Chapter Twenty-One: Reunion

After the lawyer left, Abboud sat in his cell, reflecting on their conversation. At that moment, he was overwhelmed with a mix of hope, gratitude, and astonishment. He hadn’t expected the future to hold anything but darkness, but that visit reignited the hope he was on the verge of losing. He imagined reuniting with Abbas once again, the friend who had endured the brutal escape with him, and now, from afar, was standing by his side.

As he thought about it, his mind drifted back to that fateful night when Abbas escaped from the Bulgarian camp, with Abboud yelling at the top of his lungs, urging him to run. It wasn’t an easy decision for either of them, but deep down, Abboud knew that Abbas had no other choice. Seeing his friend survive had been the only light in that dark moment.

Flashback: Memories of Abbas After the Escape

When Abbas fled the Bulgarian camp, he didn’t know what lay ahead, but the only thing echoing in his mind was Abboud's shout: "Run, my friend... run!" Those words repeated in his head with every step he took. The path before him was filled with uncertainty and fear, but he knew staying behind meant death or imprisonment.

Abbas traveled through forests, hiding among trees to avoid the Bulgarian guards patrolling the area for escapees. Every moment was filled with intense fear, not just for himself but for Abboud, who he had left behind. At times, Abbas blamed himself, but he knew in his heart that Abboud wanted him to survive.

After long days of walking without enough food or water, Abbas finally reached the Romanian border. He felt exhausted and drained, but within him, there was a sense of freedom, though incomplete. Even upon reaching relative safety, he couldn’t stop thinking about Abboud.

When Abbas eventually arrived in Germany, his emotions were mixed. On one hand, he felt relief for reaching his destination, but on the other, every thought of his friend brought feelings of guilt. How could he live his life while Abboud was still suffering? As months passed, Abbas decided he had to do something for Abboud, something that would ease the heavy burden on his heart.

In Germany, Abbas began learning the language and trying to adjust to his new life, but he never forgot his friend. Every chance he got, he looked for ways to help Abboud. He reached out to lawyers and inquired about refugee rights, trying to find a way to bring back his friend who was left behind in the Bulgarian prison.

Abbas (speaking to a friend in Germany): "I can't live my life here as if nothing happened. Abboud is the reason I survived, and I can't leave him there."

It wasn’t easy for Abbas, but after a year of searching and working hard, he managed to save up some money and hire a renowned human rights lawyer. The lawyer began reaching out to Bulgarian and European authorities to find a solution for Abboud’s case. When Abbas learned that Abboud was still alive and imprisoned, he felt a mixture of relief and sadness.

Abbas (talking to the lawyer): "I need to get Abboud out of that hell. I won’t be able to live in peace until I see him free."

The lawyer promised Abbas that he would do everything in his power to help. It wasn’t going to be easy, but Abbas was determined to do whatever it took. Every night, Abbas sat in his room writing letters to the lawyer, following up on the progress, and hoping the days would pass quickly until he could see his friend again.

Present Day

As Abboud awaited his court date, time didn’t pass easily. But the thought that Abbas hadn’t forgotten him, and that he was working hard to help, gave him a newfound strength. He knew the situation wouldn’t change overnight, but he now believed there was a chance for freedom.

On the day of the trial, Abboud was taken out of his cell to stand before the judge. Time seemed to drag, and Abboud’s mind replayed all the moments since his imprisonment. As he entered the courtroom, he saw the lawyer sitting in the front row, looking at him with a small, reassuring smile.

Judge (in a serious tone): "Abboud, your case has been reopened based on the new evidence and testimonies presented by your lawyer. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Abboud stood tall, despite his heart pounding fiercely. He wasn’t just speaking for himself, but for all the refugees who had suffered injustice and humiliation.

Abboud (with a voice full of determination): "Your Honor, I wasn’t seeking violence. I was defending myself, my dignity, and my friend, who was bullied and humiliated. We refugees aren’t criminals. We are humans, fleeing from wars and destruction, searching for a safe place. All I ask for is a chance to live with dignity."

Abboud's words resonated throughout the courtroom, and his lawyer defended him with great strength. He spoke about the difficult circumstances Abboud had endured and how he had been trying to survive in a harsh environment full of injustice. The lawyer explained to the judge how refugees were subjected to abuse and mistreatment in some camps, and that Abboud was a victim of this system.

Lawyer (addressing the judge): "Abboud is not a criminal. He is a man seeking a better life, and he deserves a second chance."

As the trial ended, Abboud felt that things were moving in a positive direction. There was a real chance his sentence could be reduced. He returned to his cell feeling a sense of relief for the first time in years. He knew the road ahead was still long, but hope was present.

A few days after the trial, while Abboud sat in his cell awaiting news, the guard called his name once again.

Guard (in a gruff voice): "Abboud! You have a visitor!"

Abboud’s heart raced. Who could it be this time? When he entered the visiting room, he saw the lawyer sitting there, but next to him was someone else. A man with a calm smile.

Lawyer (smiling): "Abboud, I’d like you to meet someone you know very well."

Abboud looked at the man sitting beside the lawyer, and suddenly, a wave of shock and joy washed over him.

Abboud (in a choked voice): "Abbas…?"

Abbas was sitting across from him, looking a bit older but stronger and more confident.

Abbas (smiling): "I told you, Abboud, I wouldn’t leave you behind."

That moment was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Finally, after all these years of separation and suffering, they sat together once again.

After the emotional reunion in the visiting room, the two friends talked for a long time, exchanging stories of the past and the hardships they had faced. But amid all the conversations, one question weighed heavily on Abboud’s heart, a question he had wanted to ask from the very beginning. He looked at his friend, the words hesitating on his lips before he spoke them.

Abboud (with a voice full of concern): "Abbas... What about my mother? And Layla? Do you have any news about them?"

Abbas hesitated for a moment, his eyes showing reluctance as if he knew Abboud wasn’t ready to hear the whole truth just yet. He knew how much Abboud was holding onto hope of seeing Layla and his sick mother again. He decided to protect Abboud from the full truth for a little longer, until the right time came.

Abbas (with a calm voice, trying to hide his worry): "Your mother is fine, Abboud. I’ve been sending her money from time to time. She’s doing well, and I’ve kept her reassured by telling her that I’ve been in touch with you to keep her calm."

Abboud felt a sense of relief upon hearing that his mother was okay, but there was still a deep-seated worry in his heart. He longed to communicate with her directly, but for now, he would have to be content with Abbas's reassurance. As for Layla, he asked with a sense of hesitation.

Abboud (with a faint smile): "And Layla? Is she alright?"

Abbas glanced away, knowing that this was a delicate topic. He had tried reaching out to Layla multiple times but had not been able to make much progress. He decided to keep things simple for now.

Abbas (gently): "Layla... Don’t worry, Abboud. I’ve been in touch with her recently, and she’s fine. She sends you her best wishes and says she’s thinking of you."

Abboud felt some comfort knowing that Layla was alright, but he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that Abbas was withholding something. Still, he decided not to press his friend further.

Abboud (with a small sigh): "Thank God. Just seeing Layla again will make all of this worth it. As for my mother... I’ve missed her so much."

Abbas avoided making direct eye contact when Abboud mentioned his mother. He knew that the truth would come out later, but now wasn’t the right time to break his friend’s spirit.

Abbas (hesitantly): "Don’t worry, things will work out. Let’s focus on getting you out of here first, and then we’ll talk about everything else."

Abboud accepted that answer for now, but he sensed there was something Abbas wasn’t telling him. He didn’t want to dwell on the worst-case scenarios just yet, as he had another battle ahead in court and a newfound hope for freedom.

Abboud (sighing): "You’re right. Let’s let things unfold as they will. The most important thing now is getting out of here."

Abbas nodded, knowing that this wasn’t the time to reveal the whole truth. He needed to support Abboud as much as possible at this stage, saving the more difficult conversations for later.

Lawyer: "Abboud, tomorrow is your final court hearing. We will hear the judge’s decision."