Mariam stood amid the remnants of her family's ancient olive tree, her heart heavy with grief. The stories her grandmother told beneath its shade echoed in her mind, memories of a time when hope seemed possible.
"I won't let this be the end," she vowed softly, determination igniting a spark within her.
Mariam carefully collected each seed she could find, her hands moving with purpose. She recalled her grandmother's words about the strength of their roots, the unyielding spirit of their people. As she worked, a quiet resolve settled over her.
"These seeds will grow again," she whispered to the night.
[@ch_2]"What are you doing, Mariam?"[/@ch_2_d]
[@ch_1]"Replanting our future,"[/@ch_1_d] Mariam replied, lifting her gaze to meet Amina's.
Amina nodded, her own heart stirred by the young girl's resolve.
"Let me help," she offered.
Omar, a young boy who had been watching them from a distance, approached cautiously. His eyes held the weight of loss, yet a glimmer of hope sparked within them.
[@ch_3]"Can I join you?"[/@ch_3_d] he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mariam smiled warmly, nodding.
[@ch_2]"The more hands, the stronger our garden will grow,"[/@ch_2_d] Amina added.
"One day, this will be a forest," Mariam declared, her voice filled with conviction.
[@ch_3]"A forest of peace,"[/@ch_3_d] Omar chimed in, a small smile breaking across his face.
Amina painted their vision on the wall beside them, capturing their shared dream for all to see.
Mariam felt a sense of peace she hadn't known since before the tree was destroyed. The stories of her grandmother lived on, not just in her heart, but in the soil that promised new life.
"We'll keep planting," she vowed, her gaze fixed on the horizon, "until we have a forest of olive trees."
