When will we learn?

Is this the smell of war?

Smoke was everywhere and for some unknown reasons every visible surface were covered by sand.

She looked around her. There were around 20 of them cramping in that tiny room with their belongings.

Some brought with them everything they could carry, some just brought with them necessities and some came with nothing.

She wasn’t among strangers. Somehow fate brought them together and she was among family and friends.

A war was declared against her country. They tried to flee the country but it was too late.

Some of her friends were crazy enough to return to their homeland just so that they could be with family.

Supplies, food, and water were shared freely.

Money has lost its value and everyone was same, no richer nor poorer.

“Her flight was attacked!” someone came shouting.

One of her friends was on that flight. A Loud cry was heard as the family members cried out in unbelief.

It took her by surprise. She looked at them, not knowing what to do, she ran out from the room.

She went to the stairway, it was dark and dusty. But it was quiet and that’s what she needed.

Shivering, she took out her phone, found his number and dialed.

“Hello.” She said the moment he picked up the call.

“Anything? I’m sleeping.” He murmured.

“I’m…” She tried to find words that describe her feelings but she found none.

“I’m really tired.” He said.

“…” She was speechless.

“We talk another time okay?” And he hung up the phone.

Disappointed but expected.

She didn’t shed a tear. 

She stood up and walked back to the room.

On her way back, she heard a loud noise.

BOOM

Out of the sudden, they were attacked.

She followed the crowd and ran out of the building.

BOOM

Right in front of her, buildings were crashing down, cars were on fire and people were running all over the place.

She looked at what was happening, trying to comprehend, trying to understand. 

She took a deep breath.

“No turning back.” She whispered and she kept running.

.

.

.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

In the midst of fallen building and crushed walls, her phone rang.

On the other side was him who was overseas and ignorant of what was happening in his homeland.

“She’ll call back soon.” He murmured.

But she never did and he only knew why when he read the news.

When will we learn? When will we learn that some goodbyes are forever, unintentionally?