On the Other Side

Chapter 2: Turkey

The party stared in shock at what had just happened. A child, less than 6 years old stared wide-eyed at the fabric rippling against the air, at the spot where she had last seen the old man. After talking to the other Syrians on the truck, Najid had learnt that no one knew the man. Most likely he had left home to find a better place for his family. Jawl, not being one to talk to strangers, just sat and listened.

What if Baba died here, just like the man? Did he die in the same way? And how many others have suffered this same fate? My god, they hadn't even left the place they were running from! They just wanted a better life - WE want a better life. What did we do to deserve this treatment? Jawl thought to herself angrily.

Her hands fiddled with strands of hair, making sure it was covering her cheek. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"I feel the same way," her brother whispered to her.

Jawl stared at him. He was only two years younger than her, yet she had only just noticed how much he'd grown. Scabs and scars littered his legs from the amount of football he'd played with Baba - the signs of a child. The sudden spurt of leadership skills and his understanding of people and how to help them - the signs of a man. Jawl felt like this moment was bittersweet; she could finally talk to him about more difficult concepts and ideas. But at what cost? She wouldn't be able to ruffle his messy brown hair and listen to his breathing as he falls asleep on her lap anymore...

It's only been a day, and we've both changed so much - how else will this journey change us? Or rather, what's the price we might pay?

And in that moment, as she watched Najid talking to the others and making them laugh during this terrifying time, she vowed that she would do anything to keep this ray of light alive.

"Here's the plan everyone - we'll be arriving in central Antakya in less than an hour. I will drop you off there," called the driver loudly.

A young woman named Abal turned to the driver, "And then what?"

"And then I don't care. You go further into Turkey and do whatever you like, it's of no concern to me."

"But - we'd have to walk for hours to get to the nearest train station!" Abal's husband, Irfan, called out in protest.

"I have been driving Syrians across the border for more than a year now. Everyone I have driven has made the same trek you will take. So, stop complaining, and try get some sleep if you want to walk in daylight."

After a moment of silence, everyone tried to go to sleep, as if it were at all possible. Najid had finally gotten used to the smell of gasoline and managed to fall asleep for the first time that evening.

~

Najid and Jawl squinted at the rising sun as they stepped off of the truck. It was the first bit of natural light they had seen in 7 hours, this being the first time they could stand up and move their stiff joints, legs and backs. Najid swayed on his feet for a few seconds as he felt a sudden rush of blood to his brain as if the seats had somehow slowed down the circulation in his body. Jawl felt a similar sensation when breathing in the fresh air. When she had first stepped off the truck she had panicked, as she was not able to smell anything at all. But as her sinuses cleared of the disgusting and most likely unhealthy amount of gasoline she had breathed in, the smell of trees and grass welcomed her with open arms. Finally, the duo looked around. They were now in the middle of a small city, watching some Turkish people going to work or coming back home from a night's shift - not one person paid any attention to them.

"Right - good luck to you all," the driver called out as he drove away.

"That's it?" An old woman named Da'd cried out, "Unbelievable, men like him are the scum of the earth and deserve to-"