Shorties: Number 70

Liyana’s words cracked like thunder and Toby reeled back aghast.  It was only a week ago Liyana was introduced to the class and took the desk next to Toby.  Everyone was 10 year old Toby’s friend and the teacher knew he would make Liyana feel welcome.  How right she was.  A bond was instantly formed between the lad and lass.  Toby injected the shy girl into his large group and they all enjoyed playing on the playground. 

It was always the same group walking home after school and Toby didn’t mind how many friends were there as long as he walked next to Liyana.  In such a short time she was his favorite.  Something about the way she looked at him, he believed she felt the same way. 

Now, he was devastated to hear Liyana say they could no longer be friends.  Toby stammered in protest, “But we’re friends.”  Liyana’s eyes betrayed the struggle in her soul as pain spread from Toby’s heart and radiated out with frosty tendrils.  How could this be?  Liyana opened her mouth to reply as Toby blurted, “What’d I do?”

“You’re a Christian and I am Muslim.  My parents say we can’t be friends.  You will want to convert me.”

Thoughts swirled in Toby’s mind but none of it was coherent.  What did she say?  What was that all about?  No convincing argument formed in Toby’s brain but the reality of losing his friend broke his heart.  Desperately, his mind raced for reasons.  Finally, he latched onto something he said the day before. 

Having lived her early years in Pakistan, Liyana’s English, though very good, had a thick accent.  A couple boys teased Liyana that day about the way she spoke.  Toby immediately defended Liyana.  When the boys were gone Toby spoke his heart and said, “I like your accent.  I think it is pretty.”  Liyana averted her eyes and blushed but her heart was warmed. 

That had to be it, but why?  Did she think Toby loved her?  Even if he did, is it wrong to love someone?  He didn’t want to marry her.  She was just his special friend.  Grasping at straws, Toby asked, “Is it because I like your accent?”

Liyana was stunned by the question but remembered her feelings in that moment.  Then, fighting back tears, she replied, “No, no not at all.”  She paused and exhaled, “I don’t know but my parents said you and I cannot be friends.  That is it.”

By this time, other members of their group who were playing on the playground started to gather around them.  They plainly saw the anguish on the faces of Toby and Liyana and asked what was wrong.  Toby couldn’t answer.  The pain of losing his friend muted him.  Liyana felt guilty and embarrassed.  Finally, she ran to the school building and into a bathroom stall.  She latched the door and buried her face in her hands.  She knew she wounded her friend and wondered if she would ever forgive herself.  How could he ever forgive her?

The rest of the day was awkward.  Toby was afraid to look at Liyana sitting at the desk next to her.  Liyana wished Toby would cast his gaze toward her.  She pleaded inwardly with him to give a hint that everything would be alright.  How could it be?  She knew she had to obey here parents.  The price of that obedience left her and her friend with broken hearts.

(Note:  In no way do I want to cast Islam in a bad light by telling this story.  My point is simply to highlight differences can cause problems in relationships. Sometimes we must be true to our beliefs even if it hurts someone we love.  But I believe love doesn’t die even if there is a rift of any kind,)