As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

To Studio Ghibli, who welcomed a wide-eyed nine-year-old girl into their home, showered her with islands that fly, boys who turn into dragons, and the brave girls who save them. Thank you for my life. Your stories made me who I am.

It reminds me that as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.

“Salama, love of my life. My sky, my sun, my moon, and my stars, would you grant this mortal wish of mine?”

I wonder how the outside world fares, how they sleep at night knowing we’re being butchered in our sleep. How they allow this to happen.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He smiles. “You’re my Sheeta.”

“Every lemon will bring forth a child and the lemons will never die out.”

“Um, is—”

“How do your eyes always shine so brightly?” he interrupts.

“What?” I laugh.

The most beautiful sunsets are always the ones that come after a rain

“Salama.” My heart skips a beat when he pronounces my name. All soft and warm. “I want to do this.”

“Revolution, Salama,” Kenan says. His smile is sad. “It’s a revolution.”