As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

by Zoulfa Katouh

“It doesn’t hurt for you to think about your future. We don’t have to stop living because we might die. Anyone might die at any given moment, anywhere in the world. We’re not an exception. We just see death more regularly than they do.”

“There are enough people hurting you,” he whispers. “Don’t be one of them.”

“I want to believe it’s worth it,” I say. “The revolution, I mean. But I’m scared.” “I think it will be.” Kenan smiles softly. “Empires have collapsed throughout history. They rise, they build, and they fall. Nothing lasts forever. Not even our pain.”