Chapter Thirty-Three: The Road to Izmir and Searching for a New Smuggler

After the violent confrontation with Ali, Abboud decided that his next step toward freedom was to reach Izmir. He knew that Izmir was the city where many refugees gathered, hoping to escape to Greece via the sea. He had heard countless stories about the perilous journeys that began there, but he had no other choice.

Abboud sat, thinking about how to get to Izmir safely without drawing attention from the authorities or other smugglers. After his encounter with Ali, he didn’t trust anyone, and he had to be extremely cautious.

Abboud (speaking to himself):
"Izmir... the first step towards Europe. I’ll find my way there, but this time, I’ll be more careful."

He decided to travel by land, using public transportation without drawing attention. He bought a bus ticket that would take him from Istanbul to Izmir, knowing that the journey would take long hours, but he was willing to endure it as long as it brought him closer to his freedom.

When Abboud finally arrived in Izmir, the city was bustling with activity. Refugees and migrants were everywhere, each searching for a way to reach Europe. Abboud knew that finding a new smuggler would be fraught with danger, but he had no other choice.

He wandered the streets, speaking with some of the refugees who had gone through the same ordeal. Some were hesitant to speak to him, but after some time, he managed to gather information about some smugglers who were organizing illegal sea crossings to Greece.

One of the refugees Abboud met was Yasser, a young Palestinian who had been trying to reach Europe for months. Yasser knew many smugglers in Izmir and was willing to help Abboud.

Yasser (smiling):
"If you want to get to Europe, Izmir is the right place. But you have to be careful—the smugglers here don’t trust anyone."

Abboud knew he had to act cautiously, but he was determined to complete his journey.

After days of searching, Abboud got the name of a new smuggler named "Jamal," who was known for organizing illegal boat trips to the Greek islands. However, Jamal was not like Ali; he was notorious for being ruthless and willing to do anything to make money.

Abboud decided to contact Jamal and arrange a meeting. When they met, Jamal was sitting in a small café by the sea, watching the waves that would soon take them to Europe.

Jamal (in a cold tone):
"I hear you're looking for a way to Greece. It’s not easy, nor is it cheap."

Abboud (confidently):
"I know that. But I’m not here to bargain for money. I want to ensure my safety."

Jamal (smiling):
"Safety? That’s something I can’t guarantee on these trips. All I can do is promise you a spot on the boat, and the rest depends on you and luck."

Abboud didn’t fully trust Jamal, but he knew that getting to Europe required taking risks. He agreed to the deal, and Jamal began explaining the plan.

Jamal told Abboud that the trip would take place in two days and that he needed to be ready to depart at a moment's notice. The boat was small and rickety and would be packed with refugees. Abboud knew that the sea posed a significant risk, but he had no other option.

Abboud began preparing for the journey, heading to one of Izmir’s markets to buy some basic supplies he might need. At the same time, he thought of ways to protect himself in case things went wrong on the boat. He remembered the confrontation with Ali and how he had survived, knowing that his physical strength and determination would be his key to success again.

Abboud (talking to himself):
"If I survive the sea, I’ll reach Europe. This is my only chance."

The night before the trip, Abboud met with Jamal again, but this time the meeting was in a secret location, away from the authorities' eyes. Abboud saw the other refugees who were preparing for the journey. Fear and anxiety were evident on their faces, but they had no choice but to continue the trip.

Jamal (in a stern tone):
"Tomorrow, you'll embark on your first journey. The sea is no joke, so you need to be ready for anything."

Abboud was calm on the outside, but inside, he was filled with tension. He wasn’t afraid of the sea as much as he feared betrayal from Jamal or any other smuggler. He knew that these smugglers only cared about money and could leave the refugees to their fate in the middle of the sea.

Abboud (in a quiet voice to himself):
"I’ll stay vigilant. I won’t let them deceive me or take advantage of me."

The next day, the refugees gathered on the beach, waiting for the boat. It was time to leave. Abboud stood beside Jamal, ensuring that everything was going according to plan.

But Abboud knew that this journey would be fraught with danger, not just because of the treacherous waves that awaited them at sea but also because of the ruthless nature of Jamal and the other smugglers.