CHAPTER 18

Nurudeen gazed at me intently and asked, "So, what are your plans from here on? I heard from your sister that you lost your parents." There was a hint of pity in his voice as he spoke. I contemplated for a moment before responding, "Well, I don't know what the future holds. But from the way you sound, you seem to have something in mind." I regarded him with a questioning look, urging him to share his thoughts.

He chuckled awkwardly, acknowledging Hamza's observation. "You're too smart for your age, you know that, right?" he remarked, expecting a response. to which Hamza remained silent, waiting for him to continue. Eventually, he proposed, "What do you say you join the military?" Hamza was taken aback by his suggestion. "Who is asking?" he inquired. "The major?" Hamza questioned further. Nurudeen explained, "Yes, the major. The way you handled the situation was really good."

Hamza looked at Nurudeen and clarified, "The reason I handled it well was because my sister's life was at stake, and also, I have other dreams." Nurudeen nodded, seemingly understanding my perspective.

As he stood up, Nurudeen mentioned, "Get well quickly. There is a ceremony for the refugees, and the government has empowerment programs for them." Hamza responded with a numb expression, remarking with a hint of sarcasm, "Empowerment, you say? You mean the tools they give refugees to work, maybe on a farm, huh?" He chuckled at my comment and cryptically said, "We shall see." With that, he left the room.

Hamza thoughts then turned to his sister, who had remained quiet throughout the conversation. he looked at her and asked, "What happened? Is there something on my face?" She responded by shaking her head. Hamza sighed and hugged her, proceeding to ask her about her experiences during her stay and everything that had happened within and outside the camp.

The sky outside was covered, and a gentle breeze rustled through the camp, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Hamza sister lay on his lap, fast asleep. the only thought was how he could provide her with the best life, free from stress, sorrow, and pain—a life of peace. Then, someone entered my room.