CHAPTER 18: ATTACHMENT

As they walked to Amna's home, she asked Shahmeer again, "Shahmeer, why are you living alone? You can tell me, I won't judge."

At first, Shahmeer replied coldly, "Nothing important. Let's just drop it."

But then, something seemed to shift in his expression, and he began to open up.

"My parents are very busy people. My father is a businessman, always traveling, always working. He's never around. And my mother... she's always trying to keep up with him, trying to be the perfect wife and hostess. They're never home, never really present in my life."

Amna's eyes widened in understanding. "I see. That must be really tough for you, Shahmeer. Feeling like you're alone even when you're with your family."

Shahmeer nodded, his voice cracking slightly. "Yeah. It's like they're always gone, even when they're physically there. I've learned to take care of myself, but sometimes... sometimes it feels like no one really cares."

Amna's heart went out to Shahmeer. She couldn't imagine how hard it must be for him to feel so alone and unsupported. She reached out and gently touched his arm.

"Shahmeer, I care. And I'm here for you, okay? You're not alone."

Shahmeer looked at her, his eyes searching for something. For a moment, Amna thought she saw a glimmer of hope, of connection. But then, his mask slipped back into place, and he nodded curtly.

"Thanks, Amna. That means a lot."

As they reached Amna's front door, she turned to Shahmeer with a smile. "Well, here we are. Thanks for dropping me home, Shahmeer."

Shahmeer nodded, his expression softening slightly. "No problem."

Amna hesitated for a moment, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Shahmeer. "Hey, Shahmeer? Thanks for opening up to me about your parents. That takes a lot of courage."

Shahmeer's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks for listening, It means more than you know."

Amna's heart went out to him again, and she impulsively reached out and hugged him. "Take care, Shahmeer. And don't be a stranger, okay?"

Shahmeer's arms wrapped around her awkwardly, but he hugged her back, his body relaxing into the embrace. "Yeah, okay. Take care."

As they pulled back, Amna smiled up at him, feeling a sense of connection she couldn't ignore. "I'll see you around, Shahmeer."

Shahmeer nodded, his eyes lingering on hers before he turned and walked away, leaving Amna feeling like she'd just glimpsed a deeper side of this enigmatic boy.