The jeepney’s roar, a world of grey, 

I left the Bangsamoro's sun, weakened day by day.

Manila's streets stretch wide and strange, 

My hijab marks me, I refuse to change.

New school walls of stone and cross, 

I pray on mats; they see only loss. 

Whispers trail me down the halls, 

"Terrorist's daughter" echo off the walls.

She's the daughter of Adu Satriya!!

Her father is a murderer...

Is she that scared to show her hair? Fool!

Girl eat pork! It's really delicious

At my second month here cafeteria tables still turn away, 

No seat for me where others stay. 

They clutch their rosaries, make the sign, 

As if my presence crossed some line.

Third month brought a boy with gentle grace, 

His name was Benedict, with kindness in his face. 

He sat beside me, unafraid, 

Broke bread with me in friendship's shade.

"Your God and mine both speak of love,"

He said, pointing to the skies above. 

First time in months my heart felt light, Someone saw past fear and fright. 

His name felt holy on my tongue, Like sacred hymns when sweetly sung.

Flowers bloomed and so did something more, A feeling I'd not felt before. His smile became my morning sun, Two hearts beating, becoming one. But Father warned with worried tone,

 "Keep distance, girl, we're not alone. Our past will find us, mark my word, Love like this cannot be heard." I knew the truth in what he said, Yet hope kept dancing in my head.

On the sixth month he took my hand, "Raihana, have you not understand? Your faith, your scarf, your name, your past— None of it matters, because forever, my love will last." 

My heart spoke "yes" but mind said "no," Too many reasons we can't grow. "Benedict, your world and mine, Are separated by divine." Yet He wiped my tears with tender care,

Father's face grew pale with dread "They're getting close," was all he said. Government forces, closing in, Past sins haunting every kin. I thought of Benedict's innocent eyes, How love had caught us by surprise. To drag him into Father's war, Would wound him to his very core.