I was in Kabul, searching for a better career. I decided to leave Afghanistan for a while. I went to America, then planed to stay there for some time, dreaming of working at NASA one day—to become an astronaut and bring honor to Afghanistan.
I always loved the moon. And while I was in the U.S., that love only grew stronger, because I truly believed that one day, I could make it there. But No.
Fate had other plans.
I faced harsh realities that left me disheartened. I realized that America is not a place where humanity always thrives; you have to be a shield to rise to the top. That was never to be allowed, so I left America and returned to Afghanistan. Though I was still struggling with my crisis that all started rising while I was in the US, I told myself maybe I could try my luck in the United Arab Emirates or Europe, hoping to work with their space organizations once I feel better.
Yet, I saw the world as it truly is—so much suffering on Earth that there’s no need to travel to space to bring knowledge back.
One night, feeling overwhelmed, with my head on my pillow, my throat choked with a lump and tears streamed down my face, I looked toward the Moon and said goodbye to it, as if parting from a beloved. I told the Moon, “Our friendship is enough; we love and see each other. You give me light, and I am grateful for your presence. I wish I could see you closer, but the people here on Earth need me more.” The Moon accepted this farewell, and I let go of that dream of meeting it.
Sometimes, we desire certain things, only to realize that there are more important things to seek—and to strive for.
Humanity ! ⚖️
Noorin Khwaja Eshaan 