Chapter 3: A Peaceful Day Between Two Worlds

Sunday morning was refreshingly quiet. No bullies or school pressures bothering Khaled.

After a long week, he could finally immerse himself in his world and break free from everything weighing him down.

Khaled sat in his room, which, as usual, was dimly lit, making it almost dark.

For others, writing in such an atmosphere might be unbearable, but for Khaled, who had lived with darkness most of his life, it became a shield, keeping away all the random things around him, allowing him to focus only on the goal ahead.

And the goal now was his fantasy world.

Khaled thought, "Hmm... what should the events be about today?"

"I've got it, since it's Sunday, when everyone is supposed to relax and have fun, then Nour should have some fun too, right?" Khaled thought with a smile on his face.

The sun was shining brightly, sending its light towards the village.

Inside a shop, Nour stood behind a wooden table, cleaning it with a cloth from blood stains.

The smell of hides and fresh meat filled the place. As usual, the place was crowded with customers in the morning, Nour barely finding time to scratch his head.

After the usual morning rush subsided, Nour looked out the small window towards the horizon.

He admired the green lands and the refreshing breeze that gently moved the leaves of the trees.

He was very pleased with the moments of peace the village was experiencing. A life free of wars and the anxiety of losing loved ones was all he wished for.

At the same time, loud laughter echoed at the shop's entrance, interrupting his contemplation.

Three young men entered, their faces bright with wide smiles.

Zeid, with thick black hair, led them with quick steps. Behind him was Jack, the blond young man, and Daniel, the calmest among them, curiously examining the shop.

They were Nour's childhood friends.

Jack, holding a piece of bread in his hand, quickly approached Nour and said jokingly, "Please, Nour, tell me you saved some meat for us, I don't want to have to eat this dry bread alone."

Nour took off his long apron and placed it on the table, "You're dreaming if you think I'll feed you for free, go hunt your own lunch, you lazy bum."

Jack approached Nour, gently placing his hand on his shoulder, "Come on, don't be like that, we're friends, how can you bear to see your friend eat only dry bread?" while looking at him with a puppy-like gaze seeking food.

Nour replied impatiently, "Ugh... acting cute really doesn't suit someone as big as you, it's disgusting, you're not a little girl."

"I'll give you some meat when we finish work, so stop bothering me."

"Hehehe, I knew it, you're really the best friend."

At the same moment, Daniel approached Nour, placing a bag full of herbs, and said with a mischievous smile, "Why don't we add these herbs to Jack's dish? I heard they have some wonderful effects."

Jack stopped and looked at the bag suspiciously, "Wonderful effects? As if I'd trust you, you rascal, I won't fall for your stupid pranks again."

From the background, Nour's father's voice rose, "Don't you have anything better to do than waste your time here chattering?"

"If you don't know how to be useful, bring some brooms and start cleaning."

Nour laughed, "Great idea, Dad. Zeid can clean the floor, while Daniel cleans the shelves, and Jack... he can clean himself of food scraps first."

Jack replied laughing, "I can't believe you're attacking me in front of your father! That's betrayal."

Tariq, Nour's father, waved a broom, "If you don't leave now, one of you will really hold this broom."

"Let's leave quickly before my father fulfills his promise, I don't want to be part of this group cleaning."

Zeid approached Nour and said with a smile, "We found a new place to train, there's a wide field far behind the village. Do you want to take a look?"

"Hehehe, of course, I was waiting for a suggestion like that."

They all left the shop laughing, Tariq shook his head smiling, "Today's youth... how they love to shirk work."

Combat training was an essential part of their lives, in this world combat skills were necessary for survival.

Not just for protection against other humans, but also other intelligent creatures.

Humans were not the only ones at the top of the food chain here.

In the wide field behind the village, the sun was in the middle of the sky.

Nour and his friends stood ready for a training round of fencing.

They spread out around the field, each holding his wooden sword. The wind moved their hair, adding to the feeling of movement around them.

Daniel raised his sword, challenging Nour, "This time the duel won't be easy, we've been training all week for this."

"That's what I hope for, show me what you've got."

"Are you ready?" Nour said, tightening his grip on his sword, looking at his friends, each preparing to face him.

Jack, the largest among them, slapped his palms together and said jokingly, "It seems you don't know us well, Nour. This time you won't get away easily!"

Zeid stood far away, ready to attack from an unexpected angle. He said smiling, "We'll see if your skills are capable of facing us all together."

Nour smiled gently and stepped forward. "Then let's begin!"

Jack charged first, using his physical strength. The attack was direct and clear, but Nour deftly dodged his blow with a quick roll, pushing Jack aside, causing him to lose his balance for a few seconds.

At the same moment, Zeid jumped from behind, seizing the opportunity for a quick attack. But Nour had seen the coming move. He avoided Zeid's blow and grabbed his wrist, then rolled him back without hurting him.

Zeid laughed as he got up, feeling his shoulder, "Oh, I won't let you get away again!"

Daniel, who had been watching silently, decided it was time to intervene. He stepped forward steadily, trying to use his sword to distract and then surround Nour from the side. But Nour was faster. He spun around Daniel and thwarted his move with a quick touch on his wooden sword, causing him to step back a few steps.

"Guys, we need to work as a team!" Jack shouted as he got up.

The three friends' eyes met and they understood the signal. They attacked Nour at once. A short and fierce battle began, the sounds of wooden swords clashing against each other, dust flying with every step.

But Nour, with amazing lightness and agility, was able to counter every blow and respond with simple and smooth movements, without showing any signs of fatigue. It wasn't just physical strength, but wisdom and experience that showed in every move he made.

In a surprising moment, the battle stopped. Jack, Zeid, and Daniel stood exhausted, breathing heavily, while Nour was still standing firm, barely showing any signs of strain.

Jack laughed loudly and said, "How do you do that, man? Three against one, and you're still undefeated!"

Daniel smiled, saying, "I think that's why he's our leader."

Nour, wiping sweat from his forehead, smiled modestly and said, "You guys are improving, but we still have a long way to go."

They all sat on the long grass, catching their breath. Daniel laughed, "I know I've said this before, but I swear I'll beat you one day!"

Nour smiled, looking at the golden horizon where the sky met the earth, "If there really is such a day, I think you'll have to wait a long time, Daniel."

Zeid, who was catching his breath, said, "Well, after all this, I think it's time to go for something delicious to eat. What do you think?"

Nour smiled and said, "I'm always ready to eat!"

In the real world, Khaled sat with his mother around the dining table.

His mother worked long hours to provide a living, so such moments were rare for Khaled and incredibly precious.

The only sound in the room was the sound of spoons touching plates.

After a short period of silence, his mother said with a tired but affectionate smile, "How was school this week, Khaled?"

Khaled stopped eating for a moment, feeling a bit tense when he remembered what happened with Adam and his group, and how they mocked him.

But he didn't want to add to his mother's worries, she was already tired enough.

He spoke with a fake smile, "School is school, Mom, nothing new."

Khaled was skilled at hiding his true feelings. His mother looked at him with tired eyes, she didn't question his words, but she still felt a vague sense of unease.

"That's good, my son, just focus on your studies and don't let anything else bother you." She said, then returned to her meal, but she couldn't hide her concern.

She continued in a lively voice, "From now on, I'll try to come home early so we can spend more time together."

Khaled felt a warm feeling spread through him, her presence alone was enough to alleviate many of his anxieties. He spoke with a genuine smile this time, "That would be wonderful."

"What about you, Mom, how was your day?"

His mother sighed and said, moving her spoon, "You know, just another tiring day at work, but I'm happy I came home early today, these moments with you make me forget all the day's fatigue." She said, holding Khaled's hand with a regretful expression, as if apologizing for her constant absence.

Khaled's smile brightened, and he spoke with more enthusiasm, "Believe me, Mom, this situation won't last long, I'll become a famous writer in the future and earn a lot of money, then you'll never have to work again."

"We'll have plenty of time to go to the beach, just like the old days when Dad used to take us when I was little." Khaled said, recalling those memories when his father used to carry him in his arms and run with him towards the sea waves.

The mother looked at her son with affectionate eyes, a warm smile spreading across her face, "Hehehe, that's my son, I'm sure you can achieve all your dreams, and you'll make everyone know who you are. Your father would definitely be proud of you."

"Yes," he said with a small smile.

They both continued eating in silence, despite the few words, it was a silence filled with warmth and understanding. These moments were very valuable to Khaled, her presence alone was enough to make him forget his loneliness.

After all, she is the only person left in his life.

After finishing lunch, Khaled wanted to change his usual routine. He took his light jacket and left the house, away from his room where he usually spent most of his free time.

It was already sunset, the sunlight was getting weaker and weaker, while the refreshing evening breeze caressed Khaled's hair and face.

Khaled had no specific destination, he just wanted to clear his mind and enjoy this cool breeze.

Letting his feet guide him, he walked slowly, watching the passersby and the small shops around him.

When he was about to turn the corner of the street, he saw Sarah coming from the other direction.

He stopped for a moment, and she stopped too, surprise was evident on their faces.

Sarah was the first to greet him, "Hello, Khaled."

Khaled replied, trying to hide his nervousness, "Hello, Sarah..."

They walked together, Sarah tried to start a conversation, "I didn't expect to see you here, if you have something to do, I don't want to delay you."

Khaled shook his head with a pale smile, "No, not at all, I just came out for a little walk... and you?"

"I visited a friend and was on my way back. The weather is beautiful today, isn't it?" she said, looking up at the sky.

"Yes, it is."

"How are things going for you? I mean... what happened recently at school."

Khaled looked at her for a moment, then returned his gaze to the road, "It's okay... I think I'm used to it."

Sarah felt the weight of his words, but she tried to encourage him, "I know things aren't easy for you, but you're stronger than you think, don't let them affect you." She said, clenching her fist with a wide smile, which gave her a kind look.

Khaled replied with a small smile that carried a lot of gratitude, "Thank you, Sarah, your words really mean a lot to me."

"Khaled, look! The food cart owner serves the best fast food, we're lucky he just opened. Let's hurry before people crowd around him." Sarah said excitedly, pointing to a nearby food cart.

Khaled smiled, "Yes, let's go."

Khaled and Sarah sat with their hot meals, which had an irresistible aroma.

Khaled felt a mix of joy and calm, he wasn't used to spending time free of tension or worry.

When was the last time he sat and enjoyed delicious food with someone who appreciated him, other than his mother?

Even Khaled didn't remember.

They ate together, laughing at some of the situations that happened at school. Khaled had never seen Sarah so spontaneous before, he began to feel comfortable with her.

After moments of laughter, Sarah sighed, "I know you're carrying a lot, Khaled. But I want you to know you're not alone." She looked at him encouragingly.

Hearing her words, he felt something stir in his chest, something unfamiliar. It made him want to share something inside him.

He moved his lips, as if he wanted to speak, but he couldn't think of anything to say. He just smiled, expressing his gratitude.

After finishing their meal, they walked together for a while, talking and enjoying the cool night breeze.

Finally, they said goodbye and went their separate ways. As Khaled walked home, he remembered those special moments they spent together. He felt that something inside him had changed, perhaps this friendship was the beginning of something new that would alleviate his loneliness.