The night was quiet, with only the soft hum of the ceiling fan filling Maria's dorm room. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought about the day's class discussion. Sister Rose had led a profound conversation about respect, marriage, and divorce in Christianity, but Maria's mind kept drifting toward the conversation she had with Ayesha the night before.
She checked the time—10:45 PM. It was late, but she knew Ayesha was usually awake at this hour. Without hesitating, she grabbed her phone and dialed Ayesha's number.
After a few rings, Ayesha picked up.
Ayesha: "Maria! I was just about to sleep. What's up?"
Maria: "I had to talk to you about today's class. It was about marriage and divorce in Christianity."
Ayesha let out a small chuckle.
Ayesha: "Oh no, here we go again. Another long discussion?"
Maria: "You know me well!" Maria laughed. "Okay, listen. Sister Rose explained how Christianity sees marriage as sacred, and how divorce is discouraged but allowed in extreme cases. But it made me think—didn't you tell me that Islam also sees marriage as sacred?"
Ayesha: "Yes, Islam also emphasizes the importance of marriage. It's considered half of one's faith. But unlike Christianity, Islam allows divorce if there's no way to reconcile. It's not encouraged, but it's not forbidden either."
Maria nodded, even though Ayesha couldn't see her.
Maria: "Hmm... makes sense. But you know, I kept wanting to compare our religions in class, but Sister Rose asked me to focus on Christianity today."
Ayesha: "That's understandable. When you're in a religious institution, their priority is to teach their own beliefs."
The two friends continued discussing faith, but then Maria's mind drifted toward a question she had been meaning to ask for a while.
She hesitated for a moment before saying,
Maria: "Ayesha, can I ask you something serious?"
Ayesha: "Of course, Maria. What is it?"
Maria took a deep breath.
Maria: "I don't understand why every time I ask you about Sister Agnes, you avoid the question."
Ayesha went silent on the other end.
Maria continued, her voice growing more serious.
Maria: "Before Sister Agnes passed away, she converted to Islam, right? But no one ever talks about why. And every time I bring it up, you change the topic. Why? What are you hiding from me?"
Ayesha sighed.
Ayesha: "Maria, I'm not hiding anything. It's just... complicated."
Maria: "Complicated how? Was she forced? Did someone pressure her?"
Ayesha: "No, Maria! Of course not! No one can be forced into any religion, especially not in Islam. Conversion is only valid if it's done with free will."
Maria sat up on her bed.
Maria: "Then why did she do it? A month before her death, she left everything behind—the Church, the convent, her entire faith. Why? Sister Agnes was devoted to Christianity all her life. I need a valid reason, Ayesha."
Ayesha exhaled heavily.
Ayesha: "Maria... I really don't think I should be the one telling you this."
Maria: "Then who will? Sister Agnes is gone. And I feel like everyone is keeping something from me. You're my best friend, Ayesha. If you know something, please... just tell me."
There was a long pause. Maria could hear Ayesha's breathing on the other end.
Finally, Ayesha spoke, her voice softer.
Ayesha: "Sister Agnes had been struggling with some deep questions for a long time. She confided in someone—I can't say who—but she had been researching other religions, including Islam. It wasn't an overnight decision, Maria. It took years."
Maria's eyes widened.
Maria: "Years? You mean, she had doubts for a long time?"
Ayesha: "Not doubts, Maria. Questions. She wanted to understand more. She studied, she learned, and in the end... she made a choice."
Maria's mind was spinning.
Maria: "But why didn't she tell anyone? Why didn't she talk to me about it?"
Ayesha: "Maybe because she was afraid of how people would react. Maybe she didn't want to hurt those who loved her. Or maybe... she simply wanted peace in her final days."
Maria felt a lump form in her throat.
Maria: "So she died as a Muslim?"
Ayesha: "Yes. And she was at peace with her decision."
Maria swallowed hard. She didn't know how to feel. Part of her was angry—angry that Sister Agnes never confided in her, that she never got to ask her these questions directly. Another part of her felt sad—sad that Sister Agnes had spent so much time searching for answers, and Maria had never even noticed.
Maria: "I wish I had known."
Ayesha's voice was gentle.
Ayesha: "Maybe she didn't tell you because she knew it would be hard for you to accept. But Maria, her choice doesn't change who she was. She was still the same kind, loving, and devoted woman you knew."
Maria wiped a tear from her eye.
Maria: "I don't know what to think right now."
Ayesha: "That's okay. Just take your time. And remember, no matter what, she made the choice that felt right to her."
Maria was quiet for a long time.
Then, in a small voice, she said,
Maria: "I think I need to sleep now, Ayesha."
Ayesha understood.
Ayesha: "I understand. Good night, Maria. And… I'm really sorry if this upset you."
Maria nodded, even though Ayesha couldn't see her.
Maria: "Good night, Ayesha."
She ended the call and placed her phone down on her bedside table. Lying back on her pillow, Maria stared at the ceiling, her mind filled with more questions than ever before.
For the first time in her life, she felt uncertain about everything she thought she knew.