Rafah
1318 Words
Exactly one month had passed since the war erupted across the Gaza Strip, yet there was still no sign that it would end anytime soon.
And even if peace finally came, what would become of Yumn?
She had lost everything.
Her home, her family, and every dream she once held had been reduced to rubble by the war.
Now, the only One she could rely on was Allah.
"Don't blame the fighters, Yumn," the volunteer said gently. "They are striving according to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah."
"Yes, sir," Yumn replied softly. "I don't blame them at all. I just... don't know how I'm supposed to live anymore. I don't have anyone left."
The volunteer nodded with sympathy.
"A friend of mine who studies in Cairo told me about an educational program for orphaned children. It's connected to an orphanage. Would you like to go there? You could continue your education."
Yumn's eyes widened.
"I would love to, sir. But... who would take me there? Who would help me register?"
"I'll do everything I can to help. I'll take care of your documents. I've been thinking about your future ever since the war began."
"Thank you so much, sir. You've been so kind to me."
"You don't need to thank me," he replied with a warm smile. "As Muslims, helping one another is our responsibility."
He reached into his bag and pulled out several worn documents.
"When we cleared the rubble of your house yesterday, we found your identity records. They may help us enroll you in a school in Cairo free of charge. I'm not completely sure if everything is covered, but it's worth trying."
"Does that mean... I can go back to school?"
"Of course. From what I've heard, the free education is available for orphaned children at the elementary and middle school levels."
"I truly want to go, sir. There's nothing left for me to do here."
"Then stay here for now. Wait for my news, and take good care of yourself. I'll ask my friend in Cairo for more detailed information."
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
---
The days slowly passed.
The fighting gradually subsided, and rumors of a ceasefire began spreading.
Life was no longer as chaotic as it had been during the first weeks of the offensive.
Most of the displaced families had returned to whatever remained of their homes.
Only Yumn stayed behind in the refugee camp.
There was still no word about the school in Cairo.
Now, she was completely alone.
Several days later, the volunteer suddenly returned after being absent for nearly a week.
"Yumn!" he called urgently. "Come here and fill out these forms. We're sending you to Cairo as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir."
"Pack your belongings. We'll leave after Fajr prayer."
"So soon?" Yumn asked, surprised.
"The security at the Egyptian border isn't as strict as before. I've already secured the necessary permits, and this is the best opportunity."
He paused before continuing.
"Whether you can start school immediately or have to wait—that part will be handled by my friend in Cairo. Right now, our top priority is getting you safely out of here."
"I understand, sir... but I don't have any school supplies. I don't even have notebooks or pencils. Will that be a problem?"
The volunteer smiled reassuringly.
"Yumn, listen carefully. I'll help you as much as I possibly can. This is as far as I can personally take you. Didn't you tell me there's nothing you can do if you stay here?"
He chuckled softly.
"My friend is Indonesian too. Remember what I told you before? Most Muslims in my country are just like me. You don't have to worry."
Yumn lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, sir. That's not what I meant. I'm not worried about myself... I just feel like I'm becoming a burden to you and your friend."
"Then give me one thing in return."
"What is it?"
"Smile."
He laughed.
"I've never seen you smile. Somehow... I feel that if I could see your smile just once, it would be like seeing Paradise standing right before my eyes."
Yumn couldn't help laughing.
"Of course you can't see me smile. I'm wearing a niqab."
Both of them burst into laughter.
"Maybe," the volunteer said with a grin, "but your eyes are smiling."
---
Yumn quickly packed everything she owned.
In truth, all she had were a few sets of clothes.
The volunteer handed her his backpack.
"Use mine. There aren't any bags left to buy, and the shops still haven't reopened."
"Thank you, sir."
---
Their car sped across the damaged roads.
Inside were Yumn, the volunteer, and a driver.
As dawn broke, they finally arrived at the southern edge of Gaza—in a place called Rafah.
Beyond it stood the border crossing into Egypt.
"Come on, Yumn," the volunteer said. "We're heading to a hotel. My friend is waiting for us there."
---
The hotel was surprisingly luxurious.
Its balconies overlooked the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Inside the lobby, the volunteer spoke briefly with the receptionist.
After making a phone call, the receptionist led them upstairs to one of the rooms.
The volunteer knocked.
The door opened.
A beautiful young Muslim woman wearing a hijab greeted them with a warm smile and invited them inside.
The volunteer and the woman began talking in a language Yumn didn't understand.
It sounded like Indonesian.
The woman stepped forward with a friendly smile.
"My name is Nissa... Chairun Nissa."
Yumn shook her hand.
"My name is Yumn Shequeena Azzahra. Please just call me Yumn, ukhti."
"You'll stay here tonight," Nissa said. "God willing, the Rafah Crossing will open early tomorrow morning."
"What if it doesn't?" Yumn asked.
"Then we'll have to use our second plan."
"What plan?"
Nissa simply smiled.
"You don't need to worry about that. Just rest here with me."
---
They spent the afternoon chatting while enjoying the food Nissa had ordered.
Yumn quietly looked around the room.
"So... this is what a hotel looks like? It's beautiful."
Later they ate on the balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The scenery was breathtaking.
Every now and then, Yumn glanced back toward the enormous bed inside the room.
"It must be so comfortable to sleep there" she thought.
As they ate, Nissa explained,
"From here, it's about forty minutes to the Rafah Crossing. We'll leave around six in the morning because people usually start lining up early. The crossing is only for people—not for cargo."
"How long does it take to reach Cairo from Rafah?" Yumn asked.
Nissa smiled.
"I've already been waiting here for three days."
Yumn blinked in confusion.
"The journey from Cairo to Rafah takes about three days by land. I've spent nearly a week traveling just to come here and pick you up."
Yumn stared at her in disbelief.
"T-Thank you... You've all done so much for me. How could I ever repay your kindness?"
Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.
The volunteer smiled.
"Yumn, Nissa is a university student in Cairo. She's not studying on a scholarship or an exchange program."
He continued,
"Back in Indonesia, her parents run an Islamic boarding school—a religious educational institution that combines general education with Islamic studies."
Only then did Yumn realize the volunteer's name.
Nissa had just called him Achmad.
"When we arrive in Cairo," Nissa said gently, "you'll stay with me for a while. I live alone in an apartment. While you're there, I'll look for an orphanage that's ready to accept you."
"What if... no one wants to take me?"
Nissa smiled warmly.
"Then I'll adopt you myself."
She chuckled.
"Would you like to become my little sister?"
Without another word, Yumn threw her arms around Nissa.
She couldn't speak anymore.
Only tears continued to fall.
"They are Allah's angels... sent to protect me," Yumn whispered silently in her heart.
- Writer
