The Return to the University
Several months after her rescue, Layan visited her university.
She had been nervous for days.
The buildings were familiar, but the students passing through the corridors were strangers.
Most of her former classmates had already graduated.
New notices covered the bulletin boards.
Some of her old professors had moved to different departments.
Even the laboratory had changed.
For a moment, she felt like someone visiting the remains of a life that no longer belonged to her.
Then one of her former professors recognized her.
“Layan?”
She turned.
The woman stood frozen in the doorway.
Then she approached and embraced her.
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
Layan smiled.
“Neither can I.”
They talked for nearly an hour.
Her professor asked about her recovery, her notebooks, and whether she still wanted to continue studying environmental science.
Layan hesitated.
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Why?”
“I’ve forgotten so much.”
