New Beginnings

chapter 3

Migrants suffocated in overcrowded boat, says Italian navy

The Irish Times (2015)

Amal glanced up at her father as he scratched at his grey and brown beard – very different from his usual clean-shaven self – and noticed the deep crease which had formed between his brows whilst deep in thought. His similarly grey-speckled hair had also started to grow out and sat awkwardly atop of his long face spotted with wrinkles, - which seemed even deeper than before the vital journey - suggested his age which surrounded his eyes. Her father's eyes held a warmth that Amal had never experienced in anyone else, and when her father's eyes met her's with a smile that offered her comfort, Amal's heart – which had felt empty after leaving her mother and sister – glowed.

It had been decided that the journey was too risky for Amal's mother and Aleah, so Amal and her father had gone on ahead alone. Their final destination was Germany, with hopes of her father and Amal settling down and having a secure place before they finally reunited with Amal's mother and Aleah. No one knew how long it would take – or if they were ever able to meet again.

Amal's plan when she got to Germany was simple: while her father got a job and housing – she would get an education. She promised herself, with the determination of her whole being, that she would get good grades and go to university. She always wanted to study medicine like her father, who was not only brave but tremendously compassionate. She had always looked up to him and she was not going to let those monsters who destroyed her happiness, destroy her future.