Day 17

I've never seen an airport before.

Except on TV once.

I saw our plane.

How big.

I found out that the people bringing us to Australia were smugglars.

They were not the United Nations.

I realized that mum was upset.

I think it's because we had never seen a plane before.

The only ones we've seen up close were one filled with bullet holes in the desert.

Mum's afraid.

I comforted her.

But I know that the candlestick would protect us.

There was a security check.

To check if we had metal objects in our bags.

I started to get afraid, of the metal candlestick.

But Dad didn't seem to be afraid.

He just handed over the bag.

I started to feel scared.

Not because the candlestick might be found.

But because I think the candlestick is no longer there.

I was right.

I ransacked the bag.

But I couldn't find it.

I realized that Mum and Dad had sold it.

Chapter 18

Day 16

I realized what's happened.

The government had spies everywhere.

THey must have spotted Dad and told the local police about him.

I stood frozen.

The police all had guns and any sudden movement could be fatal.

I walked slowly there, pleading the people to free Dad.

They looked at me with narrow eyes.

Dad looked like he was persuading me not to talk. I was confused.

Instead, he handed out a large amount of money to the policemen.

He took it, said something to dad and walked away.

He was being bribed.

Now, Dad doesn't have any more money.

I wondered if I could sell my football for a large amount of money.

I questioned Dad about those people.

He told me that they were the people that could get us to Australia safely.

Mum then looked at us with stern eyes.

She warned us not to run out again.

I thought of the wonderful Australia.

The female football players.

But I wondered, what bad things there were, in Australia.

Chapter 17

Day 15

I had an idea.

I could bake breads.

Dad would be able to smell it from here- it's in his blood.

And the people would be able to have something to eat.

But I didn't have salt.

I started crying.

When I thought of the salt in my eyes.

Salt.

It produces salt.

But before I could cry out in triumph, someone grabbed my hand.

I turned around to spot the boy who took my ball yesterday.

He told me he could bring me back to mum and dad.

I started thinking he wasn't that bad after all.

Then he asked for an American dollar.

I had no money, that's what I told him too.

And he asked for my football.

Then, without hesitation, he dragged me along and started running.

I decided to trust him.

I've got nothing to lose anyway.

A modern car drove past.

Suddenly, the boy started dragging me towards the car.

He told me they were the United Nations.

And that they give out tickets for people to get out of here.

I couldn't believe my luck.

I shouted for 5 tickets.

But they don't hear me.

I tried several times. The results were the same.

I realized that I needed to do something else for attention.

And I thought of football skills.

But I couldn't, however hard I tried.

It was too crowded.

It drove away finally. And I didn't give chase, though lots did.

I gave up, trying to find mum and dad.

When I noticed them.

They were surrounded by uniformed people.

They were surrounded by police.

Chapter 16

Day 14

It was a big crowd in a refugee camp.

It was the biggest I've ever seen.

There were thousands of them.

Someone asked me if I wanted to buy some water.

It was a boy with a gloomy face and a plastic bottle.

I rejected him.

He persists.

I asked to play football with him.

He nodded.

So I kicked the ball to him.

He picked the ball up and ran away.

I can't believe it.

He's stealing my ball.

I chased after him for a while.

Then stopped.

This isn't somewhere I know very well.

There were lots of people.

Some were groaning, all were lying down.

They looked very sick.

I see trucks drive past the road.

One of the trucks seemed different.

It had a red cross on it.

And red crescent meant doctor.

I hope this meant they were doctors too.

I ran right infront of the truck and waved my hands, meaning for it to stop.

I doesn't.

I hope he doesn't simply run over me.

It stopped.

The driver leaned out and scolded me.

I informed him of the sick people I saw.

The driver told me that they were just hungry.

And they were all waiting for food.

I remembered mum's got bread crumbs.

But if everyone here gets a share, it would only be a crumb each.

Then I remembered about Australia.

I asked the driver for directions and explained things to him.

He looks at me and smiles. Then, he asked someone to come out of the truck.

That person informed me that Australia is the best country ever.

He was an Australian, judging his clothes, and his accent.

I was so excited.

I asked him if there were football teams there.

He told me there were, and girls are allowed to play too.

I was so excited.

I ran back.

But I couldn't find my way.

At all.

I was lost.

Chapter 15

Day 13

Bibi was impatient.

She kept asking if we were already reaching.

I wanted to myself.

But all I asked was where exactly were we going.

They kept silent for a moment.

Then they told us.

We were going to Australia.

My heart sunk.

I remembered Australia did not have a football team.

They told us that Australia is very far.

And that it is very wonderful.

I could feel that they're very sad.

Both of them.

And I was sad too.

I held close to my football.

And the candlestick.

I felt braver.

Chapter 14

Day 12

We're out of the crowd, running after the taxi.

Bibi keeps crying.

She's worried about mum and dad.

I assured her that they would be okay.

But I wasn't very sure about it.

We caught up, and dad notices us.

He drags us in the taxi.

We hugged each other tight.

I missed them so much.

I was so relieved that mum wasn't killed.

That was when Bibi suddenly thought of the rest of the women in the stadium.

She questioned mum about it.

Mum told her, that we can't help it.

I felt sad. For them.

Bibi asked mum if we're going on a long trip.

Mum said that we'll be going on a very long trip.

I thought of how brave dad was just now.

I told him how proud I was that he was my dad.

He smiled at me, and continued driving.

And two minutes later, he told me he was going to sell the taxi.

I understood that the taxi is of no use at all.

But I know how dad loves the taxi.

I thought of our government.

I thought of how we could change our government.

And I vowed I'll play extremely well in football.

Chapter 13

Day 11

People milled around outside the football stadium.

Hundreds of them.

They all seem so excited. I thought there will be a football match.

There must be, judging by the number of people.

I thought, the government has finally given permission.

And I secretly thought how clever mum and dad were.

Bibi started to have doubts on football.

I assured her that she could do it.

And reminded her that she was now a boy.

We went around finding mum and dad.

To no avail.

Bibi complains that we'll never find them.

I encouraged her.

In desperation, Bibi shouted out loud for mum and dad.

I stopped her.

I didn't want so much attention

That is when I noticed no one is actually buying tickets.

Yet the stadium is almost full.

Suddenly, the whole stadium goes quiet.

For a second, I thought someone had recognised us.

Then, I realised it isnt.

An army truck had driven onto the pitch.

I was shocked.

That heavy vehicle would definately damage the playing surface.

I was puzzled.

From the truck, they dragged out a few women.

Their hands were tied up.

They then start chaining them to the goal posts.

It was then I understood.

The government is warning the women not to play with football.

They must have tried playing football.

I wanted to run onto the pitch with Bibi to show them her skills.

But I started thinking it wasn't such a good idea after all.

They had guns with them.

I thinking Bibi feels the same.

Suddenly, one of the women breaks away and attempts running away.

Everyone was yelling at her.

It was then, I realised.

That was mum.

I panicked.

And at that moment, a taxi broke in.

Everyone screamed.

It then drives towards mum.

Mum saw the taxi, and went up.

It went past us.

And I noticed the driver inside.

It was, dad.

Chapter 12

Day 10

I woke up.
I'm still in the taxi. I feel stiff all over.
Bibi asked father again, where is mum.
He gave us the same reply, she'll be here soon.
We reached our destination.

Lots of cars zoom past us.
I was half afraid someone might recognise father.
He made us sit on a floor beside an old campfire.
He said he'll go fetch mum at the football stadium.
I was surprised. But I didnt ask.
He gave me an amount of money together with some food.
I was to find a taxi and pass a note and the money to him.

I was still puzzling over the reason father has to go to the football stadium.
When it suddenly striked me.
They must be going to talk to a government football official about us.
And they'll need us to be there.

Day 8

My first question I fired at father was ' Where's mum?' .
I guess father pretended not to hear me.
It didn't work thought. Bibi insisted on the question.
She asked father again.
Father told us she's safe, and we'll be able to see her tomorrow.
I trusted him. He never lies.

I stared at the blank ground, where our house used to be.
Everyone was coming out of their house.
Some of them said they found bits of us. How weird.

I found Yusuf, and handed him my ball.
I caused his to be blown up, so i suppose it's only right I give him mine.
But he didn't accept it.
He told me I'll need it, where ever I'm going.
Then, we left.

We may not be Manchester, but we're united.
Whatever happens, we'll always be together.

Day 7

I am practising now.
It's late at night and everybody is sleeping.
This way, I won't get arrested for playing football.
I can't get to sleep anyway.
I'm too busy thinking about why mother and father are not back yet.

It was then Bibi tapped me behind my shoulder. I jumped.
She was suspicious. This is bad.
She asked me where was mother and father.
I told her they were going to warn the parents of other kids from other schools.
It made her feel better. In a way, I felt better too.
Although it was a lie.

Then, she snatched the ball away from me and challenged me to a game.
I tried snatching it back, but she dodged it.
This is amazing. She is a football natural.
She gave a wonderful kick at the ball.
I thought it was going to hit another of Mr Nasser's window, but it curved away nicely.
It was the most incredible kick I've ever seen!

Then, suddenly, our house explodes.
I rolled over, trying to take everything in.
I was left speechless.

Suddenly, from behind, father appeared and dragged me and Bibi to our feet.
He cursed. It was surprising. He never used to.

That's when I realised what happened.
The government has blown up our house.

Day 6

Im with Yusuf's grandfather.
He's been talking to me, but I haven't been listening.
I've been thinking about it.
Trying to think of a plan so we don't have to leave our home.
My mind was blank.

He keeps talking about the Liverpool players going overboard.
I was puzzled. There wasn't a boat. How could they go overboard?
Yusuf's grandfather laughed at me.
He told me that the word overboard also means doing something bold, wild, dangerous and exciting.

I decided to do something overboard.
I kept thinking of a plan. Thinking and thinking.
Until it suddenly hits me. Wow, I thought.
It was such a brilliant plan to me!

I consulted Yusuf's grandfather.
I asked him if one can play football very well, to the extent of doing really well in the World Cup, would the government stop being cross with that person's parents even thought they ran an illegal school.

He didnt answer me.
He just stared at me.

I repeated. With my own opinion this time.

He replied.
He told me that we were not liked by others in this country. It has started before this government.
It confirmed my plan more.
I'm going to show the government how good we can be.
And not only us, more of our kind will no longer be bullied.

Day 5

Im so angry.
How can the government do this?
I don't want to go. But I know we have no choice.
Mother took the candlestick with her.
It's one that have been with us for years, or generations.
It'll keep us safe. It always have.

I had to pull down my curtains in my room to use as my bag.
I caught dad dazing at his oven. He loves it.
It was both his father's and grandfather's too.
I realised he is saying goodbye to his oven.

It was the same at mother's side.
She was burying our school, burying all the blackboards, paint brushes and things.
She was sad. It was obvious.

None of us wanted to leave, but we had.
Seeing all the sad faces, I suddenly felt determined.
Determined to stay.
Determined to find a way to stay.

Day 4

Father brought me home. He's now in the room with mother. I can hear them talking from the living room.
Bibi apologised for causing so much trouble. I didn't blame her. Of course I don't.
She was very cheeky. Until they came out of their room.
We prepared ourselves for yelling. I know we were at fault.
It didn't happen. Wow. Instead, they hugged us tight. I thought they were happy with us.
Happy with Bibi for exercising. But mother suddenly cried.
I didn't get it. Until they told us the truth.
We had to move house.

I was told it was because of their school. Their private school.
It was against the law. The government found out about it.
If we continue staying, it would be very risky.
We had to leave.

Day 3

I'm shocked.
Bibi told me she hates her country today.
How could she say something like that? She's a nine year old!
Yusuf's shocked too. We made Bibi look like a boy, to cover up.
If anyone saw her as a girl, we are in deep trouble.
We played around with the ball. And suddenly Mr Nasser came and grabbed our ball.
He accused us for breaking his window. I looked indignantly at him.
The only thing I hoped for at that moment was just that Mr Nasser could not see through Bibi's disguise. I prayed hard.

I tried explaining that it wasn't us. I took a great risk. I demonstrated how we play the ball.
Great, I broke another window. What have I done.
Mr Nasser was about to bring us to our parents when father came.
I wanted to tell father that we only broke one window, but was wise enough to keep quiet.
They negotiated, and Mr Nasser agreed on not taking us to the police.
Father had to pay up though. I think father is really angry with us.

Day 2

Great. Bibi stepped on the landmine.
Now what. I decided, at last, to take her place.
I made her let go of the mine slowly while i take her place.
She relunctantly agreed. Then, she ran for rescue.

I was wondering when will they come back, when suddenly, Bibi came back!
She said she can't bear to leave me, and ran at me, and pushed me over.
Which made me fell, which made me let go of the mine. Which i thought would make the mine bomb.
And our legs would be blown into pieces.

But it didn't.

To my surprise.

We took heels and ran for our lives immediately.
We were alive. I thanked jesus silently for that. We were actually alive!
I nearly screamed it out. But decided not to.
Just because Bibi's not safely at home yet.
We have not finished up everything.
Still, life is good.

Day 1

Dear diary,

I did not expect Bibi to appear in the football court today!
She did scare me. She must have forgotten girls are not allowed out of their house.
Still, I am surprised at her skills of football. She remembered every single skill i thought her!
But today was scary.
To pick up the kicked away ball, she actually went into the open desert.
She must have forgotten why we don't go there.
There are more than a hundred landmines there!
We met a tank. I thought they were going to shoot us, but surprisingly, they didn't.
Not sure why either, but never mind.
Just when we thought everything was safe already, Bibi stepped on a mine!