Zayd & Musa Diaries: The Trouble with TikTok

Okay, so this is Convince Mommy Plan Number 30001– give or take a few zeroes. I’ve totally lost count of the number of times I have broached some really TRICKY subjects with her. (To my credit, I HAVE won the argument sometimes.)

“Come on, Musa,” my nine-year-old twin brother Zayd tugs at my arm. “Let’s just ask her already.”

“Alright, alright,” I follow him into the lounge where Mommy has just finished her Dhuhr Salah and is wrapping up the prayer mat.

“Mommy, we wanted to ask you something,” Zayd begins.

“Yes?” Mommy keeps away her mat and sits down on the sofa.

“Can we download TikTok on your phone?” I ask in a really casual tone.

Mommy’s expression changes immediately. “TikTok!” She repeats slowly. “Where exactly did you hear about it?”

“School of course,” I reply without thinking.

“I thought you guys were off from school for the past four months. COVID-19 and all,” Mommy looks at us closely.

Ooops! Now I realize why Zayd was shooting me warning looks.

I really wasn’t supposed to blurt that out.

Okay so here’s the back story.

This is an excerpt from the print issue.

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