A Leap Across the Sea

A Leap Across the Sea & An Electric Spark

Returning home to my family was filled with pure joy, although my heart ached because I couldn't see my father. My mother told me he only returned home once every six months. I missed him terribly, but seeing my brothers and sisters filled me with pride. The greatest blessing was that every single one of them was attending school. That was my ultimate goal, and I bought them all the school supplies and clothes they needed.

Leaving again broke my mother's heart, especially knowing I would depart without seeing my father. Waiting months for his return was impossible if I wanted to keep chasing my future. I promised my mother I would return next year, packed my memories, and headed back to work in the big city.

By this time, I had completed my studies and saved my earnings. A new dream took root: working in the Middle East. I started the visa and travel process immediately. Before departing, I travelled home one last time to say goodbye and that trip brought the greatest blessing of all: my father was home. Reuniting with him before starting my journey gave me the strength I needed.

A New World in the Desert

Soon after, I boarded a flight bound for a small town 132 kilometres outside Dubai. Our group included thirty-two young women from my homeland, alongside girls from many other countries. Everything felt foreign and challenging the intense desert climate, the unfamiliar cuisine, the new workplace routines. Through every hardship, we supported each other and grew as close as sisters.

We worked tirelessly for two and a half years, building our lives far from home. In that quiet desert city, something entirely unexpected bloomed.

The Spark in the Cafeteria

It happened a year into my contract during a routine morning shift. A group of us walked down to the staff cafeteria for coffee before starting our tasks. New employees had arrived that morning from across the region, filling the room with fresh faces.

As we exchanged standard morning greetings, I turned my head toward the entrance. Walking in was a young man whose eyes locked immediately onto mine.

In that single split second, my entire body felt an electric shock. The room seemed to fade away. He was breathtakingly handsome, and although our glance lasted only one breath, the image of his face remained burned in my mind throughout the entire workday. I had no idea which department he worked in or when our paths might cross again.

When my shift finally ended, I walked towards the company transport buses with my friends. Suddenly, looking up the path, there he was walking directly towards me. My legs began to tremble, and as he approached, I could overhear him speaking animatedly with his friends talking about the girl from the cafeteria.

The Morning I Couldn’t Even Say Hello

It was the next morning, and honestly, I was so excited to see him.

I went to the cafeteria to get some coffee, and then I saw him. He was there, waiting for me.

My God. I felt like I was dreaming.

My friend suddenly said, “He’s there! He’s there! Look, look!”

I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.

I wanted to turn around and go back outside, but my friend held my hand. I was shaking so badly. And the funny thing was, I think he felt the same way. He couldn’t look at me either. He just turned his face to the other side.

At that moment, I thought, Is this normal?

It felt like almost everyone knew what was going on between us. I couldn’t even take my coffee. I just couldn’t stand there anymore, so I walked out.

I went into the lift, and the doors closed.

Part of me was relieved that the doors were finally closed. But another part of me was sad because I had wanted to see him so badly.

The whole day I was nervous and excited at the same time. I kept thinking, What if he comes and tries to talk to me?

I was sure I would collapse.

And then, at the end of our shift, I was walking out with my friends when I saw him again.

Of course, I immediately needed my friend’s support. I held her hand because I honestly didn't trust myself to walk alone.

Then he came toward me.

Directly toward me.

My heart was screaming, No, no, please don't do this. I will die.

But he came closer and said:

“Hello.”

What was I supposed to say?

My mind went completely blank. I just looked at the floor.

Then he asked me, “You don't want to talk to me?”

“No,” I said.

And then I walked away.

Yes.

I SAID NO AND WALKED AWAY.

What was wrong with me?! 

The truth is, I did want to talk to him. I wanted to talk to him more than anything.

I was just so nervous that my feelings took over completely. I couldn't look at him, couldn't drink my coffee, couldn't walk without holding my friend's hand and apparently, I couldn't even answer a simple “Hello” properly.

Looking back, I can laugh about it now.

But at that moment?

I was absolutely terrified.

And somehow, I think he was too.

To be continued...

Have you ever experienced an undeniable spark at first sight? Share your memories in the comments below!

Kidist