NO ESCAPE
“I’m on the next coach, my love. Don’t fret, I'll come to pick you up when we reach our station.” “Promise you won’t leave me, Papa.” “I promise.” He squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. Sixteen-year-old Lydia gazed apprehensively at her father as he helped her board the last train leaving their war-struck country. Only the rich had afforded to flee the country. Her father had to bribe, threaten and beg for tickets so that they could move to a safe haven, away from the incessant gunfire and bombings. A kind gentleman on the coach helped Lydia locate her seat. She looked out of the window and heaved a sigh of relief as she saw her father walk towards the adjoining coach. Leaning back against the dust-ridden headrest, she took in her surroundings. The aforementioned gentleman sat reading a newspaper, a woman covered in a tattered veil attempted to hush a hungry child. They looked as if they hadn’t seen a solid meal for days. Suddenly, a comm...
