The meaning of destiny

Chapter 1. Hometown

Every human being has a set of values from the country where they were born. Traditions, religions, and even surroundings are some factors that contribute to our belief system, but what if you have lived in two different worlds in the split of a second?

My name is Adora, and this is my story. I was born in Kosovo, in the year 1984. My grandparents took care of me in the countryside while my parents were working in town. When I asked why, I received the same response:

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Grandpa:We live in very wild times, kid. It's better to stay with us for now.

Adora: Why?

*my grandma enters the room with a plate covered*

Grandma: The baklava is ready!

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Those words just brushed off my concerns, along with my excitement to see Amadeus, my grandparents' horse.

He was 6 months old, and yet, in my eyes, he looked like a mature one. His tail and crest were curly black, just like his skin. When I looked into his eyes, it was enough for me to realize what he was thinking about. I never understood why my grandpa chose to call him Amadeus, maybe from a lack of creativity...?
I had a special connection with this horse, he was like a brother to me.

I tried at one point to sneak into the little forest next to our hometown with him. Unfortunately, my grandparents found out and scolded me about it for hours to no end.

My parents were visiting us sometimes. They would give me lokum (Turkish delight) and help my grandparents with the farm, but other times, they would talk behind closed doors...

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Dad (Aron): The conflicts in this country are starting to grow, especially after Azem Vlasi was dismissed as a member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. Kosovo's Albanians are starting to protest, and Kosovo's Serbians are not acting any better!

Mom (Inara): In no time I can see a civil war coming!

Grandpa: Who would take Kosovo then...Serbia or Albania?

Grandmother: Only time will tell...

Dad(Aron): What should we do then, majka? Our little one can't live in such conditions...even the schools closed down, and she will enter primary school soon enough...

Mom(Inara): We would have to go before a war starts, sweetheart...before you are dragged into this, too.

Dad(Aron): If I have to fight, I don't even know what I am fighting for, I have both Albanian and Serbian friends, I can't kill any of them.

Grandpa: Where would you like to go? We can sell some parts of our farm if you need money.

Dad(Aron): What about you? Aren't you coming with us?

Grandma: We are very old son, and we would be an extra burden for you and Adora in a foreign country. Plus, we need to help our neighbors who remain here, too.

Mom (Inara): But-

Grandma: Shhh, it's ok. Where do you plan to go?

Dad: In a Western country, that's for sure. How about the UK, dear?

Mom(Inara): I think it's a great idea, I have friends who moved there, too. Maybe they can help us out.

Grandma: Good, I wish you luck. May god guide you...

*The door cracked*

Dad(Aron): Adora, what are you doing there?

Adora: Does this mean I have to leave Amadeus? I said while holding up my tears.

Mom(Inara): Adora, dear, you will see other horses in the UK, too.

Adora: But they are not Amadeus...If Amadeus, ma, and pa don't come with us, I shall stay here.

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After that, I ran through the farm, and hid in the straws, while crying uncontrollably.

I was found through, by my mother. My mother was always beautiful, but her bones were showing back then. She had long brunette hair, along with some chocolate-looking brown eyes. Her modesty was the most prominent thing, based on her way of clothing and gestures. On that day, she was wearing a black, old coat, a scarf she crocheted for herself, and some overused shoes.

She heard my load sobbing, and by the way she looked at me, she was sad, too. As a young mother, she probably didn't know how to approach me back then, but she just told me this:

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Mom(Inara): Dear, I know how you feel, I will miss all of them, too, but sometimes, we need to be selfish.

Adora: What do you mean by "selfish"?

Mom(Inara): We need to put our needs first, if we stay here, we will put ourselves in danger. Unfortunately, we can't bring them with us, the only thing we can do is pray that a war will never start while we are gone.

Adora: If I pray enough, then I can come back here and see them again.

Mom(Inara): Yes, dear, if you pray enough, everyone will stay safe.

That proved to be just a lie...
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