We all thought we had enough time until we stood in hospital corridors with a deadly disease and little hope, until someone we loved passed away without saying goodbye, ....

I lied to you. When missiles struck places near my home, when I was packing essentials to run away, when I drove through highways while bombings happened.

I know I must endure this suffering, For there is no other way. But I don’t know how to bear the pain The ache in my heart is real, And it’s killing me inch by inch.