Age:
Post High School
Reading Level: 4.5
Chapter 1
March 1, 1992
Dear Diary,
After months of tension and anger between us and the Serbians, today they have declared war on us. Mama said they don’t like us because we’re Muslim. I don’t understand, though. There was a time we all lived in peace as one nation: Yugoslavia.
Even after we all split into seven separate countries, Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia all continue to speak the same language and share many customs. Why do they hate us so much?
And why do they hate us now, when everything used to be fine? I’m worried for what the future holds.
Chapter 2
April 25, 1992
Dear Diary,
Mesud and I got married this month. I never knew I would marry a twenty-two-year-old who thought “Will you marry me?” was a good pick-up line.
And my boyfriend was standing right next to me when Mesud asked!
After my boyfriend and I broke up, I walked around town. That was when I noticed my husband for the second time.
Honestly, I didn’t actually notice him—but I did notice him noticing me. He looked so cute. When he asked me out on a date, I couldn’t turn him down.
Less than a year later, I’m married to the love of my life. He’s only four years older than me but he does a lot to support his family.
I’m just really glad he finished his mandatory year in the army and is now home safe. I’d be worried sick if he were fighting the Serbians.
Chapter 3
May 5, 1992
Dear Diary,
The Serbian army just attacked Sarajevo. The news is spreading quickly.
I don’t understand why they’re attacking our capitol. They also entered a few surrounding cities.
They’re forcing all of the Muslims out. The Serbs are calling it an “ethnic cleansing” and I’m terrified.
We can’t do anything about it because our government was not prepared for war. Croatia tried to help us fight them off, but the Serbs are strong and plentiful.
Hopefully everything will be settled sooner than later. All we can do now is wait.