I Returned… So I Could Return!

Nearly twenty-four hours after that call, my mother sent me a ticket from London to Riyadh.

I no longer had enough money even for my daily food, and I did not want to ask anyone for help. I contacted the landlord, Carl. There was warmth and trust between us, so I said to him:

— Carl, I need to go to Riyadh because of an important matter, and I will be back soon. Please keep an eye on the flat and my belongings.

I boarded the fast train from York to London. I rested my cheek in my palm and leaned my head against the window. The countryside passed before my eyes, but I saw none of it.

I arrived at King's Cross, then took the blue Piccadilly line to Heathrow Airport. After completing the departure formalities, I stood looking at the gifts and chocolates. I had five pounds in my pocket, and wished I could take something home for my family and friends after three months away.

When I arrived in Riyadh, my mother, brothers and sisters welcomed me warmly; I had never been away from them for so long. My mother had prepared Ha'ili lamb kabsa, molokhia and salad, and most importantly: laban! I ate with both hands, drank the laban, then lay on my bed like someone returning from battle. I felt reassured and at peace… and slept for twelve hours without waking, for the first time in my life.

I woke just before the noon call to prayer and went to the Ministry of Higher Education in Al-Ghadir. I entered the hall and shouted:

— What have you done to me?!

The employees took me into a side office, and one of them asked for my national identity number. He entered it, then kept looking from the screen to me.

— What's wrong with you, brother? You startled me! What happened?

— You returned from London yesterday?

— Yes!

He turned the screen towards me and said:

— Your scholarship decision was issued this morning.

I remained silent and motionless. The days before my return flashed through my mind like a film, and I asked myself: Why did I come back? He was calling to me, but his voice sounded as though it were coming from far away.

He handed me a letter:

— Here you are.

— What am I supposed to do with it?

— Go back to London and deliver it to the Saudi Cultural Bureau. Congratulations! You will also be paid retrospectively from the date of your first arrival in London.

— When do I have to return to Britain?

— You have a full month before you need to return. Rest with your family, and we will issue your return ticket to London.

I said, “May God bring you good news,” and prostrated in gratitude to God there in his office.

I returned home and reunited with my loved ones. About a month later, I returned to York… carrying the letter I had waited three months for!