take it off

"Come on. Just take it off. Just for one day. Pleaaase." she begged.

I stared at her. In utter shock I said simply;

"No".

"But whyyyy?" she had the gall to ask.

Oceans of anger and skies of disappointment smacked into me. 

There were so many answers to that question. 

Because my hijab is part of my identity.

Because my beauty is something for me to guard.

Because my religion commands it.

Because I dress however I want to.

Because I will not let you change me.

Because I do this for God and for myself, and you are not worth taking it off for.

Because I stick to my beliefs and my principles.

Because I would be a hypocrite.

But all I said was.

"I don't want to."

I should've let it all out.

Should've yelled at you.

Should've walked away.

Shouldn't have forgiven you for it.