Noura was a good girl. One Friday, as she walked through the streets of the market, she was so busy texting on her phone that she fell over.
Her phone skittered across the paving stones and came to rest next to an old lady sitting there.
“Good morning!” said Noura feeling a little embarrassed.
“Good morning! What is so important on there that makes you fall over?” asked the old lady.
“I was texting a friend.”
“Why don’t you go and see your friend?”
“I will see her later.”
“Then why can it not wait?”
“You are right,” Noura smiled.
“Would you like a cup of tea?”
“That would be lovely.”
Noura walked back to her family’s house, made some tea and brought it back.
The old lady was thankful and they spoke for a while.
The following Friday, Noura got up, made a cup of tea and walked round.
The old lady was pleased to see Noura again and they chatted.
Noura began to do this every weekend.
One Thursday, Noura had a visitor, the old lady’s son. His mother had passed away. Noura’s eyes filled with tears.
“She was so happy to know you. She left you this,” said the grandson, handing over a beautiful bejewelled box.
“Thank you,” said Noura. She opened the box. Inside was a letter, which she opened.
“What does it say?”
“I am so glad you did not look where you were going, otherwise we would never have met!”
*
“It’s been ages since I last heard from Felicia, but I do love her stories.”
“I have never been to Egypt. It sounds fascinating, and so romantic.”
“It has been a few years since I last went there, but it is quite magical.”
“Is it still like you see in the movies?”
“Not always. It is chaotic, but there are still so many old buildings. You walk around in awe.”
“So, would you really find an old lady sitting on the side of the road?”
“Sure. The market is a hive of activity and Egyptians are so warm and friendly.”
“The old lady seems very lonely, however.”
“I know. That happens anywhere, though.”
“If only there were more girls like Noura.”