Out of the darkness of the night, the approaching headlights shine with a soft glare upon my cheek as I sit cross-legged on the balcony overhanging the third floor of my villa.
From my birds nest view I watch the nightly Abu Dhabi commuters drive East and West. I pull my pink robe tightly around my shoulders, as shivers run down my spine from the brisk winter night weather.
A stressful day always draws me to this particular balcony. In this miniature paradise, my own secret hideout, I do my best thinking.
Simple contemplation, such as thinking about my next fashion collection, is easy when I relax to the soothing sounds of late night power-walkers’ footsteps.
Or, I can indulge in deeper meditation when my mind tackles endless questions about life, drifts into meaningful thought about love, and mesmerizes me into countless dreams.
Although rush hour has already passed, a blur of speedy automobiles continuously pass by.
I always wonder where the mass of drivers who pass by are headed to, what they are thinking about at that very moment, and if they are living their dreams…
In such a fast paced world today, the dreams we have about love and finding it can sometimes be erased by the overwhelming responsibilities with which we are confronted.
Too many times people caught up in the everyday hassle miss out on life, and before they know it, they find their lives lack joy.
Life changes and so do romantic relationships. But one thing remains constant – family love.
I do not see my siblings as much as I wish to ever since they travelled abroad to study, but I do know that our bond is great, even greater than that by the Kennedys and Osmonds.
I am still not sure about many things in my life, but I am confident about one fact: I can always count on my family, for they are my Valentine, my first love, and not only on February 14, but every day for as long as I can breathe.
By Manar Al Hinai
