From My Diaries in America A Coincidental Friend

Yemenat

Ahmed Saif Hashed

In the twilight of my sixties, I experienced a poignant moment that transported me back to my childhood, making me feel like a six-year-old once more. My emotions, shaped by decades of life, intertwined with the innocence and longing of youth—feelings I had long left behind and can never reclaim. This awakening unfolded amid the struggles and exhausting rhythms of my life in New York, where I sought solace in the memory of my late mother. I yearned to rest my head in her lap, to cry out my pain and frustration until tears no longer flowed. Yet today, I found not only my mother but also my father, brother, and a remarkable friend—each one of them a pillar of support, lifting my spirits.

In this serendipitous twist of fate, I discovered a three-in-one connection, or perhaps even ten-in-one. This rare friend entered my life through an extraordinary coincidence. Out of respect for his privacy, I refrain from naming him, mindful of the pressures and malicious gazes that may seek to burden him. He embodies profound kindness, delicate sensitivity, and sharp intelligence—a truly remarkable individual.

Every day, he reaches out, often more than three times, asking, “What do you want? What do you need?” With genuine concern, he inquires about my needs, from the weighty to the trivial. When he detects my shyness, he instinctively transforms kindness into action, lifting the heavy veil of embarrassment that often cloaks me.

Though our friendship is still in its infancy, it has blossomed into a strong bond, growing deeper with each passing day. His simple gestures have etched an indelible mark upon my soul, while his nobility, bravery, and warmth have ignited a profound love within me.

He teaches me to pause at traffic signals, stressing the importance of