Temperer's Temperature

It's been 10 minutes and I can't control my inquisition. I just can't wait for Cairo to come and spill the beans. But something about the way they are talking tells me not to question him anything. He seems rather distressed. He is not looking at her in the eye. And she is going on and on about something she is reminiscing at the moment. I highly lack confidence that my brother would tell me anything about what their interaction was all about.

He just walks off from her without another word. He must be fed up about the whole situation. I have no idea how to cheer him up now.

" let's head home" he says dragging me with him. I look back at Jazeera one last time. She gives me this sad smile and nods. What is this all supposed to mean? I can only wonder.

Cairo pulls off from the driveway like a bizarre. This is not necessary. I should have offered to drive but it's too late for that now. He is not in his right mind. All of us had a long day and I'm sure he is going to take it out just like me. He speeds up the lane, Crosses it with closed eyes. I can only see his vehement anger radiating off of him. At this point, I really wonder if both of us will make it home alive.

We get home 10 minutes earlier. I literally get off the car and thank My Lord for making me a survivor of this whole roller coaster ride. Cairo stomps his feet all the way to the front door. I don't know whether to laugh or pity him. I can't even control my curiosity. This is driving me nuts.

We are welcomed by our dad this time. My mum is hiding behind him. Looking at us with sympathy. My dad is radiating too much of a strong temperament that the temperature in the room seems higher. All of us have the same issue. We all are short-tempered. Can't help it, It runs through our veins.

I ensconce myself on the couch. Well, we are going to be sitting here for the next few hours. So, It would be great if we are seated comfortably. I wish I had some snacks. Cairo slumps next to me with so much force that I jump off the couch a bit.

" Where were you?!" My dad questions in a calm tone. Have you ever heard of calm before the storm? That's exactly what is meant by his calm-tone. His going lash at us. He will pull out words from us. Only after analyzing all of our words he will let us retire to our bed.

" We um went to the park. Just to hang around " I say and Cairo keeps staring into space. Focus Cairo! I want to yell at him.

" Why does he look like that? " my dad asks with concern. I shrug my shoulders. It would be great if my dad gets some answers.

" I just got rejected by her. So, All of you do me a favor and get to bed. Don't question me about anything. I'm so done with everything. It aches alright. I don't even know what to feel anymore. I'm numbed out. So, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE " he tells all of that in one breath. He just had to make sure all of us clearly heard what the last sentence was all about. Oh boy! We don't do it like that! He is just adding more fuel.

My dad is narrowing his eyelids at me. I point my index towards myself and ask "ME? I don't anything about this." I defend myself but doesn't seem to work. My dad basically looks like a Chinese with all the eyes shrinking.

" Fine. He saw some girl at the banquet. He liked her and we met her. Well, I was there with them the whole time. They talked something and that's all I know." I put my hands down and turn to Cairo.

" You're too young for this. What made you think approaching her without telling me was a good idea ?" My dad raises a question which cuts right through us. Point to be noted!

" I'm sorry dad. I didn't know what I was thinking. I just followed what my heart told me to do and here I'm, Heartbroken." He gives a bitter laugh. Pathetic!

" Remember to tell me before doing anything next time. I'll help you with it. For now, Focus on your studies. Don't think of any woman now. You need to have a steady income. Where you can take care of your family on your own. Only then you're a man and will need a woman. Okay? " My dad sweet talks to him. Huh! I'm so done with this drama. Wish I could get to bed. I get up from my place and my dad stops me.

" Where do you think you're going, young woman? Do you think I'll let you off the hook considering the fact that you helped your brother with this or the fact that your left hand has an injury that I'm not aware of? " my dad asks me holding my hand tighter than intended. Geez! I won't run away.

"I um got hurt. It's nothing serious. I got it checked and its um it's healing. I'm fine " I tell him. NO! It hurts. My knuckles are burning.

" Get it treated ! " with that being said he walks to his room. My mum silently traces his footsteps. We are done with this night. Cairo slowly walks to his room. Looks like he is just dragging his soul and body with him. In all honesty, He looks like a corpse taken right from the grave.

" Ma Salama (goodbye) " I scream to myself sitting in the hallway all alone.

I just get to my bed and stare out of the window. I hope everything will be fine by tomorrow. I shut my eyes and just let my soul drift off.