"Iris, are we going to hop on and make an impact?" Nevena asked, holding the flier for the "ZEN 2.0-Caravan" project, excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. "Yes!" Iris beamed sincerely.
“I’m thrilled that we talked to the organizer about the project. It perfectly aligns with your passion for youth activism. You see? It’s not like what others say, that there are no opportunities for us as young people. There are still people who have hope and faith in our potential, and I choose to believe in them too.”
“You know, Nevena, it’s true. But to be completely honest with you, I’m a little scared. This is really pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I’m not sure if I have the confidence to do this without some fear creeping in.” Nevena believed there was something truly special about being the one who lifts others up, extending a hand rather than placing stones in their path. She looked at Iris and gently rested her hand on her shoulder.
My dear, having courage doesn't mean being devoid of fear. It means feeling that fear deep inside and doing what's right anyway, without holding back. I have complete faith in you. You don't have to go through anything alone, as long as there's someone by your side to hold your hand."
That day, they left the Inclusion Festival with full hearts, watery eyes, and minds buzzing with ideas. On their way home, Nevena was struck by an idea she couldn’t wait to share with Iris. “I’m feeling the urge to travel somewhere completely new. We’re free now, the project hasn’t started yet, and you have some time before classes start, right? Why don’t we make the most of it and go on an adventure? The sense of freedom I get from travel is unlike anything else. It’s a vast world out there, Iris, and we should explore it while we’re still blessed with the time and energy, don’t you think?” Exploring different cultures and gaining new perspectives – these experiences hold immeasurable value. Just so you know, when I travel, it involves a lot of planning.”
Iris listened attentively, pondered for a few moments, and then responded, "This opportunity has come at the perfect time. I also feel the need to get away for a while, to breathe different air and clear my mind. And don't worry about the logistics around your specific needs, we'll take care of whatever needs to be done."
They settled on Paris, because Paris is always a good idea. Their decision was also influenced by the fact that Nevena had friends there whom she hadn’t seen in several years, and the city was unfamiliar to both of them.
In the following days, they got ready for the trip. They sorted out the required paperwork, gathered essential medicines, and Nevena gave the wheelchair a thorough check. It was a routine she knew well—checking the tires and bearings, making sure they had spare tires and oil, and packing the tool kit.
Luckily, they didn’t have to worry about arranging transportation from the Paris airport to their wheelchair-accessible hotel, as her friends living there had kindly offered to help out.
They arrived at the airport to find a large crowd, but with the help of airport assistants, they managed to secure their spot at the front of the line. Gently, they assisted Nevena into her seat, and the plane took off.
“I’m glad we’re flying; it makes things much easier to organize. Taking a bus or train can be much more complicated. There’s a lot to plan in advance. Is there a platform? Will the bus be accessible? Are the services notified on time? It consumes a lot of energy and time.”
“Luckily, we breezed through today. Now, let’s enjoy the flight!” – she added while flipping through the project flier still tucked away in her bag.
As the wheels of the plane left the ground, Nevena felt her heart race, familiar waves of freedom washing over her once again.
,,Allons-y, ma chérie !” – Iris exclaimed with a hearty laugh, brimming with excitement. “How did you meet your friends in Paris?”
“We were friends back in high school. We used to hang out on the benches in Orce. They moved to Paris two years ago. They hold a special place in my heart. They stood by me through thick and thin after the accident. Not once did they make me feel alone or like a burden. Their concern for me brought us even closer, and now they’re engaged. We’re eagerly awaiting their wedding next year. You know, sometimes, even from the depths of hardship, beauty can emerge unexpectedly, and it becomes all the more precious.”
“Like the opportunity with this project, and getting to know you, for example,” Iris said, winking playfully. “Honestly, I never expected to go through such significant changes in the last few months. I’ve always been shy and insecure. Now, people tell me I’m unrecognizable. I’m a little afraid that I’m changing too much, too quickly.”
Nevena smiled, understanding the depth of Iris’s words.
"Iris, it's possible to grow as a person and still stay true to your true self. We all, including you, me, and the people on this plane, have the capacity to honor every version of ourselves and still keep evolving. This is your moment. Don’t ask for permission to take off—just fly."
It’s undeniable that every major decision sets off ripples like a heavy stone being dropped into water. Those waves collide and return to the shore in an unpredictable way. The tougher the decision, the larger the waves, and the more uncertain the aftermath.
Yet, Nevena was certain that these were waves that they should, and must, create. Waves that would carry them to their rightful destination, to where they truly belong. That they will not run away from challenges; but run towards them.
As the plane touched down, Nevena received assistance back into the wheelchair. Stepping outside, she spotted her friends eagerly awaiting her. In an instant, they enveloped her in a tight embrace, their shirts dampened by tears, radiating a closeness impervious to distance or time. Watching from the side, Iris thought about how love is a form of hope, and like hope, it abides in the face of everything. It comes before anything else, always.
Георгина Коминовска
Автор на блог - серијалот „Шарени различности“
