The Journalist

Part 65: Being with You is My Choice

I was still kneeling in front of the closed window. With one hand holding onto the window board. I'm sure Ameena is still behind this window. At least, I could hear her breathing as the sound of crying restrained. That cry, is it for me?

With a helpless look, I gently tapped on the window three times.

"Mina-chan ..." call me hoarse.

There's no reply.

I smiled thinly. "Have you ever heard the story of two trees that love each other?"

There's still no reply. It's okay, I'll tell you this story even if he might not hear it.

"In a forest there are two large trees that grow next to each other at a considerable distance. Call them male trees and female trees. Coexist for many years, making the male tree fall on the female tree. The female tree also appears to send the same signal to the male tree. They just stare at each other, without being able to touch each other."

A moment of silence when I breathe for a moment. My eyes are still loyal to that wooden window. I wet my lips, then continued the story.

"The strong desire of the male tree to unite with the female tree, making him try hard to swing his body with the help of the wind to widen the roots in order to reach the female tree. Unfortunately, all of that was in vain. A few trees suddenly grew between them. Over the years, the trees began to grow larger and further prevented them from coming together. While the male tree is getting older, the leaves are left behind until leaving a dry branch. This made him worried that his life might not be long, which meant that he would leave the female tree. One day, there was a forest fire that made all the trees that were there scorched not left including the Male and Female trees. However, this made the male tree very happy because their wishes during this time finally materialized. Their ashes unite and fly together in the air."

A faint smile floated on my lips after ending the story. But it's not about trees. It's about me and you who can't be us. I represent the male tree as myself and she as the female tree.

I got out of my seat and started to prepare myself to leave. A few minutes later, Omar came to me after training.

"What are you doing? I've been looking for you, you're here" Omar asked.

"Just finish making a toy rocking horses for your sisters. It's a little noisy. Fear will wake them up. That's why I made it near the river" I replied as I hammered the nails on the board.

"Why not tomorrow? Like there is no time! Come on, let's go to sleep! I'm tired too. Tomorrow, yes, continue the exercise."

"You go to sleep first!"

"Yes, already!" Omar turned around and went back to the hut.

I was stunned for a moment while looking at the boy's back. I continued my work even though the night was getting late. Not only did I make wooden toys, I also made a rectangular table where they studied. As soon as everything was done, I continued drawing water in the river to be filled to the water reservoir located in the yard beside the hut. The goal, so that they do not have to bother to the river in the morning blind to purify themselves before worship.

After that conversation, I decided to leave them at Ameena's request. I left them before the morning of the attack. Saying goodbye or sorry does not come out of my mouth. The kids might be surprised to find out I'm not around. Before leaving, I looked at the old hut once again. My fantasy of living happily with them should be buried.

Armed with the money Ameena gave me, I decided to return to Damascus today. Just as the sun was beginning to occupy its throne, I managed to get down from the mountain and continue on foot. At some point of the place, it appears that some soldiers from America are still on guard. The area is still ravaged by war. Some residents began to return even if they only took their remaining items for sale.

On the other hand, I saw some women and children seeming to rush into the pickup car. I passed by two fathers who were having a serious conversation while preparing for the departure of their families.

"Have you seen the news this morning? The extremist group announced to the rest of the world that it would conquer Syrian territory into a state that joined Iraq under their rule. It's dangerous! Their presence would threaten women and children. I'm afraid this time we'll be caught up in the war of extremist groups and the American military. Children will be forced into battle while women will be made slaves of their passions" said the white-blamed man.

"Certainly that?" ask his friend unsure.

"They've started to enter the mountainous area of our region!"

Suddenly, I who heard their chatter was also surprised. "Is that true? Is it true that they have entered this mountainous region?" I panic at that guy.

"Yes, the American army has just appealed to citizens to find a safe place to anticipate terror from the group. It seems like America has also prepared to fight the group."

Hearing that, my eyes widened. The tragic accident that hit Khalila is back in my memory. Quickly, the extremist group suddenly appeared and attacked the car of American soldiers who killed Khalila. America's participation in yesterday's war not only infuriated Russia and the Syrian government, but also awakened the extremist groups that have been residing on the borders of Iraq and Syria. The extremist group, which is not in any stronghold, considers America to be the main enemy that must be fought.

Without a second thought, I immediately turned around and ran as hard as I could. I decided to return to Ameena's residence. Is this why I asked you to leave immediately? Does he want to protect me?

This extremist group is most dangerous among other similar groups residing in the Middle East. Although they were only formed three years ago, they have been able to buy combat vehicles, weapons, and technology experts. They were merciless to people who were not as ideological, capturing and selling women and indoctrinating children to be trained to be part of the militant forces. They also often arrest and hold journalists and journalists hostage for large ransom.

Their presence there certainly prevented me from getting to Ameena's place. Not losing my mind, I also collected a lot of weeds and then tied it to the circle of the head, top of my back and hips. It's a disguise technique and tricked the enemy I did while being a Japanese martial artist. After spending about half an hour collecting the weeds that helped my disguise, I began to conduct guerrillas by laying on the vast expanse of green Padang.

I stopped moving and immediately submerged my face as a car passed so close to my current position. It takes patience and caution to hope in this meadow so as not to be seen by them.

Another bit. Yes, a little more I will arrive at the end of this place.

After successfully passing through Padang Ilanang, I decided to cross the river to cut the road. Half my body was wet from the water. The little cottage that Ameena lived in has been seen. I tighten my lashes. Getting close. Until successfully treading land.

I saw Ameena and the children seem to be preparing to leave. It seems they have also realized this mountain is no longer safe to live in.

"Sister!" call one of the children with a look towards me.

I drooped limp on the ground while adjusting my breath. Ameena walked hurriedly towards me then crouched down right in front of me.

"Thanks ...."

"I'm coming back. Is this part of the destiny plan?" I said slowly while raising my head.

Ameena looked at me fixedly with teary eyes.

"Basic fool!"

"Yes, that's me!" I laughed blandly.

"Aren't you aware this place is dangerous for you!" Ameena's voice trembled, slightly holding back the vexation.

"It's okay. I like to put myself in danger."

"Go back to Damascus, don't mind us!" urged Ameena with a face shrouded in worry.

"Calm .. I'm going home to Damascus, but .. by taking you!" my firmness.

A clear melt just escaped from his eye pellet. This time he just looked at me with a pus.

"Mina-chan, come run away with me! I don't know what's going on ahead, let's face it together!"

Ameena nodded slowly while biting the tip of her lips. Many times she pushed me away from her, but many times it was also that I was drawn back to her side. It was as if there was a magnetic field that could move us.

Mina-chan, if living together is hard for us, then my next choice is to die together ....

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