The dim glow of moonlight filtered through the narrow windows of the dormitory, casting long shadows across the wooden floors. The soft rustling of trees outside mingled with the quiet stillness of the academy. Catherine lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to find the sleep she so desperately needed.
Turning to her side, she sighed in frustration. No matter how much she tried, her thoughts wouldn't settle. Something felt different tonight, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. After a few more restless minutes, she sat up, rubbing her face with her hands.
"I need some air," she muttered to herself.
She glanced at the small clock on her bedside table—12:30 AM. The halls would be empty at this hour, which meant she could take a quiet walk without disturbing anyone. Pulling a shawl around her shoulders, Catherine slipped out of bed and stepped into the cold hallway. The dim corridor lights flickered, adding to the eerie silence that filled the space.
As she walked past the rows of rooms, her feet instinctively led her to the second floor, toward Maria's room. Something inside her urged her forward. Reaching the fourth door, she hesitated for a moment before pushing it open without knocking.
What she heard made her freeze in shock. A soft, melodic voice resonated through the room, accompanied by words she didn't understand. It wasn't a hymn, nor was it any prayer she had ever heard at the academy.
Maria sat on the floor, a book open in her lap, her eyes focused intently on the text before her. A laptop was positioned beside her, the soft blue glow of the screen illuminating her face.
Catherine took a step closer. "Maria?" she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
Maria turned her head slightly, a look of surprise crossing her features before softening into something more serene. "Catherine, what are you doing up so late?"
Catherine ignored the question. "What are you reading?"
Maria hesitated, then glanced down at the book in her hands. "It's the Quran," she admitted quietly.
Catherine's brows furrowed. "The Quran?" She looked at the laptop screen, where another woman appeared to be speaking. "Who's that?"
Maria smiled gently. "Her name is Ayesha. We met online, and she has been teaching me for the past two days."
Catherine took a slow step forward. "Maria…what's going on?"
Maria took a deep breath, closing the book carefully before looking up at her best friend. "Catherine, I need to tell you something. I'm not the same person I was before."
Catherine frowned. "What do you mean?"
Maria's fingers traced the edges of the Quran as she spoke. "I've been searching for answers, for peace. Ever since everything that happened in my life—the pain, the betrayal, the loss—I have felt so lost." She looked up at Catherine with eyes filled with conviction. "And now, I have found the answers I was looking for."
Catherine sat down across from her. "I don't understand. Are you saying…?"
Maria took her hand gently. "Catherine, I have converted to Islam. My name is now Maryam."
A stunned silence filled the room. Catherine's lips parted slightly, as if searching for words that wouldn't come. She shook her head. "Maria…why? I mean, how did this happen?"
Maryam sighed. "It started with Ayesha. She and I had long discussions about faith, about God, about purpose. At first, I was just curious. But the more I learned, the more I realized that Islam answered the questions that had been troubling my heart for so long. It gave me peace, Catherine. A peace I haven't felt in years."
Catherine swallowed hard. "But… you were raised here. This is your home."
Maryam smiled softly. "Home isn't just where we are raised, Catherine. It's where our soul finds rest. And for the first time, I feel like I've truly come home."
Catherine stared at her friend, trying to process everything. The Maria she knew had always been strong-willed, determined, but also deeply compassionate. Looking at her now, there was a calmness in her that Catherine hadn't seen in a long time.
"So what does this mean?" Catherine finally asked. "Are you leaving? Are you going to… change everything?"
Maryam shook her head. "I don't have all the answers yet. I know this is a big change, and I don't expect you to understand it all immediately. But I hope you'll still be my friend. That won't change."
Catherine exhaled slowly, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know what to say. This is a lot to take in."
Maryam nodded. "I know. Take your time. I'm not asking you to accept everything right away. I just needed you to know the truth."
A long silence settled between them. Then, Catherine let out a soft chuckle. "You always had a way of surprising me, you know that?"
Maryam grinned. "I guess I do."
Catherine sighed, shaking her head but smiling nonetheless. "I'm not sure I understand everything yet, but you're still my best friend. That won't change."
Maryam's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "Thank you, Catherine. That means everything to me."
The two of them sat there, wrapped in the quiet comfort of understanding and friendship. The moon outside continued its slow journey across the sky, casting its gentle glow over the academy, as one chapter of their lives ended and another began.