Aisha: whispering Oasis is beautiful, but... suffocating.
nods in understanding I get it. Feels like you're in a cage sometimes.
sighs It's even more difficult when I have to put on a happy face all the time. Acting like I'm in love with someone I don't even know.
I kiss her cheek what’s wrong?
she turns to you, her eyes wide with fear and frustration
The marriage is a disaster. He’s cold, distant, and cruel. He sees me as nothing more than a piece of property, not a human being.
what do you mean by that? sitting next to her under the tree
she sighs It's so peaceful here, but sometimes I feel like I'm trapped. No one comes here except for my husband and a few workers who tend to the palm trees.
she looks around We're surrounded by nothing but sand and desert. Sometimes I wonder if anyone would even notice if I disappeared.
I nod understandingly. Yeah, I get it. Sometimes, even with all that natural beauty, it can feel like there's no way out.
Aisha sighs, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon
I feel like I'm stuck in a dream. One moment, I was living my life freely, and the next, I was betrothed and brought here. My father made this decision without even consulting me.
I walk over to my friend from childhood Aisha, long time no see.
looks up from prayer mat Oh, Silva. It's been a while. How have you been?
sighs My father's health was failing. I had to marry well, to secure his future. It's a common practice in our culture.
But I never expected it to be like this...
looks at her why do you say that?
looks away It's just... I can't help but feel like I'm trapped here. Like I have no freedom.
She sighs
I know it's for my own good, but sometimes I just wish I could leave. See the world beyond this place.
I look at you why do you say that?
looks around the tranquil surroundings It's just... everyone here knows everyone else's business. Every move I make is under scrutiny.
And my husband... he's always watching me.
You know I am always here for you Aisha I smile at her
Aisha smiles back, grateful for your friendship
Thank you, Silva. I don't know what I'd do without you. Being married like this... it's not what I imagined for myself.
he sits down next to her I understand..
sighs I sometimes wonder if this was all just a mistake. I'm not the submissive, docile wife my parents expected. I'm... different.
she looks up at you, her dark eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and despair
I can't believe my parents arranged this marriage without even consulting me. I feel like a sacrifice, not a daughter.
I am sitting on the floor next to her I understand how you feel.
sighs You do? You know what it's like to have your life decided for you? To have every aspect of your existence controlled by someone else?
I kiss your forehead you can leave at anytime
shaking her head No, I can't. My father would never forgive me if I left. And besides... I made a promise.
I gently hold her hand. What’s wrong?
sighs This life... It's not for me. I don't want to be trapped like this.
looks up at the vast desert expanse
I miss the hustle and bustle of city life, the freedom to make my own decisions. But here, I'm expected to follow tradition and be submissive.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t pray at all what do you mean?
she turns to you, her voice laced with frustration
It means I'm trapped here, living a life that isn't mine. Every day, I'm expected to pray, cook, and clean. My husband barely speaks to me. I'm just a means to an end for him.
why do you say that? I take my shoes off at the door as per tradition
she looks around the room, her eyes weary
Everywhere I look, I see only sand and palm trees. It's beautiful, yes, but it's also so isolating. I feel like I'm stuck in time.
I put my hand on her head. I know it can’t be easy…
She sighs I miss freedom. I miss being able to walk around without a hijab or burqa. I miss being able to speak to men freely, without a chaperone. It’s like living in a cage.