The Reminder
The alarm on Aiman's phone rang softly beside his pillow.
He didn't wake immediately.
It rang again.
And again.
Finally, he opened his eyes.
Morning light slipped quietly through the curtain, touching the edge of his bed.
For a few seconds, he just stared at the ceiling.
Breathing slowly.
Carefully.
Then he reached for his phone.
The alarm stopped.
A notification appeared.
Appointment at 10:00. Don't be late.
From the hospital.
His fingers froze on the screen.
Just for a moment.
Then he locked the phone again.
"…I know."
His voice was barely a whisper.
From outside his room, he could hear movement.
Aina.
She was already awake.
Probably in the kitchen.
Like always.
Like nothing had changed.
Like everything was normal.
Aiman sat up slowly.
The dizziness came again.
Stronger than yesterday.
He stayed still.
Waited.
Let it pass.
After a few seconds—
it did.
"Still okay," he told himself quietly.
Even though he knew that wasn't true.
Inside the bathroom, he washed his face slowly.
Cold water helped.
A little.
He lifted his head and looked into the mirror.
His reflection looked different now.
Thinner.
Paler.
Tired.
He stared at himself longer than usual.
"If they see this…"
He stopped.
Shook his head.
"No."
They wouldn't.
They must not.
Especially Alya.
Especially Nadia.
They only knew him through messages.
And that was enough.
That had to be enough.
"Aiman? Breakfast ready."
Aina's voice came from the kitchen.
"I'm coming."
His voice sounded normal.
Practiced.
Controlled.
At the dining table, Aina placed a plate in front of him.
Fried rice.
And tea.
Simple.
Warm.
Comforting.
"You're early today," she said casually.
"Couldn't sleep."
That part was true.
Aina nodded and continued eating.
She didn't notice anything strange.
Or maybe she did—
but said nothing.
Like always.
Aiman's phone vibrated.
A message.
From Nadia.
Good morning. Don't forget breakfast today.
Aiman smiled a little.
Too late.
Before he could reply—
another message appeared.
From Alya.
Busy today?
He looked at both messages.
Then typed slowly.
Morning. Maybe a little busy today. Work.
Not a lie.
But not the truth either.
He sent it.
And placed the phone beside his plate.
"Aiman," Aina said suddenly.
"Hm?"
"You look tired."
He kept eating.
"Just work."
Simple answer.
Safe answer.
She accepted it.
Just like always.
After breakfast, Aiman stood and picked up his bag.
"I'm going first."
"So early?"
"Got something to settle."
Another safe answer.
Another small lie.
But necessary.
Outside the house, the morning air felt cooler than usual.
Quiet.
Still.
He checked his phone again.
Appointment at 10:00. Don't be late.
He stared at the message longer this time.
Then slipped the phone into his pocket.
Took a slow breath.
And started walking.
Alone.
Like alway.