As we sat enjoying the fresh salad and the warmth and beauty of sunset, the young man seated close by looked on. He seemed a little lonely and observant of the happy banter around him. He was in his twenties, wavy dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.
The evening air was fresh and the waves softly kissed the beach. Just a few people remained to enjoy the last moments of red and golden light.
We stood up to take some selfies to remember the day, but as we did so the young man was quick to offer his snap shot services to us and we were pleased to accept his kind gesture, knowing we'd get a better outcome! He took some great shots, we thanked him and
asked if he'd like to join us to dine. He seemed happy to have our company and share some stories. He had one night left in Greece before returning to Germany, the place he'd managed to settle for a home and paid work. Since fleeing from Syria this had been no easy task.
We all shared a little of our lives but his was so sad. I wished his life were better as it seemed every day he would only be the observer of others' connections.
Although his face was fresh and bright he spoke of his broken life, and of those who justify their acts of violent rule under the name of a religion. He had no faith in gods.
As the darkness fell we had to go our separate ways. We shook hands and wished each well but his sad story stayed with me on our journey back to base, and still remains as I write these words today.


© Lola