𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐀 ✔︎ (ongoing)

|24| new life

I sit and stare, trying to comprehend the information Saleh had just shared with us.

We're two hours away from Marrakesh.

We're in a completely different city.

No wonder Richard was ready to buy a building in the middle of nowhere; to make it difficult for us to get home if we ever ran away.

I clutch my heart while it beats with shock. How will I ever be able to get back to Abdel's house? My suitcase is there. All my money is there.

"Do not worry, children!" Saleh's wife says. "It would be our pleasure to give you shelter for a while."

"Thank you, kindly," Sara replies. "But... will you call my grandad please, at least?"

"I'm sorry to let you know that my family and I don't use phones," says Saleh. "We live in the country. Yes we have money to buy one and yes we are normal but it doesn't seem right to use something man-made. We prefer natural entertainment."

"Maybe the next time my husband hires a taxi to do our monthly shopping in the city, he'll take you along to take you home," Saleh's wife mentions.

"Good idea, Naima," Saleh says. "In fact, I'll be shopping in the city in about three days. Please be patient, my friends, until I'll hire a taxi to drive you home before my shopping."

"Thank you so much, Uncle!" Sara beams.

"What? Saleh is your uncle?" Sam shouts.

Both Sara and Saleh roar with laughter at Sam.

"I'm saying it to be respectful," Sara explains. "That's what people usually do. We call women and men even outside the family 'aunty' and 'uncle', in Arabic, 'khalti' and 'aami'. Do you understand now?"

"Yes," Sam says, nodding rapidly. "Remember, I actually am a smart guy. I'm just lazy."

***

The next morning, Saleh suggests taking us on a hike through the rugged, beautiful landscape surrounding his home. 

As we begin our trek, I am in awe of the towering mountains, lush green valleys, and the vast expanse of nature stretching out before us.

Saleh leads the way, pointing out various plants and animals unique to the region. We follow winding paths, crossing crystal-clear streams and trekking up steep inclines. The air is crisp and fresh, rejuvenating my senses and calming my mind.

As we hike, Saleh shares stories of his family's connection to the land, passing down traditions and knowledge through generations. I listen with curiosity, asking a few questions here and there.

As we reach a high point overlooking the valley below, Saleh invites us to take a moment of silence and appreciate the beauty and serenity of the land.

I close my eyes and breathe in deeply, feeling a sense of peace and tranquillity wash over me.

Morocco feels like my home.

It is then I realise that nature's beauty is more beautiful than anything: the way the sunlight filters through the canopy of trees, creating speckled patterns on the forest floor; the delicate dance of butterflies fluttering among the flowers; the gentle ripple of the stream as it flows over smooth rocks; the sound of birdsong filling the air with its sweet melody.

I'm in awe at all the sights and sounds and it's almost torture when we arrive back at Saleh's house.

"Aren't you going to sell the treasure you found, Saleh?" Sam asks while he hangs his jacket up on a hook.

"No. It's not for money. The treasure is important to me because it's something to truly treasure, something too sentimental and valuably filled with memories, that I must keep it," Saleh explains.

I nod, understanding the sentiment behind keeping something truly valuable beyond monetary worth. 

As we settle in for the evening, I find myself reflecting on the events of the day and the unexpected turn of events that brought us to this rural paradise.

Despite the initial shock of being so far from home, I think about how grateful I am for the hospitality and kindness shown to us by Saleh and his family. Their genuine warmth and generosity have made me feel welcome and at ease, even in this unfamiliar setting.

I lie down to rest for the night, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the gentle glow of moonlight filtering through the window and I find myself filled with a sense of peace and gratitude. 

While surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, I realise that home is not just a place, but a feeling of comfort and belonging that can be found anywhere, as long as you are surrounded by people who care for you.

I drift off to sleep in one of the many guest bedrooms as soon as I hit the plump pillow. For the first time since we escaped, I feel safe and secure that Richard and his gang won't find us.

I dream about Grandad. He tells me he's okay and that he's doing well.