The Empty Place Beside Noor

Noor had been eating lunch in the college courtyard for three weeks. She liked the fresh air, but she also liked being able to leave without explaining herself. In her previous class, every quiet moment had led to questions about why she was so shy.

On Tuesday, a student called Ben approached with a sandwich. He asked whether the chair beside her was free. Noor nodded and waited for the usual questions. Instead, Ben opened a book. They ate without speaking until a strong wind carried his napkin across the courtyard.

Noor caught it with her foot. Ben laughed and thanked her. Before leaving, he asked if they could share the table again. She wanted to say yes, but worried that this would mean talking throughout every lunch. Finally, she explained that she sometimes needed silence after her morning lessons.

Ben looked relieved. He had been searching for somewhere quiet himself. The next day, he brought two clips to keep their napkins in place. They discussed the weather for a minute, then opened their books. Noor no longer chose the courtyard because it was easy to escape. There was now a place where she could stay.