Our Space

Chapter 6

Time was running out. Sami's exams were already over but he hadn't found a place to stay. Every flat which seemed affordable was a mess! He wondered if seeking help from the government would be a good idea but Sami had no clue how to go through that.

So out of sheer desperation, Sami decided to ask for help. He waited until evening for when he believed for his friend to be free before dialing his number.

"Asalamu'alaykum," Sami said after Muhammad picked up the phone. He was sat in front of his laptop, trying to search on how to apply for a council flat.

"Wa'alaykumsalaam! How are things going, Samuel?" Muhammad asked and Sami rolled his eyes at his new nickname from their last phone call.

"Need help," Sami replied.

"You've been needing help for a long time," Muhammad said with a laugh but Sami didn't find it so amusing. Muhammad had no idea how true that statement was.

"I'm about to become homeless," Sami said, getting straight to the point. "I've been looking for affordable flats but it's so difficult. I'm trying to increase my hours at work but at the moment, that's not working out and I'm thinking about trying out an application for a council flat but I don't know how to do this. You're living in a council flat, aren't you?"

"Yeah. Do you want me to help you through the process?"

"Please!"

"It might take some time though," Muhammad warned. "Why don't you go back to live with your mum and sister for a while?"

"Being homeless is better than that," Sami mumbled to himself.

"What?"

"My mum practically kicked me out of the house three years ago. I don't think she wants me back."

"Needs are more important than wants. But if you're determined to stay away from there, how about considering renting a room in someone's house?"

"What do you mean? Like, living with a family. That's awkward!" Sami complained.

"I think one of Hina's mum's cousins or something like that, have a spare room which they're planning on renting out at a decent price. I think they'll even cook for you."

"They'll cook for me?" Sami asked, finding it strange.

"As in, they cook large meals and they'll give you some too. Last I heard, they preferred giving the food than having the person on rent hanging around in the kitchen. You can try that out while you look for your own flat. But I think going home would be a wise choice."

"Why is this so difficult?" Sami paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. Home was not an option. He wasn't sure if he was strong enough to deal with the constant feeling of anxiety and rejection. "I think I'll prefer renting a room while applying for a council flat. And I guess I keep a lookout for a flat with cheap rent too."

"If you want, I can get more information about Hina's cousin."

"I thought you said it's her mum's cousin?"

"Same difference."

"If it's not too much trouble, that would be extremely helpful," Sami said, hoping this would be the solution. He wasn't planning on staying there for too long.

"Okay, I'll get back to you about that soon," Muhammad replied.

"Jazak'Allah khair, bro. Seriously, I owe you one."

"Relax dude, it's fine. Besides, nothing's confirmed yet."

"Yeah, but you still helped so thanks for that. Anyways, I imagine your wife's waiting for you to get off your phone so I'm going to hang up now."