Chapter Seventeen

The morning sun bathed the city of Gaza in a warm glow as Beverly, accompanied by her sister Alice, walked toward the central square. The sound of footsteps echoed through the narrow streets, and people gradually emerged from their homes, curious to see what was unfolding.

Beverly had gone to tell the messenger earlier that morning that there is a special announcement she has to make and people should gather at the Market Square and Gaza's messenger performed his duty well by using mass media to communicate with the people. As Beverly approached the gathering crowd, their faces turned toward her, a mix of anticipation and concern evident in their expressions.

Beverly stood on a raised platform, her eyes scanning the assembled crowd. She took a deep breath, grounding herself, before addressing her people. The silence settled over the square as all eyes were fixed upon her.

"My fellow Gazans," Beverly began, her voice carrying with it a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "Toda