Chapter Thirty-Nine: Germany, the Land of Dreams

Aboud couldn't believe that the plane had finally landed at Frankfurt Airport, Germany. After years of struggle, pursuit, and challenges that seemed insurmountable, he found himself at last on the land he had dreamt of reaching. A mix of emotions flooded him—joy, fear, and relief—but he remained calm, just as he had learned to do throughout his long journey.

As he stepped off the plane, Aboud stood still for a moment, breathing in the air of Germany for the first time. Although he knew there were more challenges ahead, the feeling of safety overwhelmed him. He knew the next step was to turn himself over to the German authorities and the refugee protection organization—a step he had planned since leaving Athens.

When he arrived at the reception office of the refugee protection organization, he expected the same cold, demeaning treatment he had faced in Turkey and Greece. But what happened next was a complete surprise.

Receptionist (with a kind tone): “Do you need help?”

Aboud (surprised): “Yes, I’m a refugee... I want to apply for asylum.”

Receptionist (with a warm smile): “Of course, we’ll help you with everything you need. Don’t worry.”

Aboud hadn’t expected such a welcoming response. In every country he had passed through, he was treated like a criminal or a burden. Here, in Germany, he felt a sense of respect and dignity for the first time in years. He was introduced to a translator who started helping him fill out the forms and submit his asylum application.

Aboud (to himself): “Germany... It seems I’ve finally come to the right place.”

After completing the paperwork and submitting his application, he was directed to the reception center, where he met with a team from the refugee protection organization. Unlike his experiences in other countries, everyone here spoke to him kindly, explaining each step of the process.

Staff Member (with a smile): “We’ll register your details, and then we’ll arrange accommodation for you at one of the refugee centers. Don’t worry, everything will be alright.”

Aboud was still in disbelief. At every moment, he expected something bad to happen or to be treated poorly, but instead, he found the opposite. The staff treated him with care, as a human being, not just a number in a long line of refugees. It felt as if part of his broken spirit had started to heal.

After completing the formalities, Aboud was transferred to a refugee reception center. The place was clean and organized, with teams specialized in helping new refugees. He was assigned a room, and they provided him with some clothes and basic supplies. Even the food was different from what he had encountered in other camps.

Aboud (to himself as he looked around the room): "Is this the place I’ve been dreaming of? It seems like I’m truly starting a new life."

Aboud began to feel that things were finally changing for the better. He had food, a place to sleep, and most importantly, a sense of safety that he hadn’t felt in years. Each day, he learned more about the German system and his rights as a refugee.

Once he had settled a bit, the first thought that crossed his mind was to call Layla. He took out his phone and called her. There were no words to express how he felt when he heard her voice on the other end.

Layla (with joy and excitement): "Aboud? Did you really do it? Did you make it to Germany?"

Aboud (smiling): "Yes, Layla. I did it. I’m here, in Germany. I survived, and finally, we’ve reached the dream we’ve talked about for so many years."

Layla’s voice was filled with happiness and tears at the same time. She had heard about his adventures and constant attempts to find safety, and now, Aboud had made it.

Layla (crying tears of joy): "Oh my God, Aboud... I can’t believe it! I was so scared something might happen to you. But you did it! You’re really in Germany!"

Aboud (with warmth and affection): "Yes, Layla. It’s over. I’m no longer in danger. Everything I did was for you, to be by your side one day. And now, we’re on the right path to making that happen."

Layla’s voice was filled with pride and relief, as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart.

Layla (with a soft, grateful voice): "You never gave up, Aboud. And I’m proud of you. I always knew I would wait for you, no matter how long it took."

Aboud (with a sigh of relief): "Layla, there’s still a long road ahead of us, but we’ll face it together. I’ve survived the worst, and now I have hope for the future."

As the days passed, the organization began offering language classes and psychological support for the refugees. Aboud was eager to learn the language, knowing that it was the key to integrating into this new society and building a new life. He sat in the language classes, absorbing every bit of information, ready to embark on his future.

Aboud didn’t want to be just another refugee living on aid. He wanted to build his life, to become a contributing member of the society that had welcomed him so unexpectedly. He started thinking about education and work, about how to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way.

Aboud (with determination): "I’ve survived everything. Now I’ll build my life here. I’ll achieve what I’ve dreamed of all these years."

In one of his later phone calls with Layla, there was a special moment. Layla had started planning their future together and asked Aboud about his plans.

Layla (with a dreamy smile): "Aboud, what do you think about the future? Do you think we’ll be together soon?"

Aboud (with determination and love): "Layla, I did all of this for you. And I promise, we will be together. This country gives me a new chance, and I’ll do everything I can so that we’ll be together here. I won’t let anything stand in our way anymore."

With each passing day, Aboud prepared himself for his new life in Germany, his eyes set on the future he would build with Layla.