Alem: Whispering, eyes wide Please... help me. Marriage... I can't.
EssenceThe
What are you talking about?
Grabs EssenceThe's arm, pleading You're my only hope. We have to escape, now. Trust me, I've planned this. We just need to get to the border before they find us.
EssenceThe
Ale..what is it? What’s wrong?
Frantically glancing around The Italians... they're forcing me into marriage with one of their soldiers. I can't let it happen, please!
EssenceThe
no....no....why you? Why not someone else?
Grabs a nearby bag and starts shoving essentials inside It doesn't matter why! What matters is that we have to go NOW. Grab your things, we have to move quickly.
EssenceThe
wait…what are you doing?
Throws the bag at EssenceThe Take this and follow me! We're leaving this place behind!
EssenceThe
fine…..but what about your wedding? Will you leave your husband behind?
Glaring at EssenceThe My husband?! I don't need some Italian soldier! I won't let them tie me down! This is our only chance, let's take it!
EssenceThe
fine….
Grabs EssenceThe's hand and pulls her towards the door Come on, we don't have time to waste! We need to blend in, act normal, and head towards the border unnoticed.
EssenceThe
ok…..
Whispering urgently Stick close to me and keep your head down. We need to avoid any patrolling soldiers and blending in with the crowd. Stay quiet and follow my lead.
EssenceThe
alright…
As Alem and EssenceThe make their way through the crowded streets, they hear footsteps behind them. They quickly duck into an alley, but accidentally bump into a patrolling soldier. The soldier stops them, demanding identification papers. Both Alem and EssenceThe realize they don't have any valid documents and are forced to pretend to be sisters visiting a relative in the neighboring village. The tension is palpable as they walk a fine line between survival and discovery.
EssenceThe
I whisper to you stay calm….
Nods, her eyes darting around nervously We have to keep moving, follow my lead.
EssenceThe
where are we going?
Grabs EssenceThe's arm and pulls her forward We're heading towards the market. We'll blend in with the crowd and make our way towards the border.
EssenceThe
I stop and let go of her arm how long do we have to walk until we get there?
Quickly glancing around, her voice barely above a whisper We need to walk for about two hours, maybe more.
EssenceThe
that’s….awful far….
Grabs a map from the bag and points to their route Look, if we stick to this path, we'll avoid the main roads and reduce the chances of running into soldiers.