Rania

“With all the destruction happening down there, it's so easy to forget the beauty that's up here. The sky is so beautiful after rainfall.”
― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

“I stare at him for a few more minutes, my heart expanding with love for him.
We'll be OK,' I whisper, letting the night capture my wish. We're owed that at least. A life of not scanning rooftops, of not being relieved the ceiling didn't cave in on us during the night.
He and I are owed a love story that doesn't end in tragedy.”
― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

“Do you see the colours, Salama?' Kenan whispers.

The sunset is gorgeous, but it pales in comparison to him. He's drenched in the dying day's glow, a kaleidoscope of shades dancing on his face. Pink, orange, yellow, purple, red. Finally settling into an azure blue. It reminds me of Layla's painting. A colour so stark it would stain my fingers were I to touch it.

As the sun sinks, in those few precious moments when the world is caught between day and night, something shifts between Kenan and me. 'Yes,' I breathe. 'Yes.”
― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

“Survivor's skin is a remorse we are cursed to wear forever.”
― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow