With every verse, the knot in her stomach loosened. The invisible band squeezing her ribs relaxed, allowing her to take the first deep, full breath she had taken in months. Tears, not of fear but of pure relief, began to flow down her cheeks.
"Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim," Amina started, her voice melodic and steady. With every verse, the knot in her stomach loosened
"Close your eyes, my child," Amina said, her voice a calm anchor in Leyla's storm. "Place your hand over your heart." With every verse