ANA Reborn by Carl Facciponte - HTML preview
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Chapter 25
erek, you are a brave and strong young man,”
T “ Abdul Shakor said to the little boy sitting next to him. “We are very proud of you. One day our people will speak of your bravery and tell their children and their children’s children about you.”
The young boy listened with moist eyes.
“Your father was unjustly killed by American rockets. Did you ever know him to do anything to hurt any of the Americans?”
Terek wiped his eyes and sniffed. “No, he never hurt anybody. Why would they kill him and leave my mother and me with no father? I do not understand,” he sobbed. “I miss my father.”
“As do all of the men in our village, little one.
The Americans are waging a war against Islam.
They fear because they know we are just, and Allah is on our side. So they kill us for no reason.
Do you understand what I am saying?”
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Terek nodded his head.
“It is unjust that they do that to us. Do you think we should turn our backs on the aggression, on the killing of your father, or shall we fight back for justice?”
“We should fight back for justice, correct?”
“Yes, Terek, you are correct. But shall we fight against all of the Americans equally? Do you think they all said to murder your father?”
“No, Kyai. It was the General.”
“Again, you are correct. You are a very wise boy. Your father raised you well. Should we take action just for revenge, or does the Koran require us to follow the moral path heroic action?”
“I am not sure. Take the moral path?”
“You are truly a man in a young boy’s body. I am proud of you. Yes, we should take the morally just path to respond. We must always do what is morally correct.”
Terek smiled at the compliment.
“We have also noticed that kafir, that infidel, General Coopers, has sent food, money, and toys to your home for you and your mother. Do you 200
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think it is moral for him to try to replace your father?”
“No,” the little boy sobbed. “It is not moral.”
“You are correct. What he does is wring. The dog. Her mourning period is not half over yet, and yet he shows his interest in your mother’s body. The General helps you to survive, but would you rather have your father with you, or this infidel?”
A tear ran down the child’s cheek. “I would rather have my father, Kyai.”
“Good. What do you think we should do about this?”
“I loved my father. I am the man of the house now. I want justice,” he said with clenched teeth and doubled-up fists.
“Excellent answer. Yes, you are the man of the house now. It is not an easy job. Avenging your family for the murder of your father will bring you great honor. It will require hard work and sacrifice. Do you think you are ready to do hard work?”
Terek nodded.
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“Good. Be a strong man and take care of your mother. One day people will praise you.”
“That General must pay for what he has done,” the boy said.
“Yes, he must. For now you must be like the adder, quiet until it is time to strike. Can you do that?”
“I can do that,” Terek said.
“Good boy. I need you to smile and be friendly if you see him. A strong enemy can not be defeated by a frontal attack. We must use what our religion has taught us. We will talk more later.”
Abdul leaned and kissed the boy on the head.
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