The streets of Cairo were engulfed in chaos. Abasi, a strong, and determined young man, wearing tarnished clothes that had not been washed in days, charged the streets with fellow protesters for the fifth day in a row. Abasi met friends early in the morning to discuss their plans of rebellion for the day over a hearty meal of fava beans, tomatoes and pita bread. However, a sudden feeling struck Abasi causing him to abandon his companions at breakfast with no explanation.
Alone and on foot, Abasi entered the dangerous streets of Cairo. He passed several houses with boarded up windows and doors to prevent more looting from occurring, while cars and buildings were still smoking from the rampage of the previous night. Everything was shut down. Functioning restaurants, homes, shops, and rest areas seemed to only be a memory. Cairo: a city known for its cultural life including beautiful Islamic architecture was beginning to look about as attractive as a broken toilet. A true cesspool of outrage.
Still alone floating around the streets, Abasi began to fear for his wellbeing. He had an uneasy feeling in his stomach, as if something horrible would soon happen if he did not act immediately. Determined to change his current mood, Abasi continued forward on his mysterious journey.
Abasi then saw his neighbor Archna on the sidewalk passing by. Archna was slightly younger than him, but he had always thought she was a very cute girl, whom he predicted would one day turn into a beautiful woman. Abasi briefly greeted Archna with a smile, but after shortly realizing he had no time to stop and chat he continued walking. After a few more blocks of drifting, Abasi noticed Archna had been following him. “I can’t hang out right now Archna,” shouted Abasi. Though he seemed dismissive, the lovely young lady remained in his proximity.
The streets painted with skid marks reeked of burnt rubber and turmoil. Abasi felt as if he was about to explode like the many buildings in the city’s warzone. “Abasi!” shouted a tender voice. It was Archna, this time only a few feet behind the young man. “I don’t think you should be alone, the police will mistake you for a looter.” Archna’s concern made Abasi want to compliment her on her beauty, but he held back. “I’ll be fine on my own, you’re the one who shouldn’t be alone in this part of town,” replied Abasi with a skirmish look on his face as if he had been looking directly at the sun. “Where is it that you’re going in such a hurry? My parents said everyone in our neighborhood was supposed to meet by the mosque at noon. Why don’t you come with me?” asked Archna. Her eyes, which to him seemed deeper than the Nile, caught his attention. He could feel her look judging him as if she knew exactly what was wrong. He had to go. “I have to go, I’ll meet up with everyone later..I just have to go now!” shouted Abasi. Archna’s eyebrows crinkled in curiosity. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you later,” she shortly replied. She then quickly turned around and marched in the opposite direction.
Abasi was now almost running through the disastrous city. His legs were stiff and straight, similar to the walking motion of the Frankenstein monster. Weaving in and out of tanks and army vehicles Abasi began to think about Archna. Perhaps he was rude to her, but it was for her own good. He had to be alone right now. He had to keep moving. He would apologize to her later, and perhaps comment on her beauty. The thought of her allure reminded him of how Cairo was once a physically admirable place. Such a thought temporarily relieved Abasi of the agitated sensation he felt deep inside him. However, the sounds of gunshots in the distance quickly stole any feelings of composure away from him.
Abasi began running at full speed. He had almost made it to his goal. It was in sight, but the faster he ran the further it appeared. Each step seemed an eternity. Abasi’s toes began to curl and his forheard started to perspire profusely. His palms sweating with his pulse exploding Abasi felt ill. Doubts began to enter his mind, and he considered abandoning his mission. His vision became cloudy as he felt no control over himself. He was so close. The pain would soon be gone. The end of his suffering was becoming more and more familiar. Abasi began to think of his parents- he wanted them to help him. Just as his agony peaked to a place he had never experienced, Abasi loosened his belt.
The sounds of terror echoed the walls of the public restroom as Abasi let out a serious fudge dragon. The dookie appeared to be larger than King Tut’s tomb. Abasi’s suffering had finally vanished. He then promised himself never to eat fava beans for two days straight ever again. Now that his internal struggle had been conquered he was able to pursue his participation in the revolution. He would go on to join his fellow rebels to flush away the oppressive ways of Mubarak, and perhaps have a go at the relationship he could now confidently spark with Archna.
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