76: Set apart

One more minute. 

Adnan wished as the morning approached. One more minute where he doesn't have to face anyone or do anything. 

Staying in bed awake was better than waking up to his worst nightmare. The reality of his life was much harsher than having sleepless nights. 

He lay in bed pondering over what the new day would bring. Adnan's spirit was low. No one warned him that falling in love was so painful.

"Get up, boy," Zuke insisted. 

Adnan ignored him. It was too early to start receiving orders. "It's a brand new day, you should try to find a silver lining to your dark clouds," the old man advised. 

The words of the old man made his insides twist into a knot. His dark clouds had no silver lining and to think otherwise was dangerous for his mental health. 

Adnan blinked. The next thing he knew he was standing in the kitchen with the old man, watching as the cooks struggled to serve the king's breakfast.