Dreams that have fallen apart

Disclaimer: This is purely based on my imagination. The story has nothing to do with the picture on the cover.

Sitting in the middle of the rubble from a destroyed school, this photo exemplifies dreams that have fallen apart.

I still remember…

I was all cozy, nestled between a pillow and my dad's arm, just about to score a goal, when my mom woke me up.

“Rise and shine, my baby.”

I mumbled while snuggling deeper under the blanket, “Mom, not today.”

“Aw, come on! “Today, I made pasta for my sweetie. You and your friends love Mamma's handmade pasta, don’t you?”

Mom and I had this deal that she wouldn’t repeat the food in my lunchbox for a few days. She’s not just smart; she’s super skilled at getting things done without any fuss at home.

Like my father, I hate waking up early; however, I was the most punctual student in my class, always arriving at school on time. The credit goes to my mom.

A couple of years ago, my dad got me a doctor’s toy set as a reward for my good grades. He always wanted me to be a doctor, and I now understand why they wanted me to become one, because we need more doctors. But…

I want to be a footballer. I love playing football. I will never forget being the captain of my school’s football team, my beautiful school, which is now nothing but rubble. Our coach told us that Palestine played its first FIFA match in 1998. So, what if we lost to Lebanon? Losing and winning are just part of the game.

I dream about representing my country in FIFA.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome! Tonight, we’ve got an exciting match as Palestine takes on…" Hold on…

“Is that possible?” or Should I dismiss all thoughts of representing my country in FIFA?

But Mom always says, “Nothing lasts forever.”

“So, does that mean the conflict won’t last forever?”

“Does that mean this crazy, painful time will pass too?”

Representing my country in FIFA would be the biggest milestone for me.

Mom says, “Hardships and challenges are inevitable. It’s a never-ending cycle of good and bad experiences.” Does that mean I shouldn’t lose hope in my dream?

My lovely teacher taught us the word: HOPE- H- hold

O- on

P- pain

E- ends.

It means our suffering…?

“And this too shall pass!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage the winners of the FIFA World Cup: Palestine!”