“It is not an insurmountable secret. I'm in Syria. And it is an information that you too, as a civilian, would be able to obtain. “
As a civilian. Poor thing, if only he knew who he is actually talking to.
“Thanks for the trust, but I can find out much more if I just wanted to. But that's enough from me. “
“Ouch! It is a nice way to say that the chat was pleasant but you have a husband and children and you are not interested in knowing me? “
“Hahaha, absolutely not. You intrigue me, actually. As for children, no and I have a husband who is an ex-husband right now. And you? Wife and children waiting for you at home?”
“I only have a 12 year old daughter.”
Reading the message, I would have expected a very accurate story of his wife's death.
You know when stories are struggling but then are not real. Instead, nothing. He only admitted to having a baby girl.
“And now you've run away.”
“No, Logan, I'm still here, sorry, I just ordered room service. A little girl? Wonderful! I’m sure she’s your pride. “
“You can’t even imagine. And I miss her a lot even if we speak by email almost every day. So, 25 years old and already an ex-husband…. What happened? If I may ask.”
A stranger. I'm talking to a stranger I don't even know about how my life is and the failure of my marriage.
“Lies and women.”
“I'm sorry, Kate.”
“Don't be. First of all, because otherwise, I would not be here to talk to you and then because for more than a year, the marriage and feelings have been gone.”
“I wish I had you here to hug you.”
Boooom... this was not what I expected. A simple sentence of an absurd sweetness.
“Would you like to have me there? In Syria? But how romantic… you know, I would have a thousand other better places in mind. “
“You're funny. No, not here in Syria, I would never let you come to such a dangerous place. But here in my arms I meant.”
“Thank you. You're sweet.”
“Kate…”
“Yes???”
“Can I see you?”
“I didn't think video calls were allowed in a war zone.”
“I haven't asked you for your number yet and sure we’re allowed. But I asked for a photo.”
“Yet?? What makes you think I’ll give it to you... and for the photo, ok, as long as I can see you, too? “
I haven't changed or taken off my makeup since I returned to the hotel, so I take a photo on the sofa and send it to him.
“I can only hope for it. Maybe I'll call you as soon as possible.”
Silence… no comments, no photos…
“Kate... is it really you?”
