One early Friday morning, Hana was walking down the streets of Berlin, holding a croissant in one hand and a hot coffee cup in the other. The wind ruffled above her sage green hijab and brought whiffs of tempting breakfasts from the nearby cafes.

Hana was a grateful person who loved her life and always found something casually magical in everyday life’s madness. As she walked to her university, Hana marvelled at the enticing aromas of food drifting through the air, the tranquillity amidst the city’s hustle, and the beautiful congregation of clouds in the blue sky, each one touched by the sun. She felt energetic, despite the daunting 1500-word essay she had to complete that week. Hana cherished these small moments, fully aware of the value of life.

However, deep down, one thought was triggering her. She was questioning her decision to leave her country, Pakistan, to study in Germany. Hana missed her family and found herself questioning whether it was all worth it. She wondered if she would regret coming here and doubted whether she deserved to be in this place, especially when everyone around her seemed so smart and accomplished.

That evening, as Hana was returning from university, she encountered the unexpected: an ambulance ride to a hospital following a bike-car accident. She had been walking casually when a bike collided with a car and struck her, resulting in a terrifying accident. Lying on the stretcher in the ambulance with an IV in her arm and paramedics rushing around her, Hana’s mind was overwhelmed with pain, but also with deep reflections about life.

She reflected, “Life is fleeting, and we have only today to create joy for ourselves and those around us. We shouldn’t squander this time. Instead, we should be present, appreciate our surroundings, and live with happiness and intention.”

As she stared at the ceiling, she wondered if she were to die today, whether she would be proud of how she had lived according to her values.

She found herself thinking, “Hana, how could you let insecurities stop you from fully living your life? You have so much to be grateful for — a fully functional body that many do not have, and an opportunity for higher education that many can only dream of. Cherish your luck, give generously to those in need, and never take your life for granted!”

Fortunately, through fate, luck, or perhaps a miracle, Hana avoided serious injuries. After some X-rays and doctors’ visits, she felt immense gratitude for being healthy and getting a chance to continue living her life. Hana understood that she didn’t just want to exist — she wanted to live in a way that made her existence worthwhile. She resolved to take risks, trust in her abilities and embrace life fully, because life is, indeed, finite.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 21st, 2024