On November 27, 2022, Mr. Abu Firdaus Iddris, a married immigration officer in Aflao, faced an unimaginable crisis. By day, he upheld the law, dedicated to his role and respected by his peers. But beneath this façade lay a profound secret: his love for his cousin, Kemadeen.
Their relationship was born in the shadows—a quiet defiance against the rigid norms of their community. They shared whispered dreams and tender moments, navigating the complexities of their bond in a world that would never accept them. But as rumors began to surface, that fragile world crumbled.
When the community learned of their relationship, the response was swift and merciless. Abu found himself ostracized, facing threats and hostility from those he once considered allies. The fear that gripped him was not just for his safety, but for the life he had built—a life now under siege.
Realizing he could no longer stay in Aflao, Abu made the agonizing decision to flee. In the stillness of the night, he left behind his career, his family, and the only home he had ever known. The weight of his choice pressed heavily on him as he sought refuge in the anonymity of a larger city, where he hoped to escape the scrutiny that had suffocated him.
In this new environment, Abu confronted the complexities of his identity, grappling with feelings of isolation and fear. Each day was a struggle to find a sense of belonging while wrestling with the grief of leaving his past behind. He longed for connection, for a place where love, regardless of its form, could be embraced.
Amid the turmoil, Abu’s journey became one of resilience and self-discovery. He began to seek out communities that celebrated diversity, slowly piecing together a new life. With each step, he held on to the hope that one day, he could find acceptance—both from others and within himself. In a world that demanded conformity, he yearned for the freedom to love openly, to live without fear, and to reclaim his narrative on his own terms.
