Leila Bolukat celebrates her sister's birthday in Portugal

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway shattered the silence. Leila’s heart leaped. She peeked through the window, catching a glimpse of Fatima stepping out, her silhouette framed against the setting sun. Fatima, looking effortlessly elegant in a flowing dress, carried a small suitcase, a testament to the spontaneity of the trip. Leila took a deep breath, smoothing down her own dress, and hurried towards the door, her face etched with a mixture of excitement and relief.