Hanan Mgeg

I never imagined that night, which began like an ordinary one, would be the beginning of the end of everything in my life.

My name is Hanan mgeg, a French language teacher.

On the night of March 9, 2014, I was quietly writing my homework in my room, lost in my thoughts and goals. Dreaming of a bright future and being the source of pride for my family. Life was stable and in place, but I had no clue that those moments would be my last solace and that a sudden incident would entirely change my life’s course.

I heard gunshots near our house. The sound was strange, but it didn't bother my thoughts. I sensed no danger and continued studying despite the sounds of gunfire. At the time, I thought it was just another passing scene, like those on the news.

Half an hour had passed when my older brother rushed in horrified and gasping, "Our father is badly injured!" and we soon realized that my father was gone.

It was unreal. My father's death was sudden and indescribably shocking. We never expected him to be killed by a stray bullet fired by an unknown person. Who would have thought that the sound of the bullets I heard in my room was the same one that killed my father? It was a terrifying nightmare.

After his death, our house was empty and lifeless. Our lives were turned upside down, and everything that once gave us security disappeared. We had lost the person who was the source of our strength and hope, who meant everything to us.

It's true that war, chaos, and the spread of weapons have robbed us of our safety, but they didn't take away our love for this country or our adherence to principles of justice and law. Despite the voices calling for revenge and retaliation, we decided to seek justice in the judiciary.

I wish my father were here to witness my success now, to know that I completed my studies and earned my master's degree in French as I promised. How I wish to tell him that I love my work, my country, and that I wish it peace and security, even though it took away the most precious thing I had.