Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Happiness
Nancy's life in Saudi Arabia had taken a dramatic turn for the better since she began working for Zabid and caring for his son, Badi. The apartment had transformed into a place of warmth and laughter, and the bond between Nancy, Zabid, and Badi was growing stronger with each passing day.
One sunny afternoon, Nancy and Badi sat on a cozy rug in the living room, surrounded by colorful books. Badi was eager to continue their Tagalog lessons. His young mind was like a sponge, absorbing the language and culture Nancy shared with enthusiasm.
Nancy pointed at a picture in one of the books. "Badi, this is the 'bahay kubo.' It's a traditional Filipino nipa hut. People used to live in these in the provinces."
Badi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is it like a house, Nancy?"
Nancy nodded. "Yes, it's a small house made of bamboo and palm leaves. People would grow vegetables and fruits around it, and it was a symbol of our simple and humble way of life."
Badi was captivated by the idea. "Tell me more, Nancy."
As Nancy delved into stories of her homeland, Zabid, who had been busy with work in the next room, joined them. His interest in learning about different cultures was apparent, and he listened with fascination.
Nancy explained, "In the 'bahay kubo' song, we mention the different vegetables and fruits that grow around it. It's a way of celebrating the abundance of nature in our country."
Zabid's eyes twinkled as he chimed in, "It's a beautiful way to connect with the land and appreciate the simple things in life."
The three of them spent the afternoon discussing their respective cultures, sharing stories, and discovering the similarities and differences that made their bond even stronger.
As the days went by, Nancy's role in Zabid and Badi's life evolved beyond that of a domestic helper. She had become a trusted companion, and her influence extended beyond language lessons and storytelling. Her guidance had a positive impact on their daily lives.
One evening, as Nancy and Badi were working on a school project, Zabid approached them with a request. "Nancy, you have a talent for teaching. Would you consider helping Badi with his studies regularly?"
Nancy felt a sense of honor at the opportunity to contribute to Badi's education. "Of course, Zabid. I'd be happy to assist him with his studies."
From that day forward, Nancy took on the role of both domestic helper and tutor. She helped Badi with his schoolwork, fostering a love for learning and instilling discipline and dedication.
Nancy's approach to teaching was filled with patience and encouragement. She watched with pride as Badi's grades improved, and his confidence in his abilities grew. Badi's admiration for Nancy deepened, and the bond between them solidified.
In the evenings, after a day of learning and play, the three of them would gather around the dinner table to share a meal. It was a time for laughter and heartfelt conversations. The aroma of Filipino dishes mixed with the flavors of Arabian cuisine, creating a fusion of cultures and tastes.
Badi would often share his dreams and aspirations, and Zabid would listen with pride and encouragement. It was a household filled with dreams, support, and the belief that anything was possible.
One evening, as they enjoyed a meal of adobo and biryani, Zabid raised his glass. "To new beginnings and the beautiful bond we've formed as a family. Nancy, you've brought so much happiness into our lives."
Nancy smiled, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "To our family, Zabid and Badi. I'm grateful for the love and warmth you've welcomed me with."
Their days were filled with moments of joy and understanding. Whether it was exploring the local markets, sharing stories of their favorite childhood memories, or even embarking on weekend adventures, Nancy, Zabid, and Badi discovered that their diverse backgrounds had woven a tapestry of love and togetherness.
One weekend, Zabid decided to take the family on a trip to a historical site in the desert. As they gazed at ancient ruins, the sense of wonder and fascination in Badi's eyes warmed their hearts.
Badi turned to Nancy, his voice filled with awe. "Nancy, these are like the stories you told me. It's history coming to life."
Nancy nodded, touched by the realization. "You're absolutely right, Badi. History has a way of connecting us to the past and helping us understand our own stories."
As they explored the desert landscape, the sun began to set, casting a breathtaking panorama of colors across the horizon. Zabid, Badi, and Nancy stood together, silhouetted against the backdrop of the Arabian desert, a testament to the unity and love they had found in one another.
Nancy's journey to Saudi Arabia had been marked by hardship and despair, but in the embrace of her new family, she had discovered a glimpse of happiness and the promise of a brighter future.
Their lives were a testament to the power of understanding, compassion, and the belief that family could be defined not just by blood but by the connections of the heart. With each passing day, Nancy, Zabid, and Badi continued to build a beautiful story of love, hope, and the shared dreams that united their hearts.
**Sightseeing in Style**
They hop onto a traditional Arabian camel for a funny and bumpy camel ride through the desert.
One sunny weekend, Zabid had a special surprise planned for Nancy and Badi. He had arranged for a traditional Arabian camel ride through the desert, a chance to experience the timeless beauty of their surroundings.
As they arrived at the designated spot in the desert, Nancy, Zabid, and Badi were greeted by the sight of several camels waiting in the golden sands. Badi's eyes lit up with excitement as he watched the majestic creatures.
Nancy looked at Zabid, a mixture of amazement and amusement in her expression. "This is going to be an adventure, Zabid."
Zabid chuckled, sharing in her enthusiasm. "Indeed, Nancy. Camel rides are a traditional way to explore the desert. We'll get to experience the beauty of this landscape in style."
The camel handler, a skilled and experienced guide, greeted them with a warm smile. He began to prepare the camels for the journey, ensuring that their guests would have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Badi couldn't contain his excitement. "I can't wait to ride a camel, Nancy. This is going to be so much fun!"
Nancy knelt down to his level and ruffled his hair. "It sure will be, Badi. Just remember to hold on tight and enjoy the adventure."
Their camels were ready, towering over them with a dignified air. Zabid assisted Badi onto one of the camels, ensuring he was securely seated, and then helped Nancy onto her own camel. The handler mounted his own camel, ready to lead the way.
As they set off on their camel adventure, the initial excitement quickly turned into amusement as they realized the bumpy and swaying nature of the ride. The camels moved with a grace that was both mesmerizing and humorous.
Badi held onto the camel's saddle, giggling with every sway. "Nancy, this is like riding on a funny rollercoaster!"
Nancy couldn't help but laugh, the rhythmic motion of the camel proving to be quite the experience. "You're right, Badi. It's a camel-coaster!"
Zabid's camel had a spirited personality, adding to the entertainment. He turned to Nancy with a grin. "Nancy, I think my camel has a sense of humor. It keeps making me bounce."
Nancy laughed heartily. "It seems our camels are having as much fun as we are, Zabid."
The desert stretched out before them, a vast expanse of golden sand dunes and distant horizons. The warm breeze carried the soothing scent of the desert, and the sun bathed everything in a gentle, golden glow.
As they ventured deeper into the desert, the camel handler shared stories about the history of camel riding and the importance of these majestic animals in Arabian culture. Badi was eager to learn, his eyes wide with fascination.
"Nancy, did you know camels have been a part of Arabian life for centuries? They've helped people travel across the vast deserts," Badi exclaimed.
Nancy nodded, proud of Badi's curiosity. "That's right, Badi. Camels have been known as the 'ships of the desert' because they can carry people and goods across the sands for long distances."
Zabid joined in, adding to the lesson. "Camels have been a symbol of endurance and resilience in our culture. They've allowed us to thrive in this challenging environment."
Badi absorbed the information with keen interest, making the most of the unique learning experience.
The camel ride continued, taking them deeper into the heart of the desert. The views were breathtaking, with vast sand dunes that seemed to stretch on forever. The occasional sighting of desert wildlife added to the sense of adventure.
Nancy turned to Badi, her voice filled with awe. "Badi, this is like a journey through a different world. The beauty of the desert is simply incredible."
Badi nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's like an endless sea of sand, Nancy. I've never seen anything like it."
Zabid was captivated by the serenity of the desert. "It's a reminder of the timeless beauty of this land. The desert has a unique charm, and I'm glad we could experience it together."
As they rode further into the desert, they encountered a group of Bedouin people, the traditional nomadic inhabitants of the Arabian desert. The Bedouins greeted them with warm smiles and a sense of hospitality.
The handler explained, "The Bedouins have lived in harmony with the desert for generations. They know its secrets and have a deep connection to the land."
Badi was eager to interact with the Bedouin children who were close in age to him. They played together, sharing simple games and laughter, despite the language barrier. It was a heartwarming display of how laughter and joy could bridge cultures and languages.
Nancy watched with a smile. "Badi, it's amazing how even when we don't speak the same language, we can still connect through play and friendship."
Badi nodded, his eyes filled with joy. "Yes, Nancy. It's like the universal language of fun!"
The sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the desert. The group paused to witness the breathtaking desert sunset, a mesmerizing spectacle that painted the sky with vibrant colors.
Nancy and Badi sat on the camel's back, their eyes fixed on the horizon. Badi whispered in awe, "Nancy, it's like the sky is saying goodnight to the desert."
Nancy hugged Badi, her heart filled with love for the young boy. "You have such a beautiful way of seeing things, Badi."
Zabid and Nancy exchanged a glance, sharing a moment of silent appreciation for the experiences they were creating together.
The camel ride continued as they made their way back to the starting point. The journey had been filled with laughter, learning, and the simple joy of exploration. The bonds between Nancy, Zabid, and Badi had grown stronger, a testament to their shared adventures and the happiness they found in each other's company.
As they dismounted from their camels, Badi turned to Nancy, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Nancy, thank you for this amazing adventure. It's been the best camel-coaster ride ever!"
Nancy laughed, ruffling Badi's hair. "You're welcome, Badi. It's been a joy to experience this with you and Zabid."
Zabid approached Nancy with a warm smile. "Nancy, you've brought so much happiness to our lives. Our adventures together are just beginning."
Nancy felt her heart swell with love for the
 little family they had become. "I'm grateful for every moment, Zabid. Our journey together is filled with love and laughter."
With the sun setting behind them, they left the desert, their hearts full of cherished memories and the knowledge that their shared adventures were far from over. Their laughter echoed through the desert, a beautiful testament to the bond they had created through joy, understanding, and love.