Ch 8

**Chapter 8**

**Ahmed:** Let's move up to the next floor first. Now, I don't know where to start, and I don't think the beginning of our friendship is the place to begin. Let's just say we both didn't know each other at first. I'll start from after we got to know each other and after our families found out. Ironically, Lavi and I live in the same neighborhood, which is made up almost entirely of Israelis and Arabs. Just to add to the universe's sense of humor, I guess.

**Lavi:** Right before all this happened, we were talking about our dreams in life and what it feels like to have a family. I was telling him how I'd love for my future kids to get along with his one day. He didn't have any kids yet, and neither do I… but then came October 7.

**Ahmed:** My family and I were in shock about everything that happened. A few days later, Israel launched attacks in defense, and it just kept escalating. There were protests everywhere, and my family was feeling deep sorrow for what was happening to our country. We knew we couldn't go back, and then came the news that some of our family back home… weren't there anymore.

So, in our neighborhood, which is mostly Palestinian with a few Egyptians and other Arabs, there was a decision to march, to make a point. We got our flags ready, set up the chants, and gathered together. But at the first turn on the road, we saw the biggest plot twist in history—a nearly identical march, except with Israeli flags on the other side.

We stopped at the end of the road, waiting to see what would happen. We were all confused, not sure what to do. And then, I saw Lavi on the other side. I was the only one from my side who moved, stepping into the middle and calling out his name.

**Lavi:** I saw Ahmed, who sometimes goes by his nickname, Medo. I actually thought that was his real name at first. Anyway, just like he said, he split off from his group, called out to me, and started walking forward. I was hesitant at first; I had no idea what to expect, and of course, I was afraid. But my anxiety and the awkwardness of him shouting my name pushed me forward, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of him, asking him, "What?"

*To be continued...*