The escape line

«Hassan, walk, we can’t slow down. We still have a long way to go.»

«I’m tired, though, mom. You’ve been saying the same thing to me for days and I don’t see that line on the horizon that you call salvation. And then I saw my friends and their families go back, are you sure it’s the right way?»

«My little boy, of course that border line exists, there are more things you need to know before reach it and then cross it, ok? Let’s do this: now let’s stop here for a minute, on the side of the road and, while you rest I’ll tell you.»

Hassan sat next to his mother and rested his head on her lap, while she stroking his hair, she began to tell a story.

«There is a place where people are free to choose. Do you remember when dad before leaving with the boat, got up and went to work happy? Instead, you were playing football with your friends in the square and I would prepare you many good things to eat… Do you remember Hassan how happy we were? This is what it means being able to choose.»

«Yes Mon, of course, I remember. But everything changed. The fireworks have started and no one has left the house. Dad told us that he had to embark in search of a less noisy sky, you prepared bread for days and then we started chasing what you continually call “salvation”. But I don’t see her and I don’t even see dad. Shouldn’t he already be there?»

«The point is this, son of mine. Close your eyes and imagine it. Imagine that you are already on the other side of the line, where we will all be happy and free together again. If you believe it to the end, it will happen. Never lose hope.»

«I understood Mom!» Hassan got up and started running in the opposite direction.

«Where are you going Hassan? Come back here.»

«I’m going to tell your story to friends who are coming back, I’m sure they don’t know it.»

«Hassan!!»