Two People Meeting for the First Time

"Two People Meeting for the First Time" is a reflective story about a chance encounter in Athens on a blistering summer day. The protagonist, impatiently waiting at City Hall, meets Hiba, a young Syrian refugee. As they start a conversation, the narrator learns about Hiba's harrowing journey to Greece, marked by resilience, family bonds, and survival. This unexpected connection brings a profound sense of self-awareness to the protagonist, who starts to see her own life through a new lens-questioning privilege, comfort, and the quiet solitude of modern life in contrast to Hiba's struggles and strong family ties. The story is a thoughtful exploration of empathy, the strength found in human connections, and the universal search for meaning.