The life of a camel

Im Tazan from Tarif. I was sold when I was a baby to a tourist company, or thats what Im told. I used to work for a tourist company. Now Im hiding to survive. Im a camel.

One cold night in the desert I was awoken. My tour leader Aali was in a hurry. He told me we had to leave. We ran along the desert. The sand under my feet was soft and comfortable to run on but I couldnt see since I got sand in my eyes. I was really tired, but he continued to push me faster and faster and faster. Because we must have looked so tired and hungry, we were allowed into an old mans house. Would you like some Harees? asked Muhammed the old man. Harees is meat and wheat that is cooked into porridge, it is a dish that I always eat during Ramadan and I love it with all my heart. Yes please, answered Aali. Can I get your camel anything? Wondered Muhammed. It would be great if you gave him some water. That is where we lived for two months. It was great; Muhammed took good care of us. I really liked it here. It was like a real home not that big but it was home. Then one night Muhammed and Aali woke me up again, and we had to escape. I was able to overhear their conversation, and they were talking about the police. They decided we had to go to Abu Dhabi. It was a big city; there were big buildings that reached for the sky, and animals pulling carts. I had heard that many rich people lived there. That was true indeed. I saw fat people sitting on their fancy camels, but there were also a ton of beggars. There were many dark alleys and in an alley we ate our food that we brought with us from Muhammeds house. It most have been the best food that I had ever tasted. The meat melted in my mouth, and I have to say I

The life of a camel

could have married that plate of Harees. I was very confused and I wondered what had happened since the police chased us. Aali told me that we would start a new life here in Abu Dhabi, because Muhammed was getting old and tired, so he could not move all the time. We shall stay in Abu Dhabi till death tears us apart is exactly what he told me. I was very scared to be somewhere I had never been before, and so were they. Aali and Muhammed started looking for a house to live in. Five hours after they had left for the day, they came back to get me. We walked to the sea and followed the beach till we came to a little cheaper place. I remembered that my brother lives here, said Aali. Hell let us live with him until we can afford our own place, continued Muhammed. It all sounded great, a home. I had someplace to call home. When we got there I saw a small garden in front of the house, and it was perfect for me, even though it was small. I heard that Aali was talking to Muhammed, and Chicha, Aalis brother. Chicha was a fat man who had no wife or kids. The reason were hiding is because we robbed a farm, explained Aali. Both of us did, continued Muhammed. You guys know Im a cop right? asked Chicha. Yes! Okay, Ill hide you guys but you have to be careful. I dont want to get into your business. Here, come with me and I shall give you weapons, youre never safe here in Abu Dhabi. Ohh, and promise me to never say my name incase you get caught. We promise. I was scared like a mouse when its being chased by a cat. I didnt know what to do. Should I escape? Which farm did they rob? I thought of that every day for 2 weeks. Then I made up my mind. It was a hard decision I really like Aali, hes been my best friend as long as I remember. But I didnt want to die. I would escape. My brain was saying Stay dont be stupid, stay but my heart told me to leave. Later that night I sneaked up at about 2 am. Then I sneaked out. It was cold like a winter day even though it was summer. I ran to the big city it was about 1km. I ran as fast as I could. When I reached people were partying. I tried to remember and then I suddenly understood that they were celebrating Ramadan. This is the best day of the year. I knew that it would be easy to get a family here.

The life of a camel

I saw an old man but I decided that I wanted to be in a family with kids. I walked further in and the when I came out on the other side and I saw them. When I saw the family it was like everything stopped. I just stood there and nothing moved. I was in love, the way you love your family. I decided that that was the family I wanted to join I could tell that the parents loved their kids. The dad was hugging them and the mom was smiling and laughing. I searched for courage and decided to go and talk to them. I went there and gave the three year old daughter Menna a big kiss. She started laughing and hugged me. I lay down and the 5 year old brother Dashon jumped up on me, I stood up. The dad came and gave me some water as he saw that I was really thirsty. He talked to me in a slow and calm voice. He hugged me and said, I have missed you my beloved Tazan. I didnt understand. Then I realized that I came from his farm. Could it be this farm Aali had robbed? He told me that I would go home with them. Later that night that family said that they were heading home. I walked with the other camel Casano he was my brother apparently. He told me about the day when their life changed. How the two robbers came and stole they stole you, and some sheap. There were only 3 camels left after that night. But the other two are home. I knew for sure now that this was the farm that Aali and Muhammed had robbed. And they had robbed me. When I got to the farm I was speechless. It was huge. You could see the desert in the east and if you went up on a hill you could see the ocean to the west. It was beautiful and I knew that I was home. I followed my heart and it took me the right direction.

The End

The life of a camel

About The Author: Erik Sjostrom was born in Stockholm, Sweden. When he was 4 he moved to Germany and he lived there for 4 years. When he was 12 he moved to New Delhi, India, and thats where he lives now. This is a story based on a research on U.A.E. Erik Sjostrom will live in India till the end of 8th grade then hell move home to Sweden. His dream is to become a police officer.

The life of a camel

Readers Review Hyun Gyu Im, 7th Grade I really liked the story. It was very emotional. I think many people would want to read this story.

Anant Khattar, 7th Grade I really liked this story it is a good read. I really like Tazan and his personality.

Liam Blair, 7th Grade Awesome Story by Erik Sjostrom.