A Footstep Of Gaza

Freedom of Speech

In the morning, an incoming call from Hisyam on his phone. Until the eleventh missed call at eleven o'clock he is waken up by a knock on the door.

"Please come in, grandpa. The door is unlocked"

Because a few moments later there is no answer so with heavy drowsiness he walks towards the main door. He opens the door.

"Oh, bonjour Uncle Gery"
"Bonjour, jeune monsieur. Ça va bien?"
"Dieu merci, bien. Entrez, s'il vous plaît"

Gaza welcomes him to come in his villa. Gery tells him that his grandfather, Hisyam, asks him to visit Gaza as he doesn't pick a call from him.

"Yeah, I just woke up. But, I already tell my grandfather. He shouldn't be worrying too much about me"
"If I were him I'd do worry, too. Well, here are some pastries I bring from my bake shop. I bring them for you, hope one of them is gonna be your favorite"
"The right time to have some baguettes for my brunch. Thanks a lot. So, what if we enjoy the meals together?"
"Thanks for offering but I think we're going to have it next time. Because I have to go back to my bake shop soon"
"Okay. And I wanna say thank you so much for yesterday"
"I'm happy to help you. Excuse me" Gery left.

(Gaza is calling Hisyam by phone while having a brunch)

"Good morning, grandpa"
"Did you lose your manners while being there?"
"Oh no, I'm really sorry. May peace be upon you"
"And may peace be upon you. I was asking Gery to visit you because you didn't pick up my calls"
"I was still sleeping because I felt so weary"
"Tu vas bien?"
"Je vais bien, ouais, bien" Gaza assured him.
"Alright then. Gazaly, I'm going to visit you few months before your graduation"
"Sure, grandpa"
"Well, I'll continue to do some works, see you later"

(Hisyam hangs up the phone)

He is having a cheese croissant and a ratatouille with a cup of hot chocolate. At least he feels relieved that he has finished the assignments earlier, though it's close to the thesis submission deadline.

More than a year goes fast...

This year he becomes a senior student. He wants to finish his college asap. After the trainings he's been through today. He just waits for the graduation announcement cause the final step is graduation. He hopes he can go home sooner then takes a rest much longer. Among the cars are parking near the ornamental grass, he recognizes Gery's car.

"Bonjour, Uncle Gery"
"Ça va bien, Gazaly?"
"Bien" Gaza replied.

Then he looks back and how happy he sees his grandfather is in the back seat. He moves to sit next to Hisyam. At villa, Gaza tells Hisyam a lot of things have been happening to him.

Within few months after Hisyam's arrival, graduation has come. Today is the day Gaza has been waiting for three years. The ups and downs times he has passed, both with his buddies or himself. He goes up to the podium to give his speech.

"...So many things I've learned so I'm being able to stand up here. Oftentimes opposing is the right of every human while obeying a sign of weakness. Discipline is important, especially to be a candidate for an army civil servant. Not the slightest complaint brings change, nor does silence bring goodness. To become a formidable person requires stealth action without complaining. That's how the roots of independence will grow into the fruit of progress. Cause it's not about how many people take the part, but how well the person take the advantage of his own self"

(The audience give him standing applause)

His four close friends give the loudest applause who are also proud of him. Then he goes down the podium then he is hugged by them.

"Tu es génial mon petit frère" Merdian said.

Then they are gathering together to immortalize proof of their friendship by pictures. Wearing academic dress they look so smart face the camera which holds by one of their family. Postgraduate he and Hisyam return to Mysiq.

Upon arrival in Mysiq, they are landing in a large field locates on the western edge of their city. When they get off the plane, Gaza looks bewildered by what he sees. He sees his name engraves on the aluminum fence.

"Welcome to your airport. I'm just sick of having so many requirements and problems. C'mon, let's home soon"

Along the way road, through the windshield Gaza keeps wondering by the new buildings before entering his rural area. They stop at a gated mansion which plants with some date palms. The musk scent is also smelling stronger. In the meantime, there Hisyam is picking up a phone from someone.

"Okay Anthony, I'll go there soon"

(The driver helps them bring their luggages)

"Gazaly, take this remote and key. I have to finish some works"

(Hisyam gets back in the car then leaves)

He gets into the gate which is respectfully welcomed by two guards. He opens the gold plated door knob. In the parlour, he finds a white car parks in a space near stairs. Between its headlamps, there is a tricolour flag. He tries to operate the key he brings to the car, and it turns on.

"Excuse me, Sir Gaza. Let me bring your luggage in front of your room" A valet said.
"Thanks"

After operating the car he goes to his room to rest. Beside the golden door knob there is a fingerprint scanner. He checks out the remote then he finds a tiny sheet of paper is tucked in the remote. His middle finger presses number five, number one and four pressed by forefinger and thumb. The last number is forty eight. Finally, he can get in, to rest.

In an early morning, for the first time in Mysiq, Gaza wakes up with no sound of nightingales. After praying, he plans to have a ride. He goes to the front yard by riding his old bike. There he meets Hisyam is next to the white car.

"What a superb car, grandpa"
"Absolutely. My friend, Anthony is a car designer who styled the supercars. But I admire this one, so I buy this as a gift for you"
"This is awesome" Gaza said.
"And we're going to Deluxa tomorrow by riding this car. You're going to be the driver"

(Hisyam throws the key into Gaza)

"Catch it!"

Then Gaza tries to ride the car within city but he finds it such a car is difficult to drive. He also almost crash it on a tree.

"Probably, I haven't been driving for three years. I should go home soon" He said.

When he is at home, he tells Hisyam that he almost hits a tree. He thinks of Gaza just doesn't get use to it yet. However, Hisyam still trusts in Gaza to drive to Deluxa which takes approximately six hours trip. Slowly he can drive it properly until they reach Bryan's mansion safely.

(Bryan is warmly greeted them by nose rub)

"May peace be upon you, my son"
"And may peace be upon you, papa. I'm so happy to see you're here. Please, have a sit"
"Oh Lord, I barely recognize you. You look totally different, Gaza, I swear. Anyways, how are you doing?"
"Thank God, I'm so blessed"

(A woman comes to serve them some meals and drinks)

"Papa, you look so weary. Let me take you to the room" Bryan said.
"I just wanna have a cup of tea. So, how's the project for your apartment?" Hisyam asked.
"It's still running and so far so good"

(Hisyam is sipping his tea)

"I intend to bring Jordan to Mysiq, so I can take care of himself more. Besides, Gaza has his own dream, because he just finished military academy. Whether he chooses to be with me or not, it's his decision. And me, I just don't wanna live alone"
"So, what's your plan for the future?" Bryan threw a question to Gaza.
"I'm planning to continue study again. But I dream of my first job at first"
"If you want, I have some prestige positions you can apply at one of my companies. I'll also provide you one of my real estate to stay as long as you like. Don't mind about the price, Gaza. This is your family, we will always support your needs for free" Bryan said.

(Then a little boy is running for Hisyam while screaming)

"Grandpapa...."

(Gaza still remains silent)

"What are you thinking of, a marriage?" Hisyam wondered.