A City Divided Against Itself

Short Story

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Once

My friend, come this way, please hurry, past the people filling the streets, laughing, dancing, celebrating. Let the sounds of joy fill your ears. Watch out for the children on their bikes tearing through the square! Try the orange juice here, it’s the very best.

Come now, let us pass down the street to watch the sun glistening on the tops of the mosques. Glorious! Here, hear the cheers of elation from the football stadium – it’s an important match this evening; local derbies are always spicy. Do you smell that? Those sweet aromas resting on the air. You know what that is? My city is famous for it. No? Look here: kebab after kebab, our famous hummus, as many stuffed vegetables as you can eat, falafels for days.

I want to show you the city from the top of the citadel. Will you come with me?