Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Journey to Germany

After days of being in Athens, Aboud felt that danger was still trailing him, and he needed to find a quick way out before finding himself in deeper trouble. He knew that Athens wasn't his final stop, and that the goal he'd sought from the very beginning was to reach Germany. For him, that land represented a new beginning, a chance for safety and freedom.

Aboud started wandering through the old neighborhoods of Athens, where rumors circulated about a network of smugglers specializing in forging documents and providing illegal travel services. He knew dealing with these people was risky, but he had no other choice. The city's underworld was the only place he might find a smuggler he could trust—even just a little—to help him reach his goal.

He entered a small café in one of the busy neighborhoods, where he had heard that smugglers frequented. He sat in a corner of the café, slowly sipping coffee as he watched the people coming and going. He was looking for the man rumored to be "Youssef," one of the most prominent smugglers in the city, known for providing high-quality forged passports.

After about an hour of waiting, a man wearing a long coat and sunglasses walked in. This man had an intimidating presence that made everyone glance at him curiously, but he ignored them and headed straight to a corner of the café. Aboud instantly knew this was Youssef.

Aboud cautiously approached Youssef and sat down in front of him without being invited. They exchanged careful looks, with Youssef scrutinizing Aboud, trying to size him up.

Youssef (in a low, cautious voice): "What do you want?"

Aboud (seriously): "I need a passport. A strong one, undetectable. I want to travel to Germany."

Youssef smiled slightly, as if he had expected such a request. He knew people like Aboud were always seeking escape, desperate to leave their dark pasts behind.

Youssef (mocking): "Germany, huh? It’s not cheap. A good passport will cost you a lot."

Aboud (firmly): "I know. I have some money, and I’ll pay what’s necessary. But the passport has to be secure. I can’t afford failure."

Youssef sat silently for a moment, then spoke with a calm smile: "Security comes at a price. I’ll get you a good passport, but I need three days. You’ll get your documents at the airport right before you board the plane."

Aboud (cautiously): "Three days? Okay, but what else do I need besides the passport?"

Youssef (confidently): "Nothing. I handle everything. You’ll get a ticket, the forged passport, and even a cover story if someone asks about your identity."

Aboud felt a bit of relief. Although he didn’t fully trust Youssef, the man seemed professional enough to give him a good chance.

For the next three days, Aboud remained tense. He worried that something might go wrong, that the police might catch him or that Youssef might betray him. But he had no other option but to wait.

He spent the time mentally preparing for the journey. He knew the greatest challenge still lay ahead. Aboud, now more experienced and smarter since leaving Syria, knew that everything would depend on how calm he could remain at the airport and how well he could handle the pressure without drawing attention.

On the third day, Aboud met Youssef in an abandoned area near the airport, where he was handed the forged passport and plane ticket. The passport looked completely authentic, and Aboud was impressed by its quality.

Youssef (confidently): "Remember, don’t act strange. Use the passport with confidence, and don’t give the guards any reason to be suspicious. Everything has to feel natural."

Aboud took the documents and nodded. He knew this moment was the most crucial in his journey. If he managed to get past the airport, he’d be one step closer to his dream.

He arrived at the airport and moved quietly among the travelers. The atmosphere was tense, but Aboud maintained his composure. When he reached the security checkpoint, he handed his forged passport to the guard, who inspected it carefully.

Aboud (thinking to himself): "Stay calm."

The guard handed the passport back after examining it and motioned for him to pass.

Aboud (internally relieved): "I did it… finally."

After boarding the plane and finding his seat, Aboud felt a deep sense of relief. He could hardly believe he had made it this far. Athens was behind him, and Germany lay ahead.

Aboud (to himself): "Germany… at last."

As the plane took off, Aboud's thoughts turned to the future. He knew reaching Germany was a fresh start, but he also realized that new challenges awaited him.