I am almost at the end of a heart-wrenching, inspiring, and thought-provoking book, The Lightless Sky. A twelve-year-old refugee's extraordinary journey across half the world. Alone, away from his close-knit family, Gulwali embarks on an arduous journey from Afghanistan through Iran to Europe seeking freedom.
The author, little Gulwali Passarlay's determination, sense of right and wrong, unwavering spirit, and faith in the face of an unjust, unkind, and indifferent world he witnesses on his journey shine throughout his narration.
This is what I see when I look at the picture. And truly hope happens at the end
of the book ….
Finally, after twelve months of enduring imprisonment, starvation, brutality, loneliness, gut-wrenching terror, and fear of losing his life at any moment (that will be imprinted on his mind forever), Gulwali sits on the train but can not relax. He is so used to setbacks every time he thinks he is about to be a free soul that he expects the worst as the train starts moving.
The train is comfortable. His fellow passengers though curious about this unkempt little one, don't appear unkind. Yet, Gulwali is restless. He is so preoccupied that he doesn't even glance at the beautiful mountains, the long arched bridge, and the fertile, grassy land that would have reminded him of his grandfather and their treks through mountains in Afghanistan. White, fluffy clouds of steam emerging from the engine offer no solace either.
Soon, the rhythmic sound of the wheels on the track lull him into a disturbed sleep. He often jerks his head and fights to keep his eyes open at the slightest sound. However, his exhausted body finally succumbs to a deep slumber.
"Wake up son, you have arrived at your destination," says a kind voice shaking Gulwali's shoulders. His first instinct is to raise his arms and say, "Please don't hurt me."
The British Rail employee is empathetic (but totally unaware of the twelve months of imprisonment, starvation, brutality, uncertainty and loneliness Gulwali had endured) is speechless at the unexpected reaction of this skinny, cowering little one.
Finally, he utters the three words that Gulwali had been waiting to hear for the past horrendous twelve months, "You are safe."
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