Story 27

"Did you see that? What a goal from Messi!" Rehan jumped up from the sofa. "There is no one who can dribble like him. No matter how much dad tries to convince me, Ronaldo doesn't stand a chance in front of Lionel Messi," said Rehan as he paused to catch some breath. "Have you packed your bag?" asked Ziba, his mother, as she frantically looked around to check whether any more of the household items could be accommodated. "You didn't listen to anything I said? Did you?" Rehan asked his mother, visibly upset. "I will listen to everything later.Because at any moment now Abba will come and tell us to leave," replied Ziba as she tried to shut the overloaded suitcase. "Come down and sit on it Rehan. Help me to zip it," asked Ziba as Rehan ran and sat on it while his mother zipped it. The door opened as Asif came in, "Let's go! The bus leaves in ten minutes." "Yes. We are ready," said Ziba as she looked around. They knew nothing more could be taken as Ziba's eyes became moist. "Do you think it will stay like this till we come back?" she asked Asif. "If we ever came back to Syria!" replied Asif as Rehan wrapped his arms, around his Abba's neck. "Did you take the gold bars?" asked Asif as he locked the door. "Yes," replied Ziba. "No matter where we land up, we need to sell it and get some money," said Asif as he looked at their home for the last time. "Abba, are we going to Barcelona?" asked Rehan. "Anywhere you want to go," chuckled Rehan. As they boarded the overcrowded bus, Rehan smiled. Finally he is going to get the best birthday gift ever - he is going to see Messi play.