Chapter Thirty-Two: The Violent Confrontation with the Smuggler

After days of searching and waiting, Abboud finally managed to arrange a meeting with the smuggler, Ali. Abboud knew that this meeting would be filled with danger, but he was determined to get what he needed by any means necessary. He went to the port at night, where smugglers meet their clients. The place was eerily quiet, which only heightened Abboud’s tension. He was prepared for any possibility, especially since he had no intention of paying anything.

Ali (with arrogance):
"Welcome, Abboud. Ready for the journey? Where's the money?"

Abboud showed no hesitation in his response. He knew Ali was arrogant and greedy. Abboud was confident that Ali did not expect what was about to happen.

Abboud (calmly but clearly):
"The money isn’t with me, and I won’t be paying you anything. I’m leaving here one way or another, and you won’t be getting any money."

Ali was taken aback by Abboud’s words, as he was used to getting money easily. He angrily stepped toward Abboud, attempting to intimidate him.

Ali (warningly):
"You think you can play games with me? No one gets through without paying the price."

But Abboud didn’t back down. He had learned a lot from his tough experiences in prison and was ready to take control of the situation with force.

Abboud (in a cold and firm voice):
"I'm not like the others. You exploit people's suffering to make money, but today, you won’t exploit me."

Ali was furious, and before he could react, Abboud made the first move. He charged toward Ali and struck him hard in the face, sending him reeling back in shock. Ali hadn't anticipated such a surprise from someone he had initially perceived as weak. The smuggler collapsed to the ground, trying to regain his balance.

Ali (furious and astonished):
"You scoundrel! How dare you?"

But Abboud didn’t let him recover. He rushed again, grabbed Ali by his clothes, and landed another punch directly to his stomach, causing Ali to fall to his knees, writhing in pain.

Abboud (in a calm but firm voice):
"You won't exploit me, and you won't exploit anyone else this easily. Either you let me leave now, or this meeting will end much worse for you."

Ali tried to compose himself, but the pain and fear were overwhelming. He wasn’t used to facing situations like this, and despite having his guards nearby, Abboud was faster and more determined. Ali realized that if he didn’t stop this now, his life could be in danger.

Abboud, with no intention of escalating the violence further, stood over Ali, who lay on the ground gasping for breath. Abboud knew he couldn't push things too far, but he had to make sure his point was clear.

Abboud (in a serious tone):
"Now you know I won’t be your victim. I’m going to Germany, with or without your help. Now give me what I need to continue my journey."

Ali had no choice. Exhausted and defeated, he gestured toward one of the bags containing the documents and money Abboud needed to make his way to Europe. He knew Abboud might take more drastic measures if he didn’t comply.

Ali (stammering):
"Take... take whatever you need. But remember, don’t come near me again."

Abboud took the bag and stood for a moment, looking at Ali, who was still lying in pain. Then he turned and began to walk away. He knew this confrontation had been decisive, but he was prepared for more challenges ahead. His plan now was to get to Germany at any cost, and smugglers like Ali would no longer stand in his way.

Abboud (with inner resolve):
"I’ve taken the first step toward freedom. No one will stand in my way anymore."

With the bag in his hand and his goal clear in his mind, Abboud set off on his journey toward freedom and an uncertain future in Europe.

After leaving the port and securing the money, Abboud felt it was time to reach out to Layla after years of being apart. Abboud had recently been released from prison, and he hadn't even told his friend Abbas about his planned journey yet. But he felt the first person he needed to talk to was Layla, the woman who had never left his heart despite the distance and hardships.

Sitting in a quiet corner, Abboud hesitated for a moment before pressing the call button on his new phone. Five years of separation was a long time. He wasn’t sure how Layla would react. Was she still waiting for him? Had anything changed? But his heart pushed him to make the call. The phone rang once... twice...

Layla (with a voice full of surprise):
"Abboud? Is that you?"

Her voice was filled with a mix of surprise and joy. It had been five long years since she last heard his voice.

Abboud (his voice trembling with emotion):
"Yes, Layla. It’s me... I’m finally here. I’m out of prison."

Abboud felt as if time had stopped for a moment. Listening to Layla’s voice, which he had longed for so much, felt like a river of memories and emotions flowing through his heart. He carried inside him a torrent of feelings that he hadn’t been able to express for all those years.

Layla (her voice filled with emotion):
"Oh my God, Abboud, I’ve been so worried about you. All these years, not knowing how you were. I would reach out to Abbas from time to time, but he didn’t know much either. How are you? How did you survive all of this?"

Abboud (in a quiet, but pain-filled voice):
"Layla, it’s been a long time. Every day I wondered if you were okay and if you were still waiting for me. I couldn’t contact you, but you were always on my mind."

Layla (her voice full of sadness and longing):
"Abboud, I thought of nothing but the day I would see you again. I feared the worst and hoped you were okay. What happened to you? Why didn’t you try to reach out?"

Abboud (with a heavy sigh):
"The prison was hell, Layla. I couldn’t contact anyone. All I did was think of you and the day we’d meet again. You were the hope that kept me going."

As Layla listened to Abboud and sympathized with his struggles, Abboud knew that a dangerous journey lay ahead. He didn’t want to worry her further, but he knew she needed to hear the truth.

Abboud (with hesitation but determination):
"Layla, I’m out of prison now, but there’s still a long road ahead. I’m leaving Turkey soon. I’ll try to cross into Europe by sea."

Layla (her voice filled with fear):
"The sea? Abboud, many people have lost their lives that way. Please, think twice before doing this. I don’t want to lose you after you’ve come back."

Abboud (reassuring, but not hiding the danger):
"I know, Layla, but I can’t stay here anymore. I promise I’ll be careful, and I’ll come back to you safely. This journey is the final step toward a new life for us."

Layla was overjoyed to hear Abboud’s voice again, but she was torn by fear of the dangers he would face. She couldn’t hold back her tears as she listened to him talk about the perilous journey ahead.

Layla (with a voice full of tears):
"Abboud, promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want to lose you again. Five years of separation was more than enough."

Abboud (with a reassuring voice):
"I promise, Layla. I’m here now, and I’ll do everything I can to come back to you. I’ve never stopped thinking about you all these years. You’re the only reason I keep going. Just stay strong, and we’ll be together soon."

Abboud felt the weight of his emotions as he ended the call. His feelings were complicated—a mix of longing, love, and fear of the unknown. He knew this might be the last time he spoke to Layla before embarking on the dangerous journey across the sea.

Abboud (in a warm voice):
"Layla, I will come back to you. Wait for me... We’ll start our life together again."

Layla (her voice trembling):
"I’m here, Abboud. I’ll wait for you. But please, be careful."

After the call ended, Abboud sat in silence. His heart was heavy with emotion. He had no choice but to continue the journey, and Layla was waiting for him on the other side.