with a mixture of fear and tenderness.

“She’s still too young, Khaled. We can wait another year.”

Khaled shook his head gently, his eyes overflowing with love no less than hers, but mixed with a sense of responsibility.

“My dear Yasmin, she will enter school at the age of seven. Kindergarten now will only be a gentle preview of life—something that will help her adjust. Just two years there, and she’ll be more prepared.”

Then, trying to soothe her worry, he added,

“Leave the romantic part of our life to me, my love… and let me worry about the heroism and protection.”

A hot tear slid down Yasmin’s cheek.

“I know you’re right… but my heart can’t stop being afraid. She’s still innocent, fragile… and the world is big and harsh.”

He wrapped his arms around her, turning his embrace into a shield against every fear.

“Listen to me carefully, my life. I won’t allow any fierce wind to come near her. I will be the wall that protects her, and the light that shines her path. I promise you, my hand will never let go of her tiny hand. In good times and bad, in every step, I’ll be there—me and you together. I will never abandon you, not today and not any day to come.”

Yasmin closed her eyes, tears falling silently once more—yet this time, they were not tears of fear, but tears of relief washing over her heart. She held Khaled’s hand tightly, as if drawing peace and strength from it. Looking at him through her tears, she whispered in a voice dripping with love and gratitude:

“I know… I know you will never let go of our hands. My trust in you never shakes.”

A week passed after that conversation, carrying Laila toward the kindergarten gate—carrying with it a promise unbroken, and a love strong enough to challenge all the fears of this world.

Laila: "Daddy, where are we going?"

Laila asked, holding her father’s hand tightly, her little eyes looking up at him with innocent curiosity.

Khaled: "We’re going to register you for kindergarten, my love."

Laila: "What’s kindergarten, Daddy?"

Khaled stopped in the middle of the path and knelt down to be at her eye level.

"Kindergarten, my little kitten, is a beautiful place where new friends meet to start their journey of learning and playing. You’ll learn wonderful things there, and you’ll understand what I mean when you see it."

Laila: "I really don’t understand what you mean, Daddy."

Khaled: "You’ll understand soon. It’s something new… a new life."

Khaled and Laila arrived at the kindergarten building. The little girl was surprised by the long stairs leading to the main door. At the entrance, they were greeted by a smiling lady.

Khaled: "Hello, where can I register my daughter?"

The lady: "Welcome! You can go up these stairs; the registration office is at the top."

Khaled held Laila’s hand tightly, and they climbed together. With each step, Laila’s eyes grew wider. At the top of the stairs, sunlight poured through a large window, forming a golden patch on the floor. Laila felt something strange, as if she were stepping into a completely different world.

Inside the large hall, they found a group of parents with their children. While Khaled searched for the registration desk, Laila looked around in amazement. It was the first time she had seen so many people and children. Her innocent gaze carried a flood of questions, yet her shy nature made her content to observe in silence.

After Khaled finished the registration and they were on their way home, he tried to get her impression.

Khaled: "So, my little one, what do you think? How did it all seem to you? What’s your impression of the people there?"

Laila remained silent for a moment, then said with innocence,

"Look, Daddy… there were so many people. And there was sunlight, and a big light coming through the windows."

Khaled looked at his daughter in surprise. What caught her attention more than all the new details was the sunlight streaming through the windows. It was a childlike observation that reflected the innocence of her small world, where the simplest things remained the most magical.

After a few minutes, Khaled and Leila arrived home, where the mother greeted them at the door with warm affection and an embrace filled with tenderness.

She held her daughter close and asked gently,
"How are you, Leila? How was your day? And what did you think of the new world you saw today?"

Leila did not fully understand what her mother meant, but she answered with pure, childlike excitement:
"Mom! I had so much fun! I walked around the city with Dad, and there were so many people! And I saw children playing in the park! And Dad bought me lots of sweets!"

The mother laughed and said,
"It seems you had a wonderful day!"
She exchanged a joyful glance with Khaled, sharing the same delight.

She then added kindly,
"I prepared lunch as soon as I heard you were on your way back. Your brother is waiting at the table so we can eat together. Tell me, did anything else exciting happen today?"

But Leila did not wait for more questions; she rushed inside saying,
"I'm hungry! I'm going to the kitchen right now!"

The parents remained standing for a moment, talking quietly about Leila’s day while smiles warmed their faces—smiles that belonged to the spirit of their cozy home.

Such moments might seem ordinary to many, perhaps too small to notice, yet they are the tiny treasures from which lifelong memories are built.
Leila did not yet realize that not everyone enjoys such warmth. Some houses lack laughter, and some families lack gentle hearts… homes that exist, but without being true “homes.”

Nor did she know what her life would hold, who she would grow to be, or what dreams would take root within her. But her journey had already begun.
And that single safe moment—held by love, embraced by family—was enough to plant in her the courage she would need for all that lay ahead.